I saw a demo where they let the wall flex a bit during a shake, and it actually looked promising. I wonder if that’s overkill for a single-family flip or if it’s worth the extra peace of mind.
Flexible metal straps—yeah, I’ve seen those in action. They’re basically the seatbelts of framing. I used them on a remodel a couple years back, right after a minor quake made my neighbor’s drywall look like a spiderweb. Honestly, for a single-family flip, it might be a little much unless you’re in a high-risk zone or the buyer’s super paranoid about earthquakes.
That said, they’re not crazy expensive, and installation’s pretty straightforward. If you’re already opening up the walls, it’s not a huge leap to add them. I’d say it’s like adding rebar to a small slab—maybe not strictly necessary, but you sleep better. For me, the bigger pain is explaining to clients why there’s an extra line item on their bill for “metal spaghetti.” Some folks just don’t want to pay for what they can’t see.
If you’re already doubling up with screws and adhesive, you’re ahead of the game. The straps are just another layer—maybe not essential, but definitely not snake oil either.
I GET WHY PEOPLE SKIP THE EXTRAS, BUT…
I get where you’re coming from about not wanting to overdo it for a flip, but honestly, I think it’s short-sighted. My house is 100+ years old, and every time I’ve had to open up a wall, I regret not doing more the last time. Those “invisible” upgrades are always the ones that matter most when something actually happens. Sure, straps might seem like overkill if you’re just looking at resale, but if you’re thinking about the long-term integrity of the place—or even just your reputation—I’d argue it’s worth it. People only notice what’s inside the walls after something goes wrong.
EARTHQUAKE-PROOFED MY FIRST BUILDING AND IT ACTUALLY WORKED
Totally get what you mean about the “invisible” stuff. I used to be all about the cosmetic upgrades—paint, floors, shiny fixtures—until I had to deal with a burst pipe behind a wall I’d just finished. Never again. Now I’m the person who spends way too long at the hardware store debating which brackets are “overkill.”
Honestly, it’s not even just about resale for me anymore. I sleep better knowing I won’t wake up to a disaster (or at least, less of one). Plus, if you’re in an earthquake zone, those straps and ties aren’t just for show. My neighbor skipped them and his place looked like a Jenga tower after the last quake... mine barely had a crack.
It’s not always fun spending money on stuff no one sees, but man, it pays off when things go sideways.
Totally relate to the “invisible” upgrades being the real MVPs. I used to think buyers only cared about the kitchen backsplash or fancy lighting, but after seeing what a busted foundation or a leaky roof does to a deal (and my stress levels), I’m way more into the stuff behind the walls.
Funny thing, I once bought a duplex where the previous owner had gone all out on granite counters but skipped seismic retrofits. First minor quake, and the tenants called me about cracks in the ceiling... not exactly the call you want at 2am. Ever since, I’m the person who’s way too excited about Simpson Strong-Tie catalogs.
I get what you mean about resale not being the main thing anymore. Peace of mind is underrated. Still, I do wonder sometimes if buyers really notice or care about all the hidden upgrades, or if it’s just us nerding out over brackets and straps. Either way, I’d rather have a boring-looking building that stays standing than a pretty one that turns into a pile of drywall.
Still, I do wonder sometimes if buyers really notice or care about all the hidden upgrades, or if it’s just us nerding out over brackets and straps.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually found that buyers *do* care—if you show them the receipts and walk them through what’s been done. It’s not always love at first sight, but when I lay out a binder with permits, photos of the retrofits, and warranty info, people perk up. Maybe not everyone geeks out over Simpson Strong-Tie, but when you explain how it means fewer headaches (and insurance claims) down the line, it starts to click. That said, yeah, most folks still get more excited about quartz counters than cripple wall bracing... human nature, I guess.
