Drought May Spur Point-Of-Sale Retrofits
INDUSTRY NEWS, SHASTA COUNTY, TIPS FOR SELLERS
April 27th, 2009
One impact the extended drought in California could have are new regulations requiring home sellers change out older water-thirsty plumbing fixtures with ones that meet current building codes. “Renovation on resale or retrofit on resale” are stratagies recommended by the Urban Water Use Efficiency Subcommittee, Land Use Subcommittee and Advisory Committee working on an update for the California Water Plan.
The California Association of Realtors has actively participated on these subcommittees and opposed point-of-sale mandates. However, the report recommends local governments use their report for water planning purposes and consider implementing retrofit standards. Depending on what ordinances local governments decide to implement, the cost could be well over a thousand dollars if mandatory retrofits are required
It makes sense for all homeowners to replace toilets, shower heads and appliances with more efficient models but property owners wishing to sell should not be singled out for expensive renovations. If the effort to save water is necessary to conserve in areas with limited water supplies, make every property owner comply, not just those that need to sell. Otherwise, it could take decades before all properties are forced to retrofit due to a property sale.
The California Water Plan will be discussed at workshops across the state at which time comments from the public will be accepted.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
