95% of Older Homes Fail Current Building Code — Here Is Why
Mar 01, 2026
95% of older homes do not meet current building codes. Possibly closer to 100%.
That is not an opinion. That is what Tim K. Garrison P.E., The Builder's Engineer, and Mark Garrison of MG Constructors and Engineers told me on camera — and it has serious implications for every buyer and seller of an older California home.
From The Kapowich Vault — watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/IG64RI0kOvw?si=OSWlipocQ3LmHMD5
Building codes are updated approximately every 3 years. California did not even have a unified building code until 1954. That rumpus room addition built in the 1970s? Almost certainly unpermitted and non-compliant. That second story over the garage? Same story.
What buyers and sellers do not realize is that a jurisdiction can require code upgrades when a property changes hands — and that any home built before 1990 is very likely not earthquake code-compliant by today's standards.
From The Kapowich Vault — consumer protection content for California homeowners.
⚠️ This evergreen content is from The Kapowich Vault and is intended for general informational purposes only. Building codes vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always consult a licensed California contractor, structural engineer, and attorney before making decisions related to building code compliance or real estate transactions.
Not sure where to start when preparing your home for sale?
I am Realtor Pat Kapowich, a California real estate broker with decades of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area. Across every imaginable market cycle, I have personally helped homeowners get their properties market-ready, resulting in a median of 9 days on the market for houses and 8 days for condos and townhomes.
This curated list exists because most homeowners are overwhelmed by where to start and often begin too late. These are the exact products I recommend to my own clients to get ahead of the process and protect their sale price. Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. Your support contributes to the channel and supports delivering straight-talk real estate content that protects home sellers.
- Products I recommend for exterior prep, paint touch-ups, and presentation: geni.us/ExteriorPrepItems
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