2003-012 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

s , As a general policy, a contingency amount of about 10% should be placed on reserve for change orders. Exception may be made to this rule if the owner provides a firm commitment to pay for all required changes exceeding the authorized loan limit, or if the Administrator determines that the situation does not require a contingency fund. B. Scope of Rehabilitation Assistance CDBG financing of housing rehabilitation is available for the following purposes: 1. Correcting local housing code (Florida Building Code) and Section 8 standard violations; 2. Providing cost effective energy conservation features; 3. Provide reasonable repairs and modifications to make the dwelling accessible to handicapped and elderly occupants as necessary and technically feasible; and 4. Correcting health and/or safety violations that may be present, including replacement of dilapidated or malfunctioning stoves or refrigerators and interim controls or abatement of lead-based paint hazards. New construction (adding a room or closing in a carport, etc.) is eligible for rehabilitation financing only to eliminate over-crowding or to provide bathroom or laundry hook-ups. General property improvements are eligible for program funds when necessary to obtain an accurate level of utility, to decrease high maintenance costs, or the elimination of blight. Examples of eligible general property improvements include installation of cabinets and linen closets, functional changes in room layout, replacement of unapproved or damaged floor covering, and enclosure of a porch for use as a bathroom where the dwelling does not have adequate interior space. Some general property improvements may be provided at the owner's expense. For example, air conditioners are not eligible for program financing unless required for medical reasons. However, if the heating system must be replaced, the owner may pay the difference between the recommended heating system and a system that provides air conditioning as well. Other additional improvements, above those required to achieve minimum standards, are optional and at owner expense. The cost for any such improvements shall be borne totally by the owner who must deposit the funds with the local government before the improvements begin if the improvements are to be a part of the rehabilitation contract. General property improvements that are paid for by the property owner must be included in the Contract for Rehabilitation that is developed and administered by the Housing Rehabilitation Program. However, ineligible new construction must be contracted separately. The property owner must also deposit the necessary funds to cover the additional improvements into the local government's program account. This must be done prior to construction. Furthermore, any construction not covered in the construction contract will be inspected by the local Building Inspector, but will not be inspected by the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist. V. QUALIFICATIONS A. General In order for a homeowner to be eligible for rehabilitation assistance, the following criteria must be met: 7