Home Repair Assistance Program

 

This program has temporarily been suspended.

Program Specifics

The Home Repair Assistance program exists to help eligible homeowners repair their homes so that they meet the definition of "safe, decent and sanitary" as stipulated by HUD Section 8 Housing Quality Standards as well as local building codes.

 

What to expect

Each year, a limited amount of funds are available for the program. Applications are processed on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

 

The following provides a basic scenario of steps involved in the program:

 

• Submit an application and all of the documentation specified on the application.
• Department staff will notify you that your application has been received and will evaluate eligibility.
• If eligibility is verified, an inspection of your home is ordered. (The county works on a contractual basis with qualified housing inspectors.)
• You will need to make your home available for a 2-3 hour inspection.
• The inspector will evaluate what is needed to make your home "safe, decent and sanitary and also provides a cost estimate for the needed work to county staff within two weeks.
• Results of inspection and cost estimate are discussed with homeowner. Please be advised that if costs to repair exceed $20,000, the project is denied.
• If a decision is reached to move forward with the rehab program, the project is "bid out" to three to five licensed and insured contractors.
• the homeowner must make the property available to contractors who are required to inspect the property before submitting a "sealed" bid. Homeowners will be asked to confirm that the contractors visited the property.
• Staff schedules a bid opening and then performs careful analysis. (Once again, if all bids submitted exceed $20,000, the project is denied.)
• A recommendation of the lowest bidding contractor is made to the homeowner.
• Once the homeowner selects a contractor, mortgage documents with the county are signed ad the homeowner signs a contract with the selected contractor.
• Within 10 days of contract signing, work on the project begins.
• The contractor has 90 days to complete the work.
• When the work is finished, final inspections are conducted.
• A project completion packet is sent to the homeowner.
• As long as the homeowner maintains the property as their primary residence and title does not change, the loan is deferred. No payments are required.
• Repayment of the loan occurs when the title to the property is transferred.

 

*Contractors

The county maintains a list of approved contractors for the Home Repair Assistance program. To be considered, you must first participate in a "New Contractors Meeting" and submit an application. To be notified of the next scheduled meeting, please send an e-mail with your contact information to karen.hengehold@macombcountymi.gov

 

Back to Program/Project Overview Page