Eligible Repairs
Home Improvements for Peace of Mind
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The Renew AC program was developed to help low-income homeowners stay safely in their homes and to avoid being displaced due to issues such as deteriorated conditions or accessibility. Qualifying projects make legitimate improvements to the property, meaning that fixtures and materials become part of the land or the building in the course of the work.
If you are eligible, a Renew AC inspector will meet you at your home to talk to you about your needs and develop a list of eligible improvements that can be funded by Renew AC. Commonly, home repairs fit into three broad groups: Health & Safety Hazards, Accessibility, and Structural Rehabilitation.
Structural Rehabilitation
When your home is in need of large-scale renovations to maintain its integrity, Renew AC may be able to help. Renew AC funds may apply to home modifications such as:
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- System-wide/structure-wide rehabilitation improvements (e.g.roof, seismic, foundation, property drainage, exterior painting)
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- Re-roofing and gutter replacement
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- Seismic Strengthening, foundation repairs, and other structural issues
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- Exterior Wall restoration and Exterior Painting
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- Energy Efficiency Improvements (e.g. solar installation, electrical panel upgrades, insulation and weatherization, etc.)
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- Electrical and plumbing system improvements
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- Property Drainage Improvements
Health & Safety Hazards
Over time, houses can develop unsafe conditions. Renew AC’s loans can be put to work to correct these conditions by doing things like:
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- Correction of Health and safety hazards, immediate health deficiencies, or developing or current code violations
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- Carpentry needs such as replacement of broken stairs for safety of ascent/descent or other qualifying improvements
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- Replacement of unsafe flooring
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- Kitchen and Bath Health and Safety improvements (e.g. hot/cold running water, appropriate ventilation, adequate lighting, removal of mold and water damage, ensuring complete bathing/sanitary facilities within each dwelling unit)
- Lead-Based Paint Hazard remediation
Accessibility
Your home is the foundation of your well being. Whether you’re a retired senior or a single parent raising toddlers, your home should be comfortable and safe for your daily life, now and in the future. Examples of work that improves a resident’s ability to continue living comfortably in their home include:
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- Correction of Health and safety hazards, immediate health deficiencies, or developing or current code violations
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- Conversion of bathtubs to accessible shower units
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- Widened doorways
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- Ramp installation
- Replacing doorknobs with lever handle knobs, adding handrails, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know exactly what work I need done and how much it costs?
Nope! Most people apply with an idea of what changes they would like to make in their home, such as “better bathroom access for my wheelchair” or “fix leaking roof and ensure house can stay warm during winter.” Once it is determined that you meet the program’s requirements, Habitat’s expert inspection staff will set up an appointment to meet you at your home. During this inspection, you will work together to come up with an appropriate Scope of Work that addresses your concerns.
What kinds of work can I have done? How much control do I have to pick what I want done?
The Renew AC program was developed to help seniors, people with disabilities, and other low-income homeowners stay safely in their homes and to avoid being displaced either due to the home no longer being accessible to them or due to deteriorated conditions. Renew AC is available for a variety of home improvement projects, provided that they qualify as “acquisition or improvement of real property” as defined by the California Constitution. This means that qualifying projects make legitimate improvements to the property, meaning that fixtures and materials become part of the land or the building in the course of the work. “Home repair” projects, considered to be ordinary repairs, maintenance, and supplies, do not qualify, while major systems (such as a roof or rewiring your electrical or upgrading your electrical panel) and building components do.
If you are eligible, a Renew AC inspector will meet you at your home to talk to you about which items on your wishlist are eligible for the funds and will develop a list of eligible improvements that can be funded by Renew AC. Commonly, home repairs fit into three broad groups: Health & Safety Hazards, Accessibility, and Structural Rehabilitation.
Do I get to pick the construction vendor(s)?
Yes! Once you have settled on a Scope of Work, Habitat will identify contractors who can offer bids on your project. You are welcomed and encouraged to ask licensed, bonded contractors to bid on the project yourself if you’ve received personal recommendations. You will review the bids received and select a contractor, with Habitat available for any support and questions you may have.
Can I stay in my home during construction?
In the majority of cases, arrangements are made to allow residents to remain in their home while the work is completed. However, there may be certain projects where work cannot occur safely while the home is occupied. In those cases, the homeowner will work with Renew program staff to determine an acceptable plan. This could include rethinking how to phase the work in a way to allow in-home sequestration, or the homeowner temporarily staying with a friend, family member, or at local hotel. Relocation support may be offered subject to availability and program administer discretion.
What if I need to move into a nursing home?
With prior approval, the homeowner may reside outside of the property for up to one year for health-related services, such as temporarily living in an assisted living facility, without triggering loan repayment.
