A lady recently emailed me with questions about elevation grants. There can be a lot of confusion over the different grants. Here is a simplified explanation. For a lot more info, see the website listed below.
ICC The National Flood Insurance Program - Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) can provide up to $30,000 to eligible policy holders who sustained damage of 50% or more. This is administered through the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program).
Road Home The Road Home Elevation Award provides $30,000 to eligible homeowners as an incentive to elevate their homes to meet the local Base Flood Elevation requirements. The dollar amount is limited to the specific cost to elevate & can't exceed the Road Home $150,000 maximum. For questions 888-762-3252.
HMGP The State Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) has grants up to $100,000 in additional funds, based on actual construction costs. For eligible homeowners to elevate their homes to Base Flood Elevation or Advisory Base Flood Elevation (whichever is higher)
If you have received enough money from one or more of these programs to complete the elevation of your home, then no extra grant money will be given.
For further information & FAQ's see this website:
http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/cdbg/dr/hmgp/hmgp.htm
Once you choose a home to build, we can help you with these different programs. Also, if you are elevating an existing home, we can give you some assistance.
01 October, 2009
21 June, 2009
Future Building In New Orleans
Someone asked me the other day what I thought the building codes & requirements would look like in the future. Since you can't fore tell the future, all you can do is use the latest tools, knowledge & engineering advances available to build the best house you can.
You can't build a house in 2009 strictly using engineering techniques from decades ago. I believe in building smarter, stronger & more efficient so I chose a modular home to rebuild my home in Lakeview.
I raised the house 1½ feet above the recommended base flood elevation level. I chose to build with 2 x 6 stud walls with extra hurricane fasteners, straps & fasteners to make it hurricane resistant to 140-150 mph. I added a radiant barrier in the attic and extra insulation along with low E thermal guard windows to keep down utility costs. These are just a few things I chose for my home and there are many other options available. I chose what I felt was needed that would fit my budget as well as anticipating future needs & requirements.
We can help you do the same. If you have any questions please call and see our website for more info. www.ChasmHomes.com
You can't build a house in 2009 strictly using engineering techniques from decades ago. I believe in building smarter, stronger & more efficient so I chose a modular home to rebuild my home in Lakeview.
I raised the house 1½ feet above the recommended base flood elevation level. I chose to build with 2 x 6 stud walls with extra hurricane fasteners, straps & fasteners to make it hurricane resistant to 140-150 mph. I added a radiant barrier in the attic and extra insulation along with low E thermal guard windows to keep down utility costs. These are just a few things I chose for my home and there are many other options available. I chose what I felt was needed that would fit my budget as well as anticipating future needs & requirements.
We can help you do the same. If you have any questions please call and see our website for more info. www.ChasmHomes.com
06 March, 2009
? Trouble with an electrical contractor ?
A neighbor of mine had trouble with a contractor - an electrician. They did half the work and didn't come back to finish and don't return phone calls. My neighbor paid for most of the work ahead of time. What can they do now ?
By the way: The electrician your recommended worked out great for me but my neighbor went with another one who was "cheaper". I guess that's what you get when you go for the cheapest.
By the way: The electrician your recommended worked out great for me but my neighbor went with another one who was "cheaper". I guess that's what you get when you go for the cheapest.
15 September, 2008
Foundation on a modular
What kind of a foundation do you recommend for a modular home ? Is it any different than an on site built house ?
Elevation is important, right ?
Elevation is important, right ?
Hurricanes Gustav & Ike
How did modular homes fare during the recent hurricanes ? Above average, Average or below ?
Is there any hard data available ?
Is there any hard data available ?
05 August, 2008
Modular homes for rental property ?
Do they make modular homes for rental property - 2 or 3 rental units ?
Dorothy -
04 August, 2008
Mortgage Loans
What does the mortgage market look like for the New Orleans area ? Should we hold off building with the home loan market so unsteady ? We plan on downsizing to a smaller home since kids are grown & I'm retired but we're not desperate to do anything unless it's the best time.
Also, do you have any specific recommendations for a basic fixed mortgage ?
Also, do you have any specific recommendations for a basic fixed mortgage ?
15 July, 2008
Pink, blue & green colored wood ?
Whats with all the weird colored wood 2x4's I see at the home center ? Does it mean its treated for termites ?
11 July, 2008
Elevation Survey
I was asked today: "Do I really need an elevation survey done before & after building ?" The location is off Canal St in Mid City.
The answer is 'Probably'. If you are financing through a Homestead or Bank etc then they will usually require an elevation survey. This is a survey that is done to verify your height of elevation. The height affects your homeowners & flood insurance rates.
You can also get what's called a 'Construction Package' Survey where the surveyor comes out to survey several times during building process. First to survey the vacant lot providing a benchmark for elevation, then again after the foundation or piers are laid and again when the home is set on the foundation to give total elevation. Copies are then given to your mortgage & insurance providers plus local building inspectors.
There are many qualified surveyors in this area - we recommend Gilbert Kelly & Couturie 836.2121. We suggest you build between 1-2 feet above the minimum BFE (Base Flood Elevation) to give you a cushion should these requirements change in the future.
The answer is 'Probably'. If you are financing through a Homestead or Bank etc then they will usually require an elevation survey. This is a survey that is done to verify your height of elevation. The height affects your homeowners & flood insurance rates.
You can also get what's called a 'Construction Package' Survey where the surveyor comes out to survey several times during building process. First to survey the vacant lot providing a benchmark for elevation, then again after the foundation or piers are laid and again when the home is set on the foundation to give total elevation. Copies are then given to your mortgage & insurance providers plus local building inspectors.
There are many qualified surveyors in this area - we recommend Gilbert Kelly & Couturie 836.2121. We suggest you build between 1-2 feet above the minimum BFE (Base Flood Elevation) to give you a cushion should these requirements change in the future.
04 May, 2008
Question About Financing
I was recently asked about financing. Do we offer financing ? Is there a problem financing a modular home ? The answer is no, we don't offer financing. As consultants we can point you in the right direction for better competitive mortgage rates.
Right now several homesteads as well as banks in New Orleans & Metairie are offering good rates on modular homes - the same rate & financing rules apply to modular homes as a site built house. See this website for a list of mortgage brokers.
www.ehomemortgagerefinance.com/home-mortgage/louisiana/mortgage-broker-3.aspx
Some people are under the impression that a modular home is "different" from a site built home. All the homes we recommend are built to withstand 140 -150 mph wind loads. The only difference is that the modular home is built in an enclosed, controlled factory environment. This, with engineering, plumbing & electrical code inspections done during the building process. After the building is completed, it has to pass an independent engineering review by a Louisiana licensed engineer who also will design a proper foundation & elevation plans. All this is done before it must pass another engineering review by New Orleans Safety & Permits.
You end up with a stronger structure that has had much more "quality control" involved in the building process compared to a house built on site. Modular homes are fairly new to this area but they have been around for the last 35 years and have a great rep over the rest of the country.
Right now several homesteads as well as banks in New Orleans & Metairie are offering good rates on modular homes - the same rate & financing rules apply to modular homes as a site built house. See this website for a list of mortgage brokers.
www.ehomemortgagerefinance.com/home-mortgage/louisiana/mortgage-broker-3.aspx
Some people are under the impression that a modular home is "different" from a site built home. All the homes we recommend are built to withstand 140 -150 mph wind loads. The only difference is that the modular home is built in an enclosed, controlled factory environment. This, with engineering, plumbing & electrical code inspections done during the building process. After the building is completed, it has to pass an independent engineering review by a Louisiana licensed engineer who also will design a proper foundation & elevation plans. All this is done before it must pass another engineering review by New Orleans Safety & Permits.
You end up with a stronger structure that has had much more "quality control" involved in the building process compared to a house built on site. Modular homes are fairly new to this area but they have been around for the last 35 years and have a great rep over the rest of the country.
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