Jul

10

Financing Your Remodel? Head to City Hall!

Filed Under Contractor's Corner | Leave a Comment 

We were so suprised when we got the call. A family in South San Francisco wanted us to design and install a new bathroom, then told us their budget. We met, showed them a few of our Bath Pack designs, they chose one, selected finish colors, and off we went.  We sent the estimate the next day, and they submitted it to the City. Within days, their loan was approved, and after a brief trip to the Building Department, we had the Permit (and the city pays for that too!)

How easy is that? Well, the Federal Government has made loans available to people based on (1) the size of the family; and (2) the gross income of the family. Finally, middle to lower income people will be able to get a low interest loan to fix up their homes! In the middle of this financial crisis hitting the entire world, we have work! People are able to get new, safe, clean, custom kitchens and baths, kitchens, laundry room remdels, all financed through a loan from their own home town. Click here for more info.

About the SSF Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program

This Program assists low- and moderate-income homeowners with housing repairs to bring their unit up to current building code. The maximum loan amount is $25,000. Eligible repairs include new roofs, dry-rot repairs, plumbing and electrical repairs, and other types of code violation repairs.

Income Eligibility

Household Size Maximum Yearly Income
One $63,350
Two $72,400
Three $81,450
Four $90,500
Five $97,700
Six $104,950
Seven $112,200
Eight $119,450

 

In your community, go to the town website and search for “Loans.” It should lead you to a page that looks like one you can find on the South San Francisco web site. This Document lists all the cities on the Peninsula and who to contact in your area. In San Mateo County, you can contact their FHA Loan programs at: (650) 366-6597

In San Francisco, you can start here to find out more info about what type of personal, home and business loans are available.

However you do it, getting necessary remodeling done now doesn’t have to be put off – you can get practically interest free loans right from your own town or city! Call them, and call HB Building + Design so we can help you with the plans you need for quick  approval and to get the work done!

Jun

14

Aging In Place: Not a Fad!

Filed Under Aging In Place / Aging At Home | Leave a Comment 

Just in case you thought this Aging In Place thing was a ‘fad’ …. thought I would again share with you the Definition of AIP as well as the stats and facts about how contractors and builders are being encouraged to change by the NAHB. Following info is from the NAHB Website :

How big is Aging in Place?

  • 89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely (AARP).
  • 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work (NAHB).
  • 60% of remodelers already perform aging in place work (NAHB).
  • Over half of all 55+ households rate their current home a 9 or 10 out of 10 (American Housing Survey).
  • The aging population is the number two issue to affect the remodeling industry over the next five years, only behind the availability of skilled labor (NAHB).

 What is NAHB doing to help the aging population?

NAHB, in partnership with AARP and the NAHB Research Center, developed the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program – the leading national educational designation designed to teach professionals how to modify homes for aging in place. Since 2002 more than 2,200 have completed CAPS, making it one of the fastest-growing education programs at NAHB. NAHB Remodelers provides more information for consumers online at: www.nahb.org/aginginplace.

 What should my home contain if I want to age in place?

  • A master bedroom and bath on the first floor.
  • A low or no-threshold entrance to the home with an overhang.
  • Lever-style door handles.
  • No change in levels on the main floor.
  • Bright lighting in all areas, especially places like stairways.
  • A low-maintenance exterior.
  • Non-slip flooring at the main entryway.
  • An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area.
  • Handrails at all steps.

What are some techniques CAPS-trained professionals use?

  • Lighting from multiple directions – reduces glare and shadows.
  • Light sockets with more than one bulb – redundancy in case one bulb burns out.
  • Stacking closets for a future elevator shaft.
  • Contrasting colors for depth perception – use a different color counter (or edging around the counter) than the floor, staining the edge of the stairs a darker color than the rest of the steps.
  • Convenience shelf at an entry way to place your grocery bag while getting your keys.

HB Building and Design specializes in Design/Build for people planning to Age In Place. Give us a call if you have any questions about what to do and how to proceed. 650-728-5878

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