Homeowner Recovery Program Frequently Asked Questions

What counties does the Homeowner Recovery Program Serve? 

The Homeowner Recovery Program provides assistance to homeowners located in a county that received a federal disaster declaration as a result of Hurricane Matthew and/or Hurricane Florence.

Who can I contact regarding a question about the status of my application?

If you have a question about the status of your application, please call your case manager or 833-ASK-RBNC (833-275-7262) to speak with a program representative. The program representative may direct your call to another team member who can best answer your question. 

How can I make a change to the application I submitted, and/or how do I submit additional documentation?

If you need to change something on your application and/or submit additional documentation, please call your case manager or 833-ASK-RBNC (833-275-7262) to speak with a program representative. The program representative may direct your call to another team member who can best answer your question. 

How do I submit a complaint?

Anyone may submit a complaint at any point throughout their participation in the program. To submit a complaint, please call your case manager, call 833-ASK-RBNC (833-275-7262), or email info@rebuild.nc.gov. 
 

Application Period Closed

The Homeowner Recovery Program application period is closed. The closeout will not impact existing Homeowner Recovery Program awards, ongoing projects, case management or customer service.

I submitted my application – what is the next step? 

 Once all documents have been submitted, the program will begin a comprehensive review of your application. Once your application and required documentation are submitted, you will be assigned a Case Manager who will be your point of contact throughout your participation in the program. 

The program will review your application with regard to all eligibility criteria. If the criteria are met, the program will then verify any disaster assistance you received from other sources, such as FEMA, SBA, and insurance, and contact you to schedule necessary inspections of your damaged home. Inspections will include an environmental review, a damage inspection, an asbestos building survey, and for homes built before 1978, a lead-based paint assessment. 

Once the program completes its review of your application, as well as all inspections, your award amount will be determined and made available for you to review. Once you review your award letter, you may accept the award, submit an appeal, request an award consultation, or withdraw from the program. 

Why do I need to stop work once I submit my application?

Remodeling, additions, rebuilding, reconstruction, and major refurbishment of the structure itself should stop after applying to the program as the program is calculating your award based on the nature of repairs required.    

What is the definition of an emergency repair?

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, emergency repairs meet the following definition: 

1.    Emergency repairs "do not alter environmental conditions" including any of the following:

• Affect significant elements of properties listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places
• Replace, either through rebuilding or major rehabilitation of, structures within a floodplain
• Involve inappropriate occupancy of a known hazardous site or site contiguous to a known hazardous site
• Involve work that could adversely impact the habitat of an endangered species, and alter a building's footprint

2.    Emergency repairs are "limited to protection, repair, or restoration activities necessary to control or arrest the effects": The activity does not include new additions, relocation, or enlargements, or changes to the primary use or density of occupancy; and includes work that:

• Provides temporary protection from further damage to a building or that makes permanent repairs to a damaged building or structure.
• Is for the restoration of essential community services and related utilities and facilities to their condition prior to the disaster without significant change in size or capacity.

3.    Emergency repairs are necessary "only to control or arrest the effects from a state or federally declared public disaster or imminent threats to the public safety including those resulting from physical deterioration."

What types of repairs are considered emergency repairs?

Emergency repairs are those that do not alter the environmental conditions of the property, such as through rebuilding or major repairs and are limited to repairs that are necessary to prevent imminent threats to safety, such as those resulting from physical deterioration from the structure following a disaster. Examples may include replacing an HVAC system, repairing roof damage, and repairing flooring at risk of caving in. If you would like to request program approval of an emergency repair, please complete the Emergency Repair Request Form available here.

I was notified about being involuntarily withdrawn from the program. What are my next steps?

You have the right to appeal.

I withdrew my application from the program. Can I reinstate my application?

Applicants may choose to withdraw their application from the program and will receive a written confirmation upon doing so. If you choose to reinstate your program application, you may contact the program within 30 days of receiving the written confirmation to appeal. However, if you feel that you are receiving correspondence about your program withdrawal in error, or have any additional questions, please contact your ReBuild NC case manager or call 833-ASK-RBNC (833-275-7262) to speak with a program representative as soon as possible.

Am I eligible? 

Eligibility criteria for the Homeowner Recovery Program include the following:

• Your home must have been damaged as a direct result of Hurricane Florence and/or Hurricane Matthew.
• You must have owned the damaged home at the time of the disaster (Hurricane Florence on Sept. 14, 2018, and/or Hurricane Matthew on Oct. 8, 2016), and you must still own the home. If you inherited the home but have not yet established new ownership documentation, you will need to establish inheritance.
• You must have occupied the damaged home as a primary residence at the time of the disaster. 
• You must be lawfully present in the United States. Individuals prohibited from receiving federal public benefits from the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act may not receive assistance from ReBuild NC. 
• Your total household income must be at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) limit.  
• The damaged home must be an eligible structure type and located in a disaster-declared county. 

For more information about these and other eligibility criteria, please view the Homeowner Recovery Program Manual, available here. 

What income documentation will I need to provide?

To properly determine income eligibility for the program, applicants must provide the most recent filed copy of their tax returns. If a tax return is not available, the applicant may provide a tax transcript (available at no charge from the IRS).

What structure types are eligible to receive assistance?

Eligible structure types include single-family homes, modular homes, manufactured home units (mobile homes), duplexes, condos/townhomes and co-ops. Repairs for attached structures such as condos and townhomes cannot include shared structural elements with other units.

What is DOB?

Duplication of Benefits (DOB) is the receipt of funding from multiple sources for the same purpose. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Act (Stafford Act) prohibits any person, business concern, or other entity from receiving financial assistance from Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding with respect to any part of the loss resulting from a major disaster for which they have already received financial assistance under any other program or from insurance or any other sources. It is an amount determined by the program that may result in the reduction in the award value.

I received assistance after Hurricane Florence and/or Hurricane Matthew – how will this impact the assistance I can receive from ReBuild NC?

Receiving other means of assistance, such as assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), private flood insurance, or any other source for which funds are designated toward the rehabilitation or reconstruction of your structure does not disqualify you from receiving assistance from the Homeowner Recovery Program. However, it may impact the amount of funding for which you may qualify. For more information, please view the “What is DOB?” FAQ.

I received an SBA loan – how will this impact the assistance I can receive from ReBuild NC? 

If you applied for and received a loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for home repairs following Hurricane Matthew and/or Hurricane Florence, only the amount of the loan that was received will be considered a Duplication of Benefits (DOB). If you declined or canceled all or a portion of the loan you were approved for, that amount will not be factored into your award calculation and you will be requested to complete a Subsidized Loan Affidavit prior to receiving program assistance. 

If I draw down more money from my active SBA loan, how will that impact the assistance I can receive from ReBuild NC? 

You must sign and complete the program’s Subsidized Loan Affidavit (a program representative will provide this form) stating that you will not accept any more of your available loan funds without ReBuild NC approval. A copy of the affidavit will then be sent to SBA. If you decide to accept more loan funds, the program will consider that amount an additional Duplication of Benefits (DOB) and adjust your award calculation accordingly. For more information about DOB, please view the “What is DOB?” FAQ.

I had flood insurance – can I still receive assistance from ReBuild NC?

If you had a flood insurance policy in place at the time of the disaster and received flood insurance funds, it does not make you ineligible for assistance, although it may impact the amount of funding you receive. For more information, please view the “What is DOB?” FAQ. 

I did not have flood insurance – can I still receive assistance from ReBuild NC?

If you were impacted by Hurricane Florence, your damaged property is located within the 100-year floodplain, you did not carry flood insurance at the time of the disaster, and your total household income is equal to or greater than 120 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), you are not able to receive assistance from the Homeowner Recovery Program. If you did not live in a 100-year floodplain and were not otherwise required to maintain flood insurance due to receiving previous federal disaster assistance, there is no program eligibility requirement related to maintaining flood insurance. 

If you are unsure whether the damaged property is in a 100-year floodplain – also called a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) – please visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home.

I previously received federal assistance after a disaster and was required to maintain flood insurance – can I still receive assistance from ReBuild NC? 

If your damaged property received federal assistance after a previous disaster, e.g., FEMA Individual Assistance following a hurricane, and you were required to maintain flood insurance, you must have maintained continuous flood insurance since that time to remain eligible for additional federal assistance, such as a ReBuild NC award. 

Why do I need to complete the Insurance Disclosure Certification?

The program is required by federal law to verify the amount of assistance an applicant previously received for home repairs following the disaster for which they are claiming damage. The program uses the Insurance Disclosure Certification to gather information about any assistance you previously received. It then considers the amount of received assistance when calculating your total award amount. For more information, please view the “What is DOB?” FAQ.
 

Why does my home need to be inspected?

The program uses inspections for a variety of purposes, including identifying storm damage, completed repairs, and outstanding repair needs. Without completed inspections, the program is unable to calculate your award, and you are unable to move forward in the program. 

What is a damage inspection? 

During the damage inspection, a program representative will perform a detailed inspection of the interior and exterior of your home to determine what work remains, as well as what repairs have already been completed. All previously completed repairs will be documented in the Damage Repair Verification (DRV).

As part of the damage inspection, the inspector will determine whether an additional structural inspection is needed. For properties located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), the inspector will also assess the elevation of the property and whether the structure is elevated appropriately – to at least two feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and/or the highest watermark, whichever is higher. 

The damage inspector will also create an itemized report of all remaining repair items, called the Estimated Cost of Repairs (ECR). The ECR is based on economy/standard-grade materials. Both the DRV and the ECR will be provided to you at the time of your award determination. 

What is a lead-based paint assessment?

All homes constructed before 1978 are federally required to receive a lead-based paint assessment. The program’s lead-based paint assessor will test your paint, take samples of the soil outside, and sample the dust on floors and windowsills inside. The assessor will need to inspect both the interior and exterior of the home.

What is an asbestos building survey?

All homes must receive an asbestos building survey, which is required by federal law to ensure that damaged properties are free of hazardous, asbestos-containing materials that could affect the health of the home’s occupants. During the asbestos building survey, the program’s asbestos inspector will inspect the damaged property and take samples to determine whether hazardous materials are present, as well as determine any needs for their disposal. 

What is an environmental review?

An environmental review is the process of reviewing a construction project to ensure it does not result in adverse impacts to the environment or cultural heritage, while also ensuring there will be no adverse environmental impacts on the project. This review process ensures the construction project complies with federal environmental and historic preservation laws, statutes, and executive orders. As part of this review, an environmental site inspection is performed. An appointment will be made for the inspection. While an environmental inspector will require access to the property, they do not typically require entrance into your home unless structural access is specifically requested when the appointment is made. 

What is an elevation certificate, and why do I need one?

Elevation certificates may be obtained from your local municipality and are used by the program to understand your home’s elevation as it relates to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). If an elevation certificate cannot be obtained from your local municipality, an inspector may need to survey the home and create one. Per HUD regulations, all residential structures located in a Special Flood Hazard Area that receive federal assistance for new construction, repair of substantial damage, or substantial improvement, must be elevated with the lowest floor, including the basement, at least two feet above the 1% annual floodplain elevation. Per program policy, the home will be elevated appropriately to at least two feet above the BFE and/or above the highest watermark, whichever is higher.

How is ReBuild NC ensuring homeowner safety during program inspections amid COVID-19?

During COVID-19, the program is taking safety precautions to help ensure the health and safety of applicants, household members, and program staff. We are closely monitoring program inspectors and taking necessary steps to avoid the potential spread of the virus by conducting regular testing, taking temperatures daily, encouraging frequent and thorough hand washing, and requiring staff to report if they experience any symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Once onsite at your damaged property, inspectors are required to wear masks, gloves, and maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet both indoors and outdoors. 

We kindly ask that you assist us with performing a contactless inspection by minimizing the number of people inside your home during the inspection if possible, and otherwise doing what you can to ensure we are able to maintain at least 6 feet of distance with the inspector. We also ask that you, and anyone else present for the inspection, wear a mask, especially when in proximity to the inspector. If you or any member of your household suspects that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, please notify the program as soon as possible before the inspection. We would be glad to reschedule the inspection after a 14-day period. 

The North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) continues to evaluate overall efforts to ensure the health and safety of everyone served by the program remains a top priority. Please feel welcome to call 833-ASK-RBNC (833-275-7262) if you have any questions about the program’s safety measures during COVID-19. 
 

What types of assistance are available?

Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Single Family Homes; the Replacement or Rehabilitation of Mobile Homes.
 

How are awards calculated?

During the damage inspection, a program representative will perform a detailed inspection of your home to determine a dollar amount (based on economy/standard-grade materials) for the work already completed on your home and the work that remains. The program will also review any disaster assistance you received from other sources, such as FEMA, SBA or insurance. Because federal law requires the accounting of other benefits in calculating the award, the amount of other disaster assistance received for the relevant disaster event will be subtracted from the dollar amount determined through the damage inspection. These amounts will be considered against maximum potential program award amounts. The program will consider this information and any forms submitted by the applicant when calculating an award. The applicant will receive the determination and be offered an award consultation to have any questions answered.

When should I expect to receive assistance from the program?

Once you have submitted a complete application and all required supporting documentation and forms, the program will begin a comprehensive review of your application. The program will review your application to determine whether you meet all eligibility criteria. If the criteria are met, the program will then calculate any disaster assistance you received from other sources, such as FEMA, SBA and insurance, then contact you to schedule inspections of your damaged home. Inspections will include an environmental site inspection, a damage inspection, an asbestos building survey, and for homes built before 1978, a lead-based paint assessment. Your proposed project will also undergo an environmental review.    

Once the program completes its review of your application, as well as all inspections and the environmental review, your award amount will be determined and made available for you to review. Once you review your award letter, you may accept the award, submit an appeal, request an award consultation or withdraw from the program. If you accept the award, your project will enter the Contractor Selection stage of the program, before proceeding to construction. Once construction is complete, your application will move to Completion stage of the program.

An overview of the Homeowner Recovery Process is available here.

Does the Homeowner Recovery Program offer reimbursement awards?

Yes.

Why is my Damage Repair Verification (DRV) estimate less than the amount I spent to repair my home? 

The DRV is based on a detailed inspection of completed repairs and utilizes economy/standard-grade pricing for each repair item. While the program recognizes that homeowners may not have repaired their home using economy/standard-grade materials, the purpose of federal funding allocated to ReBuild NC is to ensure homeowners can get back into a safe, fully repaired or reconstructed home. As such, reimbursement funding is intended to cover the cost of necessary repairs rather than compensate homeowners for the full extent of their losses following Hurricane Matthew and/or Hurricane Florence. In utilizing standard, economy-grade materials, the program also ensures that eligible homeowners receive the same funding for the same repair items and that available funding can assist the greatest number of applicants. 

If I receive an award from the Homeowner Recovery Program, will I be required to pay it back?

No, the Homeowner Recovery Program provides funding in the form of a grant, which does not have to be paid back unless you violate any of the Applicant Certifications included within the application or the terms of your Homeowner Grant Agreement, which is a binding legal document between applicants and the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR). Activities that will result in a repayment of funds to the program include but are not limited to: withdrawing from the program while construction is taking place; receiving a reimbursement check but refusing to allow the program to complete remaining repairs, and receiving additional disaster assistance that is considered a Duplication of Benefits (DOB). 

Why do I have the option to elevate? 

The program offers optional elevation to eligible applicants whose damaged property is outside the 100-year flood plain, received at least 6 inches of floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew and/or Hurricane Florence, and is already receiving a reconstruction or MHU replacement award. This option is a preventative measure against any future flooding. If you choose the optional elevation assistance, your reconstructed or replaced home will be elevated to the highest elevation of either 2 feet above the Base Flood Elevation or at least 2 feet above the highest level of water impacting the home that can be documented.

I am eligible for a reconstruction. Will I get to choose my new floorplan?

Yes. The program will notify you of the floorplan(s) you are eligible for based on your household composition. If you are eligible for more than one floorplan, you may choose from the eligible options provided to you by the program. A list of your floorplan choice(s) will be provided via the Floorplan Selection Form. The floorplan you select is the floorplan you will receive. However, the program must adhere to building code requirements and will amend floorplan options to comply as needed. The floorplan you are eligible to receive is subject to change if it does not meet local jurisdiction building code requirements or if it is infeasible to reconstruct on the lot.

I am eligible for a replacement mobile home. Do I get to choose my new floorplan?

No, you will be awarded a floorplan that fits your particular needs as determined in your award calculation.

Why does the program ask for my household composition at the Award Determination stage?

The program must verify whether any change occurred in your household composition before calculating an award to ensure reconstruction or MHU replacement award is correctly calculated. The number of household members is used to determine your reconstruction floorplan option(s) and, if there have been any changes since you completed the application, it may result in adjustments to elements of your grant agreement, such as the floorplan(s) you are eligible for if your home will be reconstructed or replaced, and/or temporary relocation assistance. The program also looks at total household income to ensure the award is consistent with program guidelines. 

How can I submit my escrow check? 

Cashier’s check or money order are the only acceptable forms of payment for escrow and must be made payable to NCORR. Payment should be mailed to NCORR, PO Box 110465, Durham, NC 27709. Payment must be in full. Partial payments and payment plans are not available.

Why do I have an escrow balance? 

You received additional assistance from other sources, such as FEMA, SBA, Homeowners Insurance, etc. and the amount you received is higher than what the Damage Repair Verification (DRV) inspection revealed, which is considered a Duplication of Benefits (DOB). This DOB excess is also known as an escrow balance. Before the program can move forward with any assistance, you will need to provide the program with the DOB excess/escrow to go toward the program-managed repair, reconstruction, or replacement of your home. 

Why must I provide proof of flood insurance?

If your property is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), proof of flood insurance must be provided to the program. The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 requires that homes receiving federal assistance and located in a SFHA be covered by flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Failure to maintain flood insurance on the property will result in the damaged property being disqualified from receiving any future federal disaster recovery assistance. 

What is a grant signing?

A homeowner will sign their Homeowner Grant Agreement (HOGA) when they receive their Award/HOGA packet, which outlines their eligible grant. 

How do I file an appeal? 

A written appeal must be submitted to the Appeals Department within 30 days of the date on the program award or eligibility determination letter using the ReBuild NC Appeal Request Form. You may submit your appeal via U.S. mail to the address listed below, email (appeals@rebuild.nc.gov), or dropping it off at the nearest ReBuild NC Center. (Note: During COVID-19, ReBuild NC Centers are closed to the public but curbside appointments for program-related document pick up and drop off can be scheduled by calling 833-ASK-RBNC (833-275-7262).)

ReBuild NC Appeals Team
ATTN: Homeowner Recovery Program
NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency
PO Box 110465
Durham, North Carolina 27709

What am I allowed to appeal? 

You may file a written appeal related to any written determination made by the program that affects your eligibility or assistance amount. An appeal will not be considered if you are appealing a federal regulation or underlying program policy, or appealing after signing your Homeowner Grant Agreement.

What do I need to provide when filing an appeal? 

To be considered a valid appeal, you must provide the following: a signed Request for Appeal Form, a written statement detailing what you are appealing and the basis for the appeal, and additional documents in support of the appeal.

If appealing an award, the program may accept receipts as part of an applicant’s supporting documentation. Receipts must be itemized, dated, and include the applicant’s name or other identifying information (i.e., the receipts detail specific items purchased to complete repairs). If you don’t have receipts for repairs done on your home, you and your contractor(s) may instead complete the Contractor Certification to certify the repair work completed. Request a copy of the Contractor Certification from your case manager or by emailing appeals@rebuild.nc.gov. The Contractor Certification should be completed by you and your contractor(s) and returned to the program. If you are unable to reach your contractor, please provide this information in your Request for Appeal Form, including the contractor’s name, company name, and any contact information you previously used to reach the contractor.

Supporting documentation submitted with the Request for Appeal Form may include a copy of a signed contract, scope of work write-up, paid invoice(s), receipts, or related proof of work completed. Scope of work write-ups and estimates must also include proof of payment. The program may accept cash receipts as part of an applicant’s supporting documentation if they itemized (i.e., the receipts detail specific items purchased to complete repairs to the damaged property). Cash receipts must also be dated and include the applicant’s name or other identifying information. 

If appealing an eligibility determination or a withdrawal, please note the documentation required on the notification.

Is there a deadline for filing an appeal? 

A written appeal must be submitted to the Appeals Department within 30 days of the date on the program award or eligibility determination letter. 

If I change my mind, can I withdraw my appeal? 

Yes, you may voluntarily withdraw your appeal request at any time prior to a final appeal determination being sent. If you choose to withdraw your appeal, then the award or eligibility status of your application will remain the same. You will be required to submit a signed letter to the Appeals Department stating that you would like to withdraw your appeal. To submit your signed letter requesting to withdraw an appeal, you may drop it off at a ReBuild NC Center via a curbside appointment, email it to your Case Manager, email it to appeals@rebuild.nc.gov, or mail it to the program at the following address:

ReBuild NC Appeals Team
ATTN: Homeowner Recovery Program
NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency
PO Box 110465
Durham, North Carolina 27709

What if I do not agree with the program’s appeal decision? 

All appeals are final; your status in the program will be determined by the outcome of the appeal.

I don’t have receipts for the work completed. What else can I provide? 

If you don’t have receipts for repairs done on your home, you and your contractor(s) may instead complete the Contractor Certification, a form that allows you to certify the repair work completed. To receive a copy of the Contractor Certification, please request it from your case manager or by emailing appeals@rebuild.nc.gov. Supporting documentation should also be submitted with this form and may include a copy of a signed contract, scope of work write-up, paid invoice(s), receipts, or related proof of work completed. Scope of work write-ups and estimates must also include proof of payment.

I need an extension for my appeal. How can I submit one? 

Contact the appeal specialist or your case manager.

How many appeals extensions can I have? 

You may request an extension for your appeal up to two times for a maximum of 90 calendar days after the date on your program determination letter. If your extension request is denied, the Appeals Team will send you an Appeal Extension Decision explaining why your extension request was denied.

How long do I have to wait to receive my new award letter? 

If your appeal is approved by the program, then you will have the option to accept the determination via the Selections and Confirmations page included with your appeal determination. From there, the program will begin updating or creating your award based on the appeal determination. While the timeframe for completing these updates and providing you with a new award letter may vary depending on the content of your appeal, your Case Manager will be able to explain the next steps and provide you with updates along the way.

Who will complete construction on my home? 

The program will either assign a general contractor to complete construction on your home or bid out the project through a competitive procurement to a list of prequalified general contractors. You will not receive any funds directly and will not do business directly with the general contractor. The program manages and completes the construction process on your behalf. 

Is there a person assigned to my case? 

Yes, the program will assign a Construction Liaison to act as your primary contact during the construction process. After the initial introduction, the Liaison will reach out to homeowners on bi-weekly basis to check on progress, respond to applicant questions or concerns, and ensure construction activities are being properly coordinated.

Who selects the general contractor that will perform construction on my house?

The program will either assign or award a general contractor to complete construction on your home in accordance with the terms of your grant agreement.

Does the program provide assistance to homeowners who are required to vacate their home and relocate during construction or reconstruction?

Yes. To reduce the burden on affected homeowners, NCORR offers Temporary Relocation Assistance (TRA) when rehabilitation, elevation, reconstruction, replacement, or environmental remediation activities require homeowners to temporarily relocate. To be eligible for TRA, homeowners must be required to temporarily relocate and must have a household income at or below 120 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI); homeowners are notified of their eligibility for TRA in their award letter. Homeowners who are not eligible to receive TRA but are requested to move before construction begins must cover all temporary relocation expenses.

What happens after I sign my rehabilitation, MHU replacement, or reconstruction grant agreement? 

Once you sign your grant agreement – i.e., accept your award and enter into a legally binding agreement with the program – the program will either assign or award a general contractor to your home and provide the general contractor with your home’s Scope of Work (SOW) and a Notice to Proceed (NTP) with construction. Prior to the start of any construction work, the construction manager will schedule a pre-construction meeting (or “walkthrough”) with you. The purpose of this meeting is to review all construction activities that will be undertaken.

What are the general contractor’s responsibilities during construction?  

General contractors are responsible for the following activities, along with others that may be included in the program’s construction policies:

• Meeting insurance and bonding requirements.
• Furnishing all necessary labor, materials, equipment, and other services needed to complete the scope of work on the applicant’s home in accordance with standards, quality, and state building code requirements.
• Obtaining all required permits and inspections required by the local building department.
• Coordinating progress inspections with the construction manager.
• Performing construction as specified in a timely manner as noted in the construction contract and subject to liquidated damages as noted in the program’s construction policies and applicable contracts.
• Performing all work in accordance with local building, health and safety codes, and Lead Safe Housing Rule (LSHR).
• Disposal of all construction debris at a licensed construction waste landfill.
• Completing and submitting all required closeout documentation to the program.
• Ensuring that all materials, equipment furnished, completed systems, and work performed is free from defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for a period of one (1) year, two (2) years for any major system (i.e., HVAC system, septic system), and ten (10) years for structural work. 

What are my responsibilities during construction?

You are responsible for the following activities during construction, in accordance with your grant agreement:

• Acknowledging the contractor’s right to access the property and home during construction.
• Removing all personal property, fixtures, and appliances as necessary to complete construction in a timely manner.
• Agreeing to release the contractor from liability for damages for disposing of any remaining personal property, fixtures, and appliances in the areas subject to repair and/or rehabilitation.
• Maintaining compliance with program safety protocols (which may include refraining from being on-site during periods of construction work, as determined by the general contractor and construction manager).
• Providing notice of defects within thirty (30) days of discovery.
• Providing permission to the contractor to secure doors, change locks, temporarily partition areas and/or rooms of the home, or otherwise limit access in the home for areas and/or rooms under construction.
• Providing permission for the construction manager, the general contractor, and the program inspector to take photos and/or videos of construction as it progresses.

Who do I contact if I have an issue during construction?

The Construction Liaison assigned to your home will act as the primary contact for homeowners.
After your initial introduction, the Liaison will provide you with the necessary contact information.
Any questions, comments or concerns can be direct to the Liaison, along with the program’s Construction Hot Line at 984-833-5356.

After the signing the grant agreement, when will construction begin on my home?

Once you have signed your grant agreement, your file will undergo review by the construction team. If able to proceed with construction, it will then be assigned to a Construction Liaison who will contact you to collect information pertinent to your construction project. After initial contact has been made, the Construction Manager will either assign your home to a contractor or bid out the work. Once a contractor has been selected, a signing event will be scheduled for you to review the construction contract with your contractor. A Notice to Proceed (NTP) will then be issued, allowing the contractor to begin work on your home.

When will construction on my home be completed?  

ReBuild NC makes every effort to complete construction activities and mobile home replacements as quickly as possible. The program continues to streamline processes and recruit additional contractors to increase project completion rates. If you have questions about your timeline for construction, please contact your Construction Liaison or the program’s Construction Hot Line at 984-833-5356.

Will I receive a warranty for repairs/reconstruction completed by the program’s general contractor?

Yes, the program’s general contractors are responsible for providing a warranty that all materials, equipment furnished, completed systems, and work performed shall be free from defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for a period of one (1) year, two (2) years for any major system (i.e., HVAC system, septic system), and ten (10) years for structural work. 

Do I get to choose my replacement appliances and/or paint colors and finishes?

No, a standard unit is awarded. 

Does the program comply with Green Building Standards? 

Yes – all program construction complies with Green Building Standards that ensure construction is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. ReBuild NC has adopted the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) standard for projects that were substantially damaged or where reconstruction is required. Homes that were non-substantially damaged must meet the HUD Community Planning and Development (CPD) Green Building Retrofit checklist, which is linked here via the HUD website.