Contra Costa County, CA Official Website

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Neighborhood Preservation Program - Home Rehabilitation Loans

1. What kind of home remodeling work can the Neighborhood Preservation Program provide?: The first priority of the Neighborhood Preservation Program is to eliminate health and safety code problems in the house. This may include, but is not limited to, roof repair or replacement, new wiring, plumbing or heating. A list of items is prepared by the Housing Inspector and given to you for your review.

2. What services does the program staff provide?: Program staff is available for free technical and financial consultation. The administrative person will assist you in filing an application and can advise you on various questions you may have. Once you have filed the application, a housing inspector completes a survey of the home and advises you on the work which should be completed. The housing inspector will then develop a list of items to be corrected and prepare a cost estimate. Assistance is then provided in selecting a qualified contractor to complete the work. Once a contractor is selected, the administrative person completes the loan documents for your signature. Once the loan is made and the work is underway, the housing inspector will provide periodic inspections to ensure that the work is being completed satisfactorily. Contact us at (925) 674-7886.

3. Who does the home evaluation and construction work?: After the work write-up has been prepared, you must find and select a licensed General Contractor to do the work. Program staff will assist you in this phase. Contractors must meet minimum requirements of the program to assure reliability.

4. What types of assistance loans are available?: One percent interest loans, with a 15 year term, and the possibility of deferred payment until maturity date. If a loan is deferred, there is also the possibility of an extension being provided.

5. Is any other remodeling work eligible ?: Yes. A portion of the loan can be used for general property improvements. These can include new bathroom and kitchen fixtures, new carpets and linoleum, and paint. However, these general improvements are the last priority, and their total cannot exceed 40% of the total loan amount, up to $20,000.

6. How much will my payments be?: Payments are based on your income, the amount of the contractor's bid, and your ability to make monthly payments. An estimate of monthly payments can be made after the inspector has estimated the cost of the work. The intent of the program is to provide you with a loan you can afford to repay.

7. How is the loan secured?: All loans are secured by a second Deed of Trust for the amount of the loan. If you sell your house or transfer the ownership before the term of the loan has expired, the loan must be repaid.

8. Is rehabilitating my home right for me?: Along with whether you can afford the work, think carefully about whether you are prepared to handle the personal inconvenience that usually goes along with a construction job. The work probably will be messy and will disrupt your everyday routine for a time. Be realistic in deciding if you can handle these pitfalls.

To bid as a contactor you must follow the criteria below: