For those with older homes that suffered large amounts of damage

Last week we were advised that the DRP would be taking a different approach with older homes that suffered large amounts of damage. John Conrad forwarded us this plan of approach:

“The Preliminary step comprises of a vetting of all files potentially eligible for pre-existing damage support by the DRP staff.  This will involve a close review of the entire DRP Application File to identify the required constituent elements for consideration under this initiative. Pre-existing damages must satisfy the following requirements:

a.            The exacerbation of pre-existing damage by this historic event is such that that the safety/functionality of the foundation is no longer intact or is at least suspect.
b.            The costs to repair all damage—both new and the extent of worsened pre-existing damage—are such that the home/property cannot be safely brought back to pre-disaster functional condition.

Step 1–Interview with the applicant on site

This interview has a number of deliverables:

a.            To explain the process involved in this second, closer look at the applicant’s home; to describe the recent refinement in the policy approach and to describe the steps of this process inside DRP.
b.            Manage the expectation of the applicant in terms of the intent to restore a pre-disaster functional foundation and basement (ie. enhancements like raising the house, establishing a flood proof room in the basement, etc will not be covered).
c.             To gauge the applicant’s vision/idea for what they consider pre-disaster functional condition and fully define the scope of the project.
d.            Confirmation that the pre-existing condition was unknown to the applicant or that prior action would not have been reasonable.

Step 2—Assign the Solution Manager

The Solution Manager (SM) is a neutral 3rd party engineer or highly experienced contractor well versed in matters of foundation repair/replacement.  The SM will be contracted by AEMA and will have no commercial interest in the file nor a detailed understanding of the Disaster Assistance Guidelines or the DRP program.  The SM is assigned to the applicant to:

a.            Fully investigate the problems posed by the home’s foundation in its current state without using the DRP or pre-existing damage lens.
b.            Devise a number of solutions or choices for the applicant to return the foundation of the home to pre-disaster functional condition, including least costly solution.
c.             Assist in the financial costing of all provided solutions.
d.            Fully brief the applicant on all of the attendant pros and cons for each presented solution (risks, ease or speed of completion, disruptiveness of the approach, etc).

Step 3—Presentation of the Financial Envelope

The DRP staff will review all solutions developed for a given applicant by the SM.  The lowest priced solution that will return the foundation to pre-disaster functional condition will generally be the approach selected and sent to the AEMA Managing Director for approval.

This envelope will be presented via formal letter to the applicant in order to provide clarity and certainty of the financial aid they can count on for the job.  Any financial assistance already paid out for structural repairs of that area will be deducted from the envelope. The applicant may choose a higher priced solution, but will only receive a funding envelope equal to the lowest priced solution identified by the SM. ”