Frequently Asked Questions
What is Self-Help Housing?Self Help housing is a method by which low-income families can achieve home ownership. Families help each other build their houses with technical assistance provided by a competent construction supervisor.
How does a Self-Help Program work?Three elements are necessary to make self-help housing work: technical assistance; mortgage loans; low-income families who want homes of their own, and are willing to do some of the work in building their homes.
How many families must there be in a self-housing group?Generally 6 to 10 families make up a self-help housing building group.
How many points of labor does each family contribute?Each family is given a form that has points for every project they perform on their home, until they reach 69 points.
What tasks are families required to participate in?Families are required to participate in all phases of construction.
When are the houses built?Since most of the families in a self-help housing program work at their regular jobs during the week, most of the work on the house is done evenings and weekends.
How long does it take to complete the house?It takes up to 6 months to complete a house.
How large can a self-help house be?The size of a self-help house is determined by the lot size, zoning requirements per county or city, and what the total cost would be to make the home affordable.
What type of construction is used for building self-help houses? The house is built with concrete blocks and stucco, per the requirements of the Florida Building Code.
Do Self-Help houses conserve energy?Self-Help housing projects have pioneered in the construction of Energy Star Rated Homes. 15 SEER Cooling Systems, Insulated Windows, Tech Shield Decking, R-38 Ceiling Insulation,Fiberglass Exterior Doors, Energy Star Rated Appliances and Light Fixtures.
If the head of the household is a woman, can she participate in a self-help Housing Program?Yes, women provide a great deal of labor in the self-help program.
What is Technical Assistance?Technical Assistance is the process of organizing and supervising groups of low-income families in the building of their own homes. It is usually provided by a non-profit sponsor and may include the following functions:
- Secure suitable building sites.
- Recruit families who are interested in sharing labor in the construction of each other's homes.
- Meet with families in the self help program to discuss and explain subjects related to home ownership.
- Supervise and train families in the proper construction of their home.
- Assist families in solving other community problems.
- Oversee Community meetings, Group meetings and Home Buyers Classes.
- Organize Homeowners Association.
What are some of the items that cannot be included in the loan?Utilities CANNOT be included in the loan.
Can a participant save money by paying off the loan in a shorter time?Yes, He / She will save interest by reducing the principal of the loan.
Can a participant save money by using the sweat equity concept? Yes, He / She will save money because the sweat equity will decrease the price of the house.
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