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You will be in charge of overseeing all work on your home. If you encounter issues or have questions about the project, you can reach out to your construction advisor (CA).
Selecting a contractor
As a homeowner participating in the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP), it is your responsibility to select a contractor for your project. Be sure to review their qualifications, discuss your project needs, and get clear answers on costs, timelines, and expectations. Remember: This is your project, and choosing the right contractor is an important step in ensuring a successful outcome.
How to get pricing from a contractor
When selecting a contractor for your HARP project, it is important to get multiple quotes to compare pricing, services, and timelines. Ask for detailed estimates, including materials, labor, and any additional costs. Make sure you understand what is included in each quote and ask about potential extra expenses. As the homeowner, you are responsible for following ReOregon's regulations on selecting a contractor, so be sure to document your process and keep copies of all estimates. This ensures that you are compliant and have a clear record of how you made your decision.
Understand which costs are covered by HARP
If you check the estimated cost of repairs (ECR), you can see how much HARP will pay for each item to be installed in your home. However, if you choose to upgrade to a more expensive fixture or appliance, HARP will pay only the amount listed in the ECR. You will have to cover any extra costs out of pocket.
For example, if HARP standards include paying the cost of a laminate countertop, but you instruct your contractor to install a marble countertop, HARP will fund only the amount needed to purchase a laminate countertop at current market rates. You, as the homeowner, are responsible for paying the additional cost of the upgrade.
Requesting disability accommodations
If you require specific accommodations due to disabilities, please fill out the disability verification form provided by the CA.
Avoiding duplication of benefits
Projects sometimes have two funding categories: HARP and Homeowner. Funds that you, as the homeowner, have previously received from other sources identified by HARP, and that could possibly create a duplication of benefits, may be required to be paid directly to the eventual contractor by the homeowner.
Attending inspections
As a homeowner, it is important to attend all scheduled inspections. Your presence is needed because you must approve the work before the contractor can get paid. If you do not attend, the contractor will not be able to move forward with the payment process, potentially causing delays to the project. Make sure you are available to review the work and provide approval during each inspection.
Provide feedback
After your project is completed, HARP will provide you with a survey to gauge your satisfaction with your contractor and your overall experience.