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Houston Habitat repairs seniors' homes so they can stay safely in their neighborhoods, with volunteer opportunities available.
Helps Houston seniors on fixed incomes stay safely in their own homes by fixing critical issues like roofs, floors, and accessibility barriers — preventing displacement and keeping neighborhoods stable.
Events Blog Board Portal Facebook LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Newsletter Sign Up Houston Hotties Unite to Repair Homes with The Pete & Thomas Foundation and Habitat for Humanity On May 2nd, volunteers with Megan Thee Stallion’s Pete & Thomas Foundation and Habitat for Humanity began making critical repairs to the homes of older Houston residents in support of Habitat’s Aging in Place program. The effort to repair 20 homes in Houston kicked off in the South Park neighborhood, where Megan grew up, on what is officially Megan Thee Stallion Day in Houston., This special day was established in 2022 to honor the rapper’s philanthropic work. Hottie volunteers from the Hotties Helping initiative of the Pete & Tomas Foundation, joined Houston Habitat volunteers to caulk and paint the interiors of older residents. The Hotties eagerly shared their excitement to be involved. Alivia-Rae Green expressed that being both a Hottie and Habitat volunteer demonstrates being there for your community and allows you to give back in a way that fits you. While local Houston educator, Felicia Woodard, added, “as big as Megan Thee Stallion is she’s still giving to people in her neighborhood that she grew up in, and it’s inspiring.” Megan is shining a light on the need to create more opportunities for dignified, healthy living among older residents. Nearly 77% of older adults — one of the fastest-growing demographics in America — say they want to remain in their homes long term, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. Yet many live in housing that is either in disrepair or was never designed for mobility, accessibility, or changing health needs. Home repair recipient, Cheryl, shared that, like many older adults, her family has limited income. Without the support of The Pete & Thomas Foundation and Houston Habitat, it would have taken years to complete all the repairs needed on her home. Cheryl’s home desperately needed a new roof, and her kitchen floor was no longer safe. It means everything to her family for Megan Thee Stallion and Habitat for Humanity to make critical repairs on her home, and the homes of many others. Through Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place program, Houston Habitat, and many other affiliates work in partnership with human services and community-based organizations to identify older homeowners in need of safer living conditions and provide critical home repairs, modifications, and services specific to each homeowner’s lifestyle to help preserve their home, their independence, and quality of life “There is a strong connection between living in a safe and decent home and positive health outcomes, especially for older adults,” said Adrienne Goolsby, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada at Habitat for Humanity International. “Working together with Megan Thee Stallion and the Pete & Thomas Foundation, we are opening the door to both housing and health equity for older adults and ensuring they can age in place.” The Pete & Thomas Foundation honors the memory of Megan’s late parents, Holly Thomas and Joseph Pete III. Its housing program supports older adults to ensure they can stay in their homes independently or with loved ones, while staying safe when a natural disaster or emergency hits their community. “Megan Thee Stallion and the Pete & Thomas Foundation are making a lasting investment that strengthens neighborhoods like South Park,” said Allison Hay, CEO of Houston Habitat for Humanity. “As a Houstonian, she knows what this community means to people. By supporting repair work for senior homeowners, these families will not only be able to age in place with dignity but will also be prepared to withstand future Gulf Coast weather events.” The project stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when community, compassion, and commitment come together to uplift families who need it most. Transforming Homes: Low-Cost Home Renovation Programs in Houston Low-Cost Home Renovation Programs in Houston can feel nonexistent. But you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Houston need affordable housing options for home repairs and several housing programs can help. Houston has programs and opportunities that will offer help. Low-Cost Home Renovation Programs in Houston Houston has programs for low- to moderate-income homeowners. These housing development programs focus on repairs to make repairs safe and habitable. Repairs include fixing roofs, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural issues. Some programs offer full home renovations in certain situations. Let’s look at a few options below for home renovation, single family housing, and community development programs. Houston Habitat for Humanity Repairs Houston Habitat for Humanity is a well-known organization for safe and affordable housing. They have programs like the Critical Home Repair Program. This program addresses roof and plumbing repairs. Another program is the Disaster Home Repair Program for disaster-related damages. City of Houston Home Repair Program The City of Houston’s Home Repair Program helps homeowners with critical repairs. Funding may be limited so contact the program directly. Get current status and application information. Harris County Home Repair Program Harris County also has its own Home Repair Program. It serves very low to low-income homeowners. This county program focuses on fixing health and safety hazards like a leaking roof. Check out their program guidelines and more information about payment assistance and other initiatives. Rebuilding Together Houston Rebuilding Together Houston serves the community with free home repairs, often for elderly residents. They also support programs like Veterans Home Repair. Additional Resources for Home Repairs in Houston Sometimes additional resources can help with Low-Cost Home Renovation Programs in Houston. These can be helpful as you look into family housing. Home Renovation Loans Look into home renovation loans. These specialized loans fund repairs, sometimes with competitive rates. United Way 211 Helpline United Way’s 211 helpline connects those in need with providers. They specialize in services beyond just finding a provider. They offer legal services and bereavement services. They serve Texas. This makes them a resource for those looking for single family housing in rural development areas of Harris County and beyond. FAQs about Low-Cost Home Renovation Programs in Houston Eligibility varies by program. Typically it’s income limits, home ownership status, and property location (rural vs. non-rural). Some programs prioritize senior citizens, families with children under 18, or people with disabilities. Several programs in Houston assist low-income families. This includes programs run by the City of Houston and Harris County. Houston Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together Houston also have income-based programs for lower-income homes. Finding Affordable House Repair Options in Houston is Possible Finding low-cost Home Renovation Programs in Houston takes time but help is available. By looking into the options and resources, homeowners can find help they need. Check out the resources that focus on housing programs, property taxes, and payment assistance for more information about living options. Be patient, these programs can get you to live safely and affordably. DIY Floor Remodeling Are you a homeowner looking to replace or install new flooring and curious about the costs of taking on a DIY flooring project? Or maybe you’re planning for the future and want to get a better idea of what’s involved in managing flooring maintenance. Below, we outline a step-by-step guide filled with helpful tips for DIY flooring projects, from choosing flooring materials to calculating square footage and handling high-traffic areas. What Floor is Right for Me? When choosing flooring materials, consider the needs of residents, pets, and visitors. Flooring choice is essential, especially in high-traffic areas, where durability matters. Think about movement patterns of mobility devices, unusually shaped furniture, and appliances, as well as ease of cleaning. The best rooms for budget-friendly flooring are kids’ bedrooms, practical family spaces, and other less visible areas like closets, home offices, and laundry areas. Low-cost flooring in high-traffic areas and entertainment spaces such as the kitchen and living room will not save you money in the long run, as it will not last and will need to be replaced sooner than later. Determine Your Flooring Budget First, figure out how much flooring will need to be purchased to complete the project. Start by calculating square footage: measure the length and width of the area in feet. Then multiply the length by the width to get the square feet. Next, review the flooring options. Flooring materials vary widely in cost, ranging from $4 to $20 per square foot depending on the material. Vinyl plank flooring, laminate flooring, carpet, and ceramic tiles are popular and affordable options. Looking for a bargain? Check out local outlet stores and in the clearance section of big box stores, plus flooring stores. Online liquidators and sell-direct sites can also be good sources for deals. Houston Habitat for Humanity’s Restore offers affordable flooring materials at our two locations. These home improvement stores also sell new carpet, vinyl, tile, hardwood, trim, tools, and building materials, and more at a fraction of the retail price. Discounted flooring is priced to sell so start looking early and check back often! Then, factor in other costs associated with floor remodeling. Underlayment or padding is required no matter what kind of flooring you choose as it provides support and moisture absorption. It’s a good idea to order 10% to 15% extra material for mistakes, additional areas, and the unexpected. This extra flooring will save time and money overall. Additionally, disposal of old flooring may require renting a dumpster. Also, think about tools for your flooring project. A moisture meter, level, and flooring nails are must-haves for ensuring a smooth surface. Necessary Tools DIY flooring projects can save time and money, but the right tools make a big difference. Careful preparation is essential to an efficient workday. Below is a list of tools for removing and installing any type of flooring. Remember, major tools can be rented by the day. measuring tape pencil or marker utility knife hammer level masking tape painter’s tape chalk line drill and drill bit set compressor rubber mallet shop-vac chisel pry bar carpenter’s square or T-square saws: hand, table, jamb, miter, circular, undercut, jigsaw, undercut or wet (for tile) moisture meter appropriate adhesive safety glasses ear protection gloves face mask kneepads Common Mistakes Avoiding mistakes in your flooring project can save time, money, and frustration. Common pitfalls in DIY flooring projects include overlooking subfloor issues, improper layout, ignoring moisture levels, and rushing through the installation. A botched project can cost more time and money than it would to hire a professional. Don’t make these typical floor installation mistakes! Mistake: Ignoring Subfloor Issues Subfloor issues can drastically shorten your flooring’s lifespan. Problems like moisture damage, structural weakness, or mold must be addressed before installing a new floor. For example, wood and laminate floors are particularly sensitive to moisture, which can cause warping or buckling. If you have a concrete subfloor, ensure that moisture levels are below 4% before proceeding. Skipping this step can lead to costly repairs down the road. Mistake: Skipping a Floor Layout Though a room may seem square, this is rarely the case Start by laying out the entire floor to spot any irregularities before securing flooring materials. Beware: beginning in one corner and attaching as you go could lead to unevenness and extra steps. Mistake: Neglecting Expansion and Contraction Wood and laminate floors can become looser during winter and expand during summer’s humid conditions, potentially leading to cracking. Be sure to adjust for dilatations by leaving sufficient gaps for expansion and contraction around the perimeter of each room. Mistake: Rushing the Process Letting the new flooring sit for a few days will allow for acclimatization to Houston’s environment. This will help avoid warping and breaking, plus will permit layout adjustment. Mistake: Neglecting Maintenance and Care Routine maintenance helps protect your investment. Regularly clean your floors and address spills promptly to avoid moisture buildup, which can harm wood, carpet, or vinyl flooring. Each flooring material has unique maintenance needs, so research specific products for wood, laminate flooring, and other surfaces to prevent damage. Hardwood and carpet floors may also require specific tools or gliders to protect against heavy furniture and prevent damage in high-traffic areas. Choose the Best Flooring for Your Needs Each room in your home has unique needs, making it essential to choose the right flooring for each space. In high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, consider vinyl plank flooring or ceramic tiles. These materials resist moisture and are easy to clean, making them perfect for spaces prone to spills. For living rooms or bedrooms, laminate flooring or carpet offers comfort, warmth, and ease of maintenance. A professional installer can help you assess your options and find the right flooring choice based on square footage, lifestyle, and usage. In selecting flooring there are many types and a wide variety of costs. Consider the benefits of each type based on the specific needs of each room. Vinyl: Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, this option is easy to install and clean. It is also quite long-lasting although heavy furniture can damage it, and it is susceptible to sun fading. On average, vinyl flooring costs between $3 and $7 per square foot. Linoleum: Similar to vinyl in texture and durability, this flooring can be refinished and re-stenciled. Prices range on average between $3 to $7 per square foot. Carpet: Comfortable and soft, carpeting keeps away cold underfoot, however, it also holds allergens such as animal dander and needs to be cleaned annually. Carpet prices can range from $2 to $12 or more per square foot. Tile: Both attractive and durable, tiles are easily replaceable when damaged but also slippery when wet and damaging to fragile items. Tile can cost $2 per square foot but goes much higher. Hardwood: Long lasting and beautiful, hardwood flooring is popular but can be pricey. The national average cost per square foot of hardwood flooring is $10. Laminate: With the look and feel of hardwood but with easier installation, this option is priced well but is prone to moisture damage so keep away from bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Laminate cost averages $6 per square foot. Cork: Naturally resistant to mold and microbes, plus is flame retardant. It can fade in sunlight, but can be refinished. Cork averages the cost per square foot of $5 to $12. Concrete: This type of flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas. It can be polished for a finished look and easily handles moisture. Pricing ranges from $2 to $8 per square foot. Getting Started DIY flooring projects offer numerous benefits, from cost savings to creative satisfaction. To make your project easier, follow these tips: Double-check measurements: Ensuring accurate square footage prevents waste. Work in sections: Plan realistic goals for daily progress. Clear the room: Move all furniture and essentials to prevent interruptions. Practice cuts: Test cutting and shaping before installing. Clean the workspace: Use a shop-vac and ensure a dust-free surface. Inspect the subfloor: Repair weak spots, sagging areas, and level uneven surfaces. Finalize your flooring project by replacing moldings and trim, then giving the room a final clean. By staying organized and following a step-by-step guide, you can create a beautiful and functional space. Quick Updates Not every floor improvement requires a complete remodel. For a fast update, consider these options: Paint: Many floor types can be painted. A single gallon can cover up to 400 square feet with a primer and sealant. Peel and Stick Tiles: Perfect for quick changes, these tiles adhere to most surfaces for an instant new look. Wallpaper for Floors: Suitable for wood, vinyl, or linoleum, wallpaper can be sealed with polyurethane for added durability. Unusual Materials: Pennies, scrabble tiles, and more have all become popular in recent years. For those who want an aesthetic update, these DIY options are cost-effective and often don’t require a professional installer. Reach out to your community to see if similar projects have been done in their homes! Disaster Recovery & Repair For homeowners in disaster-prone areas, flooring recovery may be necessary after floods or heavy rain. After turning off electricity, inspect your floors for signs of water damage, like discoloration in carpets or warping in wood. Removing damaged flooring materials, drying the subfloor, and checking for mold are essential steps before installing new floors. In flood-prone areas, vinyl plank flooring and ceramic tiles are resilient, moisture-resistant options. Here’s how to spot water issues by material: Hardwood: Warping, discoloration, or mildew. Laminate: Curling, bubbling, cracks, and sponginess. Vinyl: Discoloration, gaps, bubbling, and loose adhesive. Carpet: Wetness, buckling, and mold. Tile: Loose tiles, musty smells, and mold between tiles. Act quickly to minimize damage, and consider moisture-resistant flooring options if your home is vulnerable to water issues. Professional installers can help assess and restore damaged floors effectively. If you need extra assistance, reach out to local non-profits who specialize in disaster recovery. What is Off-Gassing? New flooring may emit chemical odors, known as off-gassing, which can impact indoor air quality. Vinyl flooring, carpet, and laminate often contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Exposure to these compounds can cause respiratory issues, especially for children and sensitive individuals. “Nobody’s telling you what is coming from all those vapors mixing in the air,” says Jillian Pritchard Cooke, the founder of Wellness Within Your Walls, an education consultancy focused on dramatically reducing the dangers of off-gassing. “It’s up to us to understand the individual effects each chemical can have on your nervous system, your lungs, and your cellular makeup.” To reduce off-gassing, seek out low-VOC or PVC-free materials, ventilate well, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe installation. Minimizing VOC exposure contributes to a healthier indoor environment for your family. Best Flooring for Houston Houston’s hot and humid climate can impact flooring materials. Consider options that hold up well in humidity, such as ceramic or porcelain tile, vinyl plank flooring, and laminate flooring. Waterproof engineered hardwood is another excellent choice, combining the classic appeal of wood with added resilience against moisture. Carpeting may not be ideal in humid regions due to moisture retention, which can lead to mildew. Save Money at ReStore Houston Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores provide budget-friendly home improvement supplies, including carpet, vinyl, tile, and hardwood. ReStore locations offer discounted flooring materials and other essentials for DIY flooring projects. Shopping at ReStore also supports Habitat’s mission, allowing homeowners to save while contributing to their local community. Consider donating leftover materials to ReStore after completing your project to reduce waste and disposal costs. Final Thoughts DIY flooring projects bring both satisfaction and cost savings. With careful planning, selecting the right flooring materials, and following a step-by-step approach, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting surface. Whether you choose laminate flooring, ceramic tiles, or vinyl plank flooring, the effort you invest will enhance your home’s appearance and functionality. Routine Home Maintenance Assistance Routine Home Repair Owning a home means responsibility. Homeowners must pay bills and taxes keep up with maintenance and common repairs to the structure, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and more. Being timely with repairs to the home is beneficial in many ways, such as maintaining the highest levels of security and functionality, maintaining the property’s value, and preventing minor issues from becoming major problems, like a small leak becoming a whole wall teardown. Sometimes, homeowners cannot afford repairs, and repair assistance is needed. Below is information about grant programs, tips for upkeep, senior home repair programs and veterans home repair grants. Bookmark the page and share this blog with anyone you think could benefit! Common Areas of Attention According to Consumer Affairs, plumbing and air conditioning systems are the top two most common fixes a Texas home needs. After those are refrigerators and smoke detectors, and lastly, general electrical and water heater issues. A 2021 survey found that 77% of new homeowners will experience an “unexpected issue” that needs repair during the first year of homeownership. Deferred Maintenance & DIY Deferred maintenance, or holding off on needed repairs, often becomes more expensive in the long run once the work becomes critical and needs to be done. Research shows that delaying maintenance can potentially increase costs by as much as 600%. Increasing costs aren’t the only issue; a lack of energy efficiency and possible safety hazards can arise when waiting on repairs. If you need time to figure out how to pay for home repairs, here are tips to decrease the impact of deferred maintenance. Keep a log of preventative maintenance and possible needs Make a monthly appointment to check inside and outside of the home Prioritize and regularly review pending work Set aside funds when possible (even small amounts build up!) A good way to save money overall is by doing minor fixes yourself. The internet has free, helpful step-by-step videos and instructions by the barrelful for easier and smaller tasks such as patching wall holes and cracks, fixing leaky faucets, and changing an electrical socket. These resources are available in a wide variety of languages and skill levels. Once you feel more confident, visit a Houston ReStore to pick up affordable tools and materials for your project at a fraction of retail prices! Homeowner Help Another way Houston Habitat for Humanity provides assistance is through its active home repair program which preserves existing affordable homes for low-income individuals and families in Houston, TX. This home repair program is a big part of Houston Habitat’s mission and benefits the Houston community by slowing neighborhood character change or gentrification within the city. The Housing Construction and Inspection services, within the Housing and Community Development of Harris County, provide financial and technical assistance to make emergency repairs to the homes of very low- to moderate-income homeowners at their primary residential property. Further, the Harris County Home Repair Program provides financial assistance via a grant or deferred payment loan to qualified homeowners needing major rehabilitation and repair or replacement of water wells and septic systems. Remember to review these government home repair grants and loans carefully before applying. Senior Home Repair Aid In Texas, seniors (those aged 65 years and older) benefit from property tax deferral, Medicare and Social Security options, senior community services such as AAA, and the Silver Alert program. Houston Habitat for Humanity also has a Senior Repair program. This provides effective and sustainable solutions for elderly homeowners to be able to age in their own comfortable homes. Houston Habitat uses the Housing Plus model and Aging in Place strategies when working with older adult homeowners. Housing Plus includes two assessments to ensure a complete understanding of the low-income senior population in Houston and Harris County. Houston Housing Authority also offers assistance through the Old Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP). OAHMP focuses on low-cost, high-impact house modifications such as the installation of adaptive equipment such as a temporary ramp, risers for chairs and sofas, non-slip strips for tub/shower or stairs, raised toilet seats and tub/shower transfer benches to enable older adults to remain safely in their homes. This program primarily relies on the expertise of a licensed occupational therapist to confirm the home modifications to address the individual’s specific needs and goals, while promoting full involvement in daily activities. Veteran Support Houston Habitat is a proud member of the Habitat for Humanity Repair Corps. This means we offer repairs to the homes of low-income veterans as part of our dedication to supporting and honoring the veteran community. Our organization is generously funded by The Home Depot Foundation, which enables Houston Habitat for Humanity to help veterans build strength, stability, and independence through disabled veteran home repair help with owner-occupied homes. Another veteran perk: all U.S. veterans receive 10% off at both Houston Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations with a valid ID! The Veterans Land Board also has a Home Improvement Program, which provides loans of up to $25K for repairs on Texas primary residences: single-family dwellings, condominiums, duplexes, triplexes, or four-plexes. These loans are available for veterans and military members who are over 17 years of age and a legal state resident, plus an active duty military member, a member of the Texas National Guard, a reserve component military member having completed 20 qualifying years for retirement, a veteran having served at least 90 active duty days unless discharged sooner due to a service-connected disability and not discharged dishonorably, or a surviving spouse of a Veteran listed as missing in action or whose death was service connected. Learn more on the Texas Veterans Land Board website, under ‘Loans’. Need Help After Disaster? Check out our dedicated blog post about Home Repair Steps after Storm Damage. It lists information on how to assess damage, what permits are needed for reconstruction, and how to choose the best contractor for work outside of the do-it-yourself scope. Steps to Take Today Planning and preparing for routine home repair is an important project that pays off in the long term. Before doing the repairs, check your eligibility for government-assisted programs and bookmark websites with free information on DIY home repairs. Easiest of all, follow our success stories and read more about Houston Habitat for Humanity Home Repairs to see what is best for your home and your family! Home Repair Steps after Storm Damage Safety First As mentioned in a previous blog post, the Houston hurricane season is underway and active until November 30th. There are many ways to be prepared for extreme weather, however, planning will never be able to prevent everything. Do you know what to do if your house is damaged by a storm? We’ve created a step-by-step breakdown of how to handle disaster repair. Foremost, safety is a priority and prevents injury and fatigue, allowing more work and additional people to be helped. In order to safely begin home repair, confirm the building is structurally sound enough to have people inside, turn off water and electricity to affected areas, use only a flashlight in darkness, and wear protective items such as sturdy shoes, gloves, masks, and eye protection. Look out for slippery spots, broken items, and sharp edges. Also, remember to use caution and distance when moving debris. Assess the Damage After the storm has passed and official authorities have cleared residents to return to their homes, damage assessment begins. Start by looking for the most common types of storm damage. Keep in mind not all damage will be immediately noticeable. Be sure to document every change to your home with pictures and notes for insurance and repair purposes. Ensure your address is visible from the street for emergency vehicles. The roof of a building is the most likely place to be battered by a storm. Common signs of roof damage are holes, leaks, dents, missing/broken shingles, and split seams. Windows and doors are a good second area to assess. Check for cracks, holes, broken panes and damaged frames. Next, investigate the appearance of exterior surfaces and appliances, such as air conditioners, for cavities, splits, dings, chips, and discoloration. Inside your home, identify signs of water damage, and any damage from water entering the home. After complete evaluation, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report property damage. File a claim, ask about an advance payment or living expenses if help is needed quickly. If the disaster has been officially declared you may be eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA via their disaster assistance website. Check on Your Neighbors Community is very valuable; having connections with neighbors can mean the difference between life and death for some. Many people are without family nearby or the ability to move around well. Consider providing reasonable senior assistance when possible or contacting city services for them. Assistance to veterans after a storm is also important. Another helpful action is connecting others with storm damage repair contractors. DIY Tips & Tricks Temporary solutions are a productive way to minimize further damage, as well as reduce stress. If able, begin key repair steps by doing some actions yourself. Use tarps and plastic sheeting to cover leaky areas, sandbags to divert water, and boards to secure broken windows and doors. Take out wet furniture, carpeting, and other materials, then remove water with wet vacuums and pumps. Next, run fans and dehumidifiers, as drying out the air will help prevent mold. Save time and money by shopping for DIY materials at Habitat for Humanity’s two Houston ReStore locations: South Loop at 6161 S. Loop East, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am—5 pm, Sunday 10 am—4pm, and ReStore West 34th at 5280 West 34th Street, Monday through Thursday, 9 am—5 pm and Friday through Saturday, 9 am—6 pm. ReStore has new and gently used items needed to secure and improve your home, including power tools, lumber, windows, flooring, and appliances. To assist with quicker storm damage repair, the City of Houston Permitting Center & the Planning and Development Department has implemented an expedited review process of specific permits, including weatherheads for restoring power, re-roofing and roof overlay, and Minor Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) repairs. Also, the following work can be done without permits: Tarping Replacing wooden and metal fences less than 8-feet-high Painting, replacing tiles, cabinets, counter tops and similar finishing work Replacing drywall or sheetrock which is not part of fire-rated assembly and does not exceed an aggregate of 100 square feet Replacing exterior wood fascia, trim and soffits which do not exceed an aggregate of 128 square feet Roof covering which does not exceed an aggregate of 100 square feet When making DIY repairs, maintain a list and save receipts (including for temporary living expenses) for your insurance agent. Don’t make permanent repairs before an adjuster sees all the damage. Further, save proof of paid deductibles. Contractors and roofers cannot offer to waive a deductible or promise a rebate for your deductible. Be sure to take breaks, especially when the tasks or environment seem overwhelming. Walk around, get some fresh air, and focus on the improvements that are already complete. Above all else, ask for help when you need it! When to Ask for Professional Help Not every fix can be done in without professional help. This is when licensed and insured professionals are best. Houston Habitat provides storm damage restoration through our Disaster Home Repair program. Low-income homeowners can receive help with what is needed to make homes safe, sanitary and secure, including mold testing and remediation. Click here to find out more: Disaster Home Repair program. Contractor Tips: Getting three bids is recommended, as well as careful review. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints and scams before hiring. If electrical outlets, switches, receptacles, devices, and/or equipment were flooded, a licensed electrician must replace to comply with the current code requirements. Be very wary of contractors who demand full payment upfront. Most will ask for a portion of the total owed over the course of the job. It is wise to hire an inspector, separate from the contractor’s business, to review any work before payment, especially roof repair. How to Prepare for Next Time “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure,” said Colin Powell. True words, especially when applied to advanced preparation for storm damage. Before the next weather event, do these actions: Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Check disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed. Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting, and keep closed as much as possible so food will last longer if the power goes out. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. Fill your car’s gas tank. Create an evacuation plan with members of your family, then practice the evacuation plan to reduce confusion and panic during events. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required, and make plans for pet care. Buy flood insurance – coverage does not begin until 30 days after purchase. Save the Harris County Flood Warning System Map, the Centerpoint Energy Outage Tracker, TranStar High Water, Texas Department of Transportation Hurricane Information, and 2-1-1 Texas information.
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