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Building a Self-Help House Step by Step
The first step is to fill out an information sheet for the Self-Help Program.
Then you can meet with the UHDC Housing Counselor to be sure that there are no surprises on your credit report. Clients can work on their credit and increase their credit score if need be.
Congratulations! You are at the top of the list! UHDC Staff will help you complete an application for a USDA Rural Development 502 Direct Loan to build your home.
Once your application is approved, it's time to pick out a house plan that will meet your needs. The UHDC Self-Help Director will work with you to find the right plan and help you make it your own.
Next it's time to pick out your land. Clients can build on their own land, one of UHDC's lots, or can find a new property where they want to build.
Congratulations - It's time to close on your home. Once your construction loan has closed, it's time to begin.
The house site must be prepared. Usually this involves some dozer work which may be contracted. The self-help family clears the debris to prepare the footing to be dug.
Next the footing is dug out - and NOT by hand!
The concrete footing is poured.
Concrete blocks are laid on the footing.
Backfill is dumped into the foundation. Self-helpers and volunteers level the fill dirt.
Plumbing contractors rough in the plumbing and smooth the fill dirt around it. It's also time to treat the foundation for termites.
It's time to pour the concrete and finish the foundation slab.
Now contractors can begin framing the home. Self-Helpers assist as they are able and everyone gets involved by picking up the job site.
Framing goes quickly if the weather cooperates.
Roofing contractors take over next. Self-helpers assist as they are able and always keep the job site clean.
Siding is installed on the eaves. This house will never need to be painted!
R-Board is installed on the exterior of the home to increase energy-efficiency. Self-Helpers and volunteers do this with guidance from the Construction Supervisors.
Doors and windows are set in place at the same time. The Construction Supervisor assists the self-helpers so that this is done correctly.
Licensed electricians rough-in the wiring. Self-helpers assist as they are able.
The licensed plumber comes back to top out the plumbing and install bath and shower units. HVAC ductwork is also being installed.
Installing the insulation is a job for self-helpers and volunteers.
It really looks like a house at this point!
Don't get too anxious to give your landlord notice. The weather can delay you at any time.
Sheetrock can be hung and finished once the insulation is complete. By this time most self-helpers are also mopping the floors to keep the dust down before painting.
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