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What We Do

Building a Self-Help House Step by Step

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  • 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.

  • Clear Land

    The house site must be prepared. Usually this involves some dozer work which may be contracted. The self-help family clears the debris.

  • UHDC Construction Supervisors help the families lay out the footing on the ground

  • Next the footing is dug out - and NOT by hand!

  • UHDC Construction Supervisors assist the family prepare for the concrete to be poured.

  • 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.

  • When the insulation is finished, the interior work can really begin. Meanwhile the exterior work is continuing.

  • 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.

  • Finally the brickwork can begin.

  • 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.

  • Interior painting is next and depends on the self-help families and volunteers. Everything will be on hold until this is done.

  • Self-Helpers also do a lot of shopping. Cabinets, vanities, counter tops and hardware all have to be picked out and ordered. The flooring has hopefully already been ordered and is on its way!

  • The flooring usually has to be installed before the cabinets.

  • Cabinets and bathroom vanities are set in place. Then comes the counter tops. Sinks and faucets are installed by the plumber. Self-helpers assist with all of these tasks and keep picking up.

  • Light fixtures are installed as is the heating and air conditioning units. All these things are happening at once and the house is a busy place.

  • Painting and installing the trim is one of the last items on the to do list.

  • The sidewalks and driveway are poured. Now is the time to start working on the yard.

  • It's time to install the appliances and get the house ready for the final inspection. Inspections have been taking place all during construction but this is the one that will "Final" the house and take the self-helper from general contractor to homeowner.

  • Home Sweet Home at last!

Our Community Impact

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