[StBernard] damage assessment

[Westley Annis]

JY,

These improvements will count and most likely push you over the limit.
Here's a couple of FAQ's directly from FEMA 213 / Answers to Questions About
Substantially Damaged Buildings

24. Q. What happens when a structure is damaged, but not substantially, and
during the repair the owner also makes an addition, rehabilitation or other
improvement to the structure?

A. It is not uncommon for a homeowner who has sustained damage to his/her
structure to decide to simultaneously improve the structure while repairs
are being made. For example, the owner of a building which was 30% damaged
in a flood will, while repairing the damage, have an additional room (30%
improvement) constructed.  Under circumstances where two types of
improvements (e.g., an addition and repair due to damage as given above) are
made to a structure, and the combined total of these improvements is equal
to or greater than 50% of the structure's pre-damage market value, the
structure is considered a substantial improvement.

---

Unfortunately, the booklet I'm quoting doesn't have any other examples other
than adding a new room.  Common sense says you should be ok, but we are
talking FEMA here and not common sense.

Break some items out of your estimate.  You never need a permit for flooring
or cabinet work, so that can always be added "later".  You won't have a FEMA
inspector come to your home, so just do what you need to do, then once you
are back in your home, sit down with your insurance agent and make sure you
don't need to make any changes to your flood policy becaue of improvements.

Westley


-----Original Message-----


Westley, question (or Craig):
What if we are **choosing** to do a few extra things to our house that will
add to the cost?  I.e., I'm going to have a more efficient a/c-heating unit
put in; have already talked to a/c guy about this.  In the kitchen, am going
to replace all kitchen cabinets, adding in a base unit and 2 wall cabinets.
Also, instead of vinyl, was going to tile for kitchen, dining, baths and
laundry room.  Am also going to add insulation to a wall that was part of
garage and then was closed in to make bigger living room.  These will cost
more but it's things we decided to do since everything is gutted, open and
treated.  Also, decided to change out all windows to double-paned windows.
 
As I said before, I checked the parish website/bldg. assessment and our
property shows it has a bldg. rating of 1 and % of damage is 0-1%.
 
Further, as we all know, the costs of products has risen dramatically.  My
neighbor who is a roofer gave me an initial estimate that turned out to be
far below what the roofer who will get the job is charging.  This roofer
said the prices have shot up a good bit.
 
We decided to do this because the opportunity has presented itself.  We're
choosing to make our home better, more energy-efficient.  I don't think
whether this costs us 50% of the pre-K value should be a factor.
 
JY