Government Aid programs- any thoughts or experiences?

[megamania]

About 12 years ago I bought a fixer upper of a house that has not had much work done on it in the prior 30 years of existance. Due to my working 70+ hours a week and not having a great deal of know how on home repairs I find myself in a bad spot.

Last week I contacted a state program that aids in the repairs of houses for people in need. I exceed the income level but they wanted to see what could be done anyway. Someone is coming here on Monday to evaluate the condition.

I have a broken septic wall and there is a lot of water damage. It occured to me that they may have the power to condemn the place on me feeling the costs of repair will exceed the value of the home.

It is too late now but has anyone run into similiar positions? experiences?

 

[CanadienneBacon]

I've got zero experience, but I'll be super curious to hear how your meet-up with the inspector goes. We bought a 120-year-old church in 2006 that we plan to renovate and turn into a home. Eventually. :\

On the plus side, the church still has the original heartwood pine floor, bell in its tower, and all the pews!

 

[megamania]

Here we go-

He pointed out where the leaks were originating which I suspected but didn't know. So now I can try to fx those on my own some time this winter. He fears the level of damage done from this leak. The floor has been repaired at least twice that I know of. He worries about the beams.

He really wants us to fix the chimeny and suppliment wood energy with our oil which I had planned to do next year.

The biggy was the sewer system. July 1 2007 a new state law was passed. Leech tanks / sewer systems are no longer grandfather claused. If they need any repair they must now adhere to current laws. OUCH. I live within 50 ft of a major river and the house is built on a broken rock shelf. If I am lucky, they only need to redirect it in the front yard, expand its area, then bury it in 3 foot of sand then with top soil. boku bucks. If not, it needs to be pumped to another area slightly on an upward incline. MAJOR boku bucks.

He told me of some things to help. Since the bathroom needs major work to get a low water toilet or an "incidenary" toilet (great visuals there) that will help.


He is hoping to get us an estimate soon then to looks to plead in our case with his boss since its obvious we need help and this is more than we can handle otherwise.



otherwise its back to plan B- win the lottery.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

I don't suppose you have a really tragic or inspirational story that might entice the ABC Extreme Home Makeover team to show up and build you a new home? And, no the suffering you have felt at the demise of Dragon and Dungeon is probably not going to cut it.

Good luck to you. Hopefully they can find you some assistance.

 

[jgbrowning]

Is there any possibility of a composting toilet system? I suspect that would be less expensive than fixing/making a new leech system.

joe b.

 

[megamania]

I don't suppose you have a really tragic or inspirational story that might entice the ABC Extreme Home Makeover team to show up and build you a new home? And, no the suffering you have felt at the demise of Dragon and Dungeon is probably not going to cut it.

Good luck to you. Hopefully they can find you some assistance.

Cancer survivor
diabetic
very rough marriage
70+ hours a week working

and a cat that run over by a car............. proberly not enough

 

[megamania]

Is there any possibility of a composting toilet system? I suspect that would be less expensive than fixing/making a new leech system.

joe b.

There was something about frying it electrically........

 

[megamania]

update:

Engineer came by and looked at the place. He hopes to just expand the existing site. May not be so bad afterall.

Next week he will be digging holes in the yard to test soil type and depth.

 

[Tonguez]

A Bio tank system would allow for clean disposal assuming the system is available at your location

 

[megamania]

Not sure what he has in mind. He is recommending moving the leech field area is another spot about 75 feet further away from the house closer to the drive way. More soil will be required to cover it up. He has a State rep looking at it next week.