Housing Repair and Weatherization
The King County Housing Authority Housing Repair and
Weatherization Department arranges low-cost home repair and weatherization
services for qualifying households in King County, outside the city
limits of Seattle. Each year we make sure hundreds of households –
primarily seniors, people with disabilities and families with young
children – have safe and energy-efficient homes. Working with
the household, we identify what work needs to be done, obtain bids
from contractors, approve contracts and monitor contractor performance.
Participating contractors are licensed and bonded.
In support of the Housing Authority’s commitment to environmental
sustainability, the Housing Repair and Weatherization staff takes
a holistic approach to the work we do. We strive to use sustainable
construction methods and materials that help create healthy and comfortable
homes. Department staff uses state-of-the-art technology and methods
to assess the weatherization and indoor air quality needs of homes.
We often provide technical advice to other KCHA departments and other
providers of home improvement services.
Weatherization
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Insulation is installed in the crawl space under a house. |
The Weatherization program, which is free to qualified low-income homeowners and renters, provides energy efficiency and indoor air quality improvements for single-family, multifamily and mobile homes. Typical weatherization improvements may include furnace repairs, installation of mechanical ventilation, installation of insulation and air sealing against drafts. An essential feature of the program is assurance of good air quality.
Weatherization services are also available for owners or managers of multifamily apartment buildings. Most weatherization improvements are grant-funded, requiring no building owner contributions.
The Housing Authority contracts with the Washington State Office of Community Development to provide federal, state and utility financing for weatherization and health and safety improvements that reduce energy bills and improve air quality. KCHA oversees weatherization improvements to more than 400 owner-occupied and rental properties each year.
Weatherization Program Information
Housing Repair
The Housing Repair program allows low-income homeowners to make health
and safety repairs and other improvements to their homes. Typical
repairs include: roof replacement; septic system repair; repair or
replacement of rotted flooring or stairs; plumbing repairs; electrical
repairs; deteriorated structure repair; or accessibility modifications,
such as construction of wheelchair ramps. Homes constructed before
1978 are assessed for lead-based paint hazards, which must be removed
during repairs.
The program offers three different types of assistance depending
on household income: interest-free deferred payment loans, emergency
grants and grants for mobile home repair. Funding is provided by King
County Housing and Community Development and the City of Bellevue.
Housing
Repair Program Information
Contracting Opportunities
Private, licensed contractors perform all of the construction work
done for the Housing Repair and Weatherization programs. We utilize
general and specialty contractors, depending on the type of work to
be done. About $2 million is spent annually on Housing Repair and
Weatherization projects, so a participating contractor can expect
a reasonable amount of work throughout the year.
Contractors can apply to participate in our programs by submitting
information that certifies their qualification for performing home
repairs and/or weatherization services. Documentation includes evidence
of Washington State Contractor’s License, W-9 form, certificates
of insurance and related endorsements and certifications of Safe Work
Practices (if applicable). In addition, contractors are asked to sign
KCHA’s General Conditions.
Housing Repair and Weatherization Contracting Opportunities
Accomplishments
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Contractors perform roof repair on a mobile home. |
Special-Needs Housing Improvements: The Housing
Repair and Weatherization Department has partnered with local nonprofit
organizations that operate special-needs housing for low-income households
to make energy efficiency and structural improvements to that housing.
Combining weatherization funding with other sources of housing rehabilitation
money, the Department has provided energy and structural improvements
for housing managed by Parkview Services, State Operated Living Alternatives,
Mercy Housing Services, Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, Inland
Empire Residential Resources, The Dove House, Downtown Action to Save
Housing (DASH), the Muckleshoot Housing Authority and the Manufactured
Housing Community Preservationists.
White Center Initiative: In partnership with the
City of Seattle and King County, the Housing Repair and Weatherization
Department is bringing home improvement services to low-income households
in the White Center area. Since the establishment in 2002 of the White
Center Initiative – a community revitalization effort –
more than $1.4 million worth of projects, improving more than 400
units of housing have gotten underway.
Housing for Health Committee: Participated with
the Tenants Union, Habitat for Humanity, the Low Income Housing Institute
and the King County departments of Community Development and Public
Health in the Housing for Health Committee, a community-based organization
committed to identifying resources for providing public education
on health issues as they relate to low-income housing.
Water savings pilot program: In partnership with
the King County Department of Natural Resources, the department installed
227 low-flow toilets resulting in a 30 percent reduction of water
usage at an affordable housing complex owned and operated by a nonprofit.