## Chapter 9 Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Vacant Land and Existing Home Inspections and Construction Plan Reviews

#### Overview

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This chapter contains information about Specially     |
| troduction | > Adapted Housing (SAH) vacant land and existing home   |
|            | > inspections and construction plan reviews, including: |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the process for inspection and design               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) vacant land         |
|            |     inspections                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   SAH existing home inspections                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   interviews with the architect and/or contractor     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the cost analysis                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   SAH construction plans                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the inspection schedule and assignment of a         |
|            |     Department of Veterans\                             |
|            |     Affairs (VA) Compliance Inspector, and              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   bid reviews and contract acceptance for SAH cases.  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > This chapter includes the following sections:         |
| ### In thi |                                                         |
| s Chapter  |                                                         |
| {#in-this- |                                                         |
| chapter .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------
  Section    Section Name                                    See Page

  A          Inspection and Design Process                   9-A-1

  B          Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Vacant Land     9-B-1
             Inspections                                     

  C          Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Existing Home   9-C-1
             Inspections                                     

  D          Interviews with the Architect and/or Contractor 9-D-1

  E          The Cost Analysis                               9-E-1

  F          Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Construction    9-F-1
             Plans                                           

  G          Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Inspection      9-G-1
             Schedule and Assignment of a Department of      
             Veterans Affairs (VA) Compliance Inspector      

  H          Bid (Proposal) Reviews and Contract Acceptance  9-H-1
             for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Cases       
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------

## Section A Inspection and Design Process {#section-a-inspection-and-design-process .unnumbered}

#### Overview {#overview-1 .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This section contains information about the           |
| troduction | > inspection and design process.                        |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > This section includes the topic "Process for          |
| ### In thi | > Inspection and Design."                               |
| s Section  |                                                         |
| {#in-this- |                                                         |
| section .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Process for Inspection and Design {#process-for-inspection-and-design .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about the process for |
| troduction | > inspection and design.                                |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-2 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### St   | > This table describes the stages of the inspection and |
| ages of th | > design process.                                       |
| e Inspecti |                                                         |
| on and Des |                                                         |
| ign Proces |                                                         |
| s {#stages |                                                         |
| -of-the-in |                                                         |
| spection-a |                                                         |
| nd-design- |                                                         |
| process .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Stage | Description                                                  |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | The home or site is inspected and feasibility is determined. |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | > The architect and/or contractor are interviewed, and the   |
|       | > Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Builder ID number is   |
|       | > assigned.                                                  |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | The construction plans are reviewed with the veteran and     |
|       | contractor.                                                  |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | > The bids are reviewed, with the veteran, and a contract is |
|       | > accepted.                                                  |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5     | The cost analysis is performed.                              |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 6     | The inspection schedule is created.                          |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 7     | The VA Compliance Inspector (CI) is assigned.                |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8     | The payment voucher for the CI is prepared.                  |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

## Section B Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Vacant Land Inspections {#section-b-specially-adapted-housing-sah-vacant-land-inspections .unnumbered}

#### Overview {#overview-2 .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This section contains information about Specially     |
| troduction | > Adapted Housing (SAH) vacant land inspections,        |
|  {#introdu | > including the procedure for inspecting the vacant     |
| ction-3 .u | > land.                                                 |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > This section includes the topic "Inspecting the       |
| # In this  | > Vacant Land."                                         |
| Section {# |                                                         |
| in-this-se |                                                         |
| ction-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Inspecting the Vacant Land {#inspecting-the-vacant-land .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about inspecting      |
| troduction | > vacant land for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)   |
|  {#introdu | > Grant, including:                                     |
| ction-4 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   the purpose                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to perform                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   documenting the findings                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to inspect the vacant land, and                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to handle the feasibility of the lot.           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > A SAH vacant land inspection is conducted to          |
| Purpose {# | > determine the feasibility of the land for building a  |
| purpose .u | > new home.                                             |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Perform the inspection of the vacant land:            |
| ### When t |                                                         |
| o Perform  | -   upon the veteran's request, or                      |
| {#when-to- |                                                         |
| perform .u | -   at the time of the initial interview with the       |
| nnumbered} |     veteran.                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: The site inspection must occur prior  |
|            |     > to grant approval.                                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Docu | > Document all findings from the vacant land            |
| menting th | > inspection. Findings can be documented on VA *Form    |
| e Findings | > 26-1858,* *Field Review,* or a similar document.      |
|  {#documen |                                                         |
| ting-the-f |                                                         |
| indings .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Inspecting the Vacant Land, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Complete the tasks in the table below to inspect the  |
| ### How to | > vacant land.                                          |
|  Inspect t |                                                         |
| he Vacant  | > ***IMPORTANT***: Clearly explain all observations and |
| Land {#how | > recommendations to the veteran, so that he/she has a  |
| -to-inspec | > clear understanding of the feasibility of the land.   |
| t-the-vaca |                                                         |
| nt-land .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Task | Description                | Rationale                       |
+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| 1    | > Inspect the size and     | The size of the lot must        |
|      | > slope of the lot.        | accommodate the necessary       |
|      |                            | improvements.                   |
|      |                            |                                 |
|      |                            | Although the home may sit on a  |
|      |                            | level area, the driveways and   |
|      |                            | walkways should not exceed a    |
|      |                            | slope of 8%.                    |
+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| 2    | -   Determine if the area  | VA will approve grants for      |
|      |     is in a flood\         | homes built\                    |
|      |     zone, and              | in flood zones. If the new or   |
|      |                            | existing\                       |
|      | -   confirm that the home  | home is in a flood plain,       |
|      |     will not be\           | adaptations\                    |
|      |     located in a hazard    | may be considered. The veteran  |
|      |     area by\               | will provide evidence that      |
|      |     researching available  | he/she purchased flood          |
|      |     Federal\               | insurance if the home is in the |
|      |     Emergency Management   | 100-year flood plain.           |
|      |     Agency\                |                                 |
|      |     (FEMA) Special Flood   |                                 |
|      |     Area maps\             |                                 |
|      |     or via the Internet    |                                 |
|      |     at\                    |                                 |
|      |     <http://www.fema.gov/> |                                 |
+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| 3    | Obtain information from    | > Zoning may affect the type of |
|      | local authorities          | > design of construction, use,  |
|      | regarding the zoning       | > or if a residential property  |
|      | restrictions for the site  | > can be constructed.           |
|      | or property.               |                                 |
+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| 4    | > Obtain information about | > Some associations may         |
|      | > whether or not the       | > restrict exterior styles of   |
|      | > property has any         | > the home if the style is      |
|      | > homeowner association    | > different from the other      |
|      | > restrictions.            | > homes in the area. However,   |
|      |                            | > these restrictions are not    |
|      |                            | > enforceable under Federal     |
|      |                            | > Statute (i.e. Fair Housing    |
|      |                            | > Act -- 1988)                  |
|      |                            |                                 |
|      |                            | > ***Example***: Ramps/carports |
|      |                            | > may not be allowed.           |
+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Inspecting the Vacant Land, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  How to Inspect the Vacant Land (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Task | Description                | Rationale                       |
+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| 5    | Inspect the vegetation of  | > Lush vegetation can be a sign |
|      | the site, including any    | > of high water table. A high   |
|      | trees on the property.     | > water table could restrict:   |
|      |                            |                                 |
|      |                            | -   the type of construction,   |
|      |                            |     and                         |
|      |                            |                                 |
|      |                            | -   whether or not a septic     |
|      |                            |     system can be\              |
|      |                            |     installed because a high    |
|      |                            |     water table may\            |
|      |                            |     indicate a potential        |
|      |                            |     drainage\                   |
|      |                            |     problem.                    |
|      |                            |                                 |
|      |                            |     A dense tree population on  |
|      |                            |     the property could cause    |
|      |                            |     problems for construction   |
|      |                            |     of the foundation and       |
|      |                            |     driveway/walkway. Tree      |
|      |                            |     removal can also add        |
|      |                            |     additional cost to the      |
|      |                            |     project.                    |
+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| 6    | > Consider the area's      | The area's amenities increase   |
|      | > amenities, including:    | the veteran's security and      |
|      |                            | quality of life.                |
|      | -   emergency (police,     |                                 |
|      |     fire, etc.)            | It is important that the        |
|      |                            | veteran have unrestricted       |
|      | -   medical facilities     | access to his/her property.     |
|      |                            | Undeveloped roads, unstable     |
|      | -   transportation (cabs,  | surfaces, high water crossings, |
|      |     buses, etc.),\         | bridges, etc. can restrict      |
|      |     and                    | access not only to the veteran, |
|      |                            | but also to emergency vehicles. |
|      | -   other services.        |                                 |
+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| 7    | > Consider any negative    | > Excessive deterioration of    |
|      | > physical and economic    | > surrounding properties,       |
|      | > conditions of the area.  | > streets, and other amenities  |
|      |                            | > can indicate:                 |
|      |                            |                                 |
|      |                            | -   unsafe areas                |
|      |                            |                                 |
|      |                            | -   higher crime                |
|      |                            |                                 |
|      |                            | -   reduced services, and       |
|      |                            |                                 |
|      |                            | -   changing economic           |
|      |                            |     conditions.                 |
+------+----------------------------+---------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Inspecting the Vacant Land, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > To handle the feasibility of the lot:                 |
| ### How to |                                                         |
|  Handle th | -   document that the land is or is not feasible on VA  |
| e Feasibil |     *Form 26-1858,* *Field\                             |
| ity of the |     Review,* or similar document                        |
|  Lot {#how |                                                         |
| -to-handle | -   notify the veteran (by phone or letter) as to       |
| -the-feasi |     whether or not the land is\                         |
| bility-of- |     feasible for construction of the SAH home, and      |
| the-lot .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   document the file by                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   making a copy of the letter, or                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   including a report of the telephone conversation    |
|            |     with the veteran, and                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   including pictures of the site.                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

## Section C Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Existing Home Inspections

#### Overview

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This section contains information about Specially     |
| troduction | > Adapted Housing (SAH) existing home inspections,      |
|            | > including the procedure for performing the            |
|            | > inspection.                                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > This section includes the following topics:           |
| #### In th |                                                         |
| is Section |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic      Topic Name                                      See Page

  1          General Information About Existing Home         9-C-2
             Inspections                                     

  2          Inspecting the Existing Home                    9-C-4
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------

#### General Information About Existing Home Inspections

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about existing home   |
| troduction | > inspections, including:                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the purpose                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   considerations for the                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   veteran and the veteran's family, and               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   veteran's future needs                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   exterior items to inspect, and                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   interior items to inspect.                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pu   | > An existing home is inspected to verify that all      |
| rpose {#pu | > Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Minimum Property      |
| rpose-1 .u | > Requirements (MPRs) are present or can feasibly be    |
| nnumbered} | > installed, including additions.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > When conducting an inspection of an existing home, be |
| ## Conside | > aware of the needs of the veteran and other family    |
| rations fo | > members. Common rooms, such as living room, kitchen,  |
| r the Vete | > and bathrooms, should be designed to accommodate the  |
| ran and Ve | > entire family.                                        |
| teran's Fa |                                                         |
| mily {#con |                                                         |
| sideration |                                                         |
| s-for-the- |                                                         |
| veteran-an |                                                         |
| d-veterans |                                                         |
| -family .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Cons | > When conducting an inspection of an existing home,    |
| iderations | > consider whether or not the modifications determined  |
|  for the F | > for the house will meet the veteran's future needs    |
| uture {#co | > and abilities. Some thought should be given to how    |
| nsideratio | > the home will accommodate the veteran should his/her  |
| ns-for-the | > condition deteriorate.                                |
| -future .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > When performing an inspection of the existing home's  |
| ### Exteri | > exterior, check for acceptability or the feasibility  |
| or Items t | > of the installation of the following items:           |
| o Inspect  |                                                         |
| {#exterior | -   topography of the housing site                      |
| -items-to- |                                                         |
| inspect .u | -   ramps and handrails                                 |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   doors                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   walkways, and                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a garage or carport.                                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

General Information About Existing Home Inspections, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > When performing an inspection of the existing home's  |
| ### Interi | > interior, the following items are inspected:          |
| or Items t |                                                         |
| o Inspect  | -   bathroom(s)                                         |
| {#interior |                                                         |
| -items-to- | -   doors and windows                                   |
| inspect .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   bedroom(s)                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   hallways                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   flooring                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   kitchen                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   electrical service, heating, and air conditioning,  |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   overall accessibility of the home, especially       |
|            |     ingress/egress.                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     ***Note:*** The SAH agent should pay particular     |
|            |     attention to thresholds throughout the home.        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Inspecting the Existing Home {#inspecting-the-existing-home .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about inspecting the  |
| troduction | > existing home for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) |
|  {#introdu | > Grant, including:                                     |
| ction-7 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   when to perform                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   documenting the findings                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to inspect the                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   exterior of the home, and                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   interior of the home, and                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   how to handle the feasibility of the existing home. |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Perform the inspection of the existing home:          |
| # When to  |                                                         |
| Perform {# | -   on the veteran's request, or                        |
| when-to-pe |                                                         |
| rform-1 .u | -   at the time of the initial interview with the       |
| nnumbered} |     veteran.                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: The existing home inspection must     |
|            |     > occur prior to grant approval.                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Document all findings from the existing home          |
| ### Docume | > inspection on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)     |
| nting the  | > *Form 26-1858,* *Field Review,* or a similar document |
| Findings { | > and include pictures for the grant file.              |
| #documenti |                                                         |
| ng-the-fin |                                                         |
| dings-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Inspecting the Existing Home, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### How  | > Complete the tasks in the table below to inspect the  |
| to Inspect | > exterior of the existing home. Consideration must be  |
|  the Exter | > given to the overall physical condition of the home.  |
| ior of the | > Extensive deferred maintenance may cause the          |
|  Home {#ho | > adaptation of the home to be non-feasible.            |
| w-to-inspe |                                                         |
| ct-the-ext | > ***IMPORTANT***: Clearly explain all observations and |
| erior-of-t | > recommendations to the veteran, so that he/she has a  |
| he-home .u | > clear understanding of the feasibility of the home.   |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information about           |
|            | > inspecting the exterior of the home, see Chapter 7,   |
|            | > "Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Minimum Property     |
|            | > Requirements (MPRs)."                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------+-------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Task | Description             | Rationale                          |
+------+-------------------------+------------------------------------+
| 1    | Inspect the exterior    | Consider if items such as special  |
|      | topography of the home  | walkways and additional ramps are: |
|      | site.                   |                                    |
|      |                         | -   necessary, or                  |
|      |                         |                                    |
|      |                         | -   feasible to install.           |
|      |                         |                                    |
|      |                         |     The topography should not      |
|      |                         |     allow a ramp or driveway to    |
|      |                         |     exceed a slope of 8%.          |
+------+-------------------------+------------------------------------+
| 2    | Inspect existing ramps  | Existing ramps and handrails must  |
|      | and handrails.          | comply with SAH Minimum Property   |
|      |                         | Requirements (MPRs). If these      |
|      |                         | items do not comply, they must be  |
|      |                         | corrected to meet the              |
|      |                         | requirements.                      |
|      |                         |                                    |
|      |                         | Restrictions for these             |
|      |                         | improvements may exist. Verify     |
|      |                         | deed, homeowners association       |
|      |                         | restrictions, and local building   |
|      |                         | code requirements to determine if  |
|      |                         | improvements can be made.          |
+------+-------------------------+------------------------------------+
| 3    | Review the means of     | All exterior doorways must be a    |
|      | ingress and egress      | minimum of 36 inches wide with a   |
|      | through exterior doors. | maximum threshold height of ½      |
|      |                         | inch.                              |
+------+-------------------------+------------------------------------+
| 4    | Inspect existing        | All existing walkways must be a    |
|      | walkways.               | minimum of 42 inches wide.         |
|      |                         |                                    |
|      |                         | ***Note***: It is recommended that |
|      |                         | all sidewalks be widened to 48     |
|      |                         | inches with no 90° turns without a |
|      |                         | 5-foot turn radius.                |
+------+-------------------------+------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Inspecting the Existing Home, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  How to Inspect the Exterior of the Home (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+------+-------------------------+------------------------------------+
| **Ta | **Description**         | **Rationale**                      |
| sk** |                         |                                    |
+------+-------------------------+------------------------------------+
| 5    | Inspect the existing    | Veterans should have enough free   |
|      | garage or carport.      | area in the garage or carport to:  |
|      |                         |                                    |
|      |                         | -   include a minimum of 5 feet    |
|      |                         |     unrestricted,\                 |
|      |                         |     wheelchair maneuverability on  |
|      |                         |     at least 1\                    |
|      |                         |     side of the vehicle(s)         |
|      |                         |                                    |
|      |                         | -   accommodate the veteran's      |
|      |                         |     specially\                     |
|      |                         |     equipped vehicle (for example, |
|      |                         |     an 8-foot\                     |
|      |                         |     overhead door height instead   |
|      |                         |     of a 7-foot\                   |
|      |                         |     overhead door height, or       |
|      |                         |     sufficient room for\           |
|      |                         |     a wheelchair lift dropdown     |
|      |                         |     platform), and                 |
|      |                         |                                    |
|      |                         | -   accommodate the need for a     |
|      |                         |     ramp.                          |
+------+-------------------------+------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### How  | > Complete the tasks in the table below to inspect the  |
| to Inspect | > interior of the existing home.                        |
|  the Inter |                                                         |
| ior of the | > ***IMPORTANT***: Clearly explain all observations and |
|  Home {#ho | > recommendations to the veteran, so that he/she has a  |
| w-to-inspe | > clear understanding of the feasibility of the home.   |
| ct-the-int |                                                         |
| erior-of-t | > ***Reference***: For more information about           |
| he-home .u | > inspecting the interior of the home, see Chapter 7,   |
| nnumbered} | > "Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Minimum Property     |
|            | > Requirements (MPRs)."                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ------- ------------------------------ --------------------------------
  Task    Description                    Rationale

  1       Inspect the bathroom.          The bathroom must have adequate
                                         space to maneuver a wheelchair
                                         with placement of all fixtures
                                         permitting the veteran unimpeded
                                         access.
  ------- ------------------------------ --------------------------------

Continued on next page

Inspecting the Existing Home, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  How to Inspect the Interior of the Home (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+
| Task | Description                   | Rationale                    |
+------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+
| 2    | Inspect all:                  | Interior doors for homes     |
|      |                               | must be a minimum width of   |
|      | -   interior passageway       | 32 inches.                   |
|      |     doors, and                |                              |
|      |                               | Windows must be accessible   |
|      | -   windows.                  | from the wheelchair.         |
|      |                               | However, there are instances |
|      |                               | when a window will not need  |
|      |                               | to be accessible to the      |
|      |                               | veteran.                     |
|      |                               |                              |
|      |                               | ***Example***: A window      |
|      |                               | above a tub or sink does not |
|      |                               | need to be accessible to the |
|      |                               | veteran.                     |
+------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+
| 3    | > Inspect the bedroom, and    | The veteran must have        |
|      | > consider any items that can | complete access to the room, |
|      | > accommodate the veteran,    | closets, doors, and windows, |
|      | > such as items that:         | as well as other items       |
|      |                               | contained in the room.       |
|      | -   have been added to the    |                              |
|      |     rooms, or                 |                              |
|      |                               |                              |
|      | -   need to be added to the   |                              |
|      |     room (such as handrails). |                              |
+------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+
| 4    | Inspect all hallways.         | Hallways must be a minimum   |
|      |                               | width of 42 inches.          |
+------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+
| 5    | Inspect the type and          | Thought must be given to the |
|      | condition of flooring (tile,  | best flooring to allow the   |
|      | vinyl, carpet, and wood).     | veteran mobility throughout  |
|      |                               | the home. No flooring can    |
|      |                               | impede the maneuverability   |
|      |                               | of the veteran in the        |
|      |                               | wheelchair. If carpet is     |
|      |                               | used, it must be low pile    |
|      |                               | and closely woven. The       |
|      |                               | carpet pad must have the     |
|      |                               | ability to withstand         |
|      |                               | constant wheelchair use.     |
+------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Inspecting the Existing Home, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  How to Inspect the Interior of the Home (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Task | Description                  | Rationale                      |
+------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| 6    | -   Inspect the kitchen for  | The kitchen must have adequate |
|      |     its working\             | space to maneuver a wheelchair |
|      |     condition and utility to | with placement of all fixtures |
|      |     the veteran;             | permitting the veteran         |
|      |                              | unimpeded access.              |
|      | -   Look for opportunities   |                                |
|      |     to make the\             |                                |
|      |     kitchen user-friendly    |                                |
|      |     for the\                 |                                |
|      |     veteran; and             |                                |
|      |                              |                                |
|      | -   Identify the remodeling  |                                |
|      |     that may                 |                                |
|      |                              |                                |
|      | > be necessary.              |                                |
+------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| 7    | Inspect the home for         | Electrical service must be     |
|      | electrical service, heat,    | adequate for current and       |
|      | and/or air conditioning.     | future usage.                  |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              | Heat and/or air conditioning   |
|      |                              | must be adequate to meet the   |
|      |                              | veteran's needs.               |
+------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| 8    | Inspect the home to identify | The veteran must be provided   |
|      | any obstacles or             | with unimpeded access to the   |
|      | obstructions that keep the   | entire home, especially common |
|      | veteran from accessing       | rooms, including the:          |
|      | rooms.                       |                                |
|      |                              | -   family room                |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              | -   living room, and           |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              | -   kitchen.                   |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              |     In some cases, doorways    |
|      |                              |     may need to be widened to  |
|      |                              |     accommodate the veteran's  |
|      |                              |     wheelchair.                |
+------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| 9    | Provide interior sketch of   | In all cases, interior sketch  |
|      | the veteran's home.          | (including dimensions) must    |
|      |                              | include:                       |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              | -   interior walls             |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              | -   hallway widths             |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              | -   door locations             |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              | -   doorway widths             |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              | -   room identification, and   |
|      |                              |                                |
|      |                              | -   plumbing fixture           |
|      |                              |     locations.                 |
+------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Inspecting the Existing Home, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > To handle the feasibility of the existing home:       |
| ### How to |                                                         |
|  Handle th | -   document that the site is or is not feasible on *VA |
| e Feasibil |     Form 26-1858,* *Field\                              |
| ity of the |     Review,* or a similar document                      |
|  Existing  |                                                         |
| Home {#how | -   notify the veteran (by phone or letter) as to       |
| -to-handle |     whether or not the existing\                        |
| -the-feasi |     home is feasible, and                               |
| bility-of- |                                                         |
| the-existi | -   document the file by                                |
| ng-home .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   making a copy of the letter, or                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   including a report of the telephone conversation    |
|            |     with the veteran.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

## Section D Interviews with the Architect and/or Contractor

#### Overview

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This section contains information about interviews    |
| troduction | > with the architect and/or contractor, including:      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   interviewing the architect and/or contractor, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   confirming the assignment of the Builder            |
|            |     Identification (ID) number.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > This section includes the following topics:           |
| # In this  |                                                         |
| Section {# |                                                         |
| in-this-se |                                                         |
| ction-3 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic      Topic Name                                      See Page

  1          Interviewing the Architect and/or Contractor    9-D-2

  2          Confirming the Assignment of the Department of  9-D-6
             Veterans Affairs (VA) Builder Identification    
             (ID) Number                                     
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------

#### Interviewing the Architect and/or Contractor {#interviewing-the-architect-andor-contractor .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about interviewing    |
| troduction | > the architect and/or contractor, including:           |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-9 .u | -   the purpose                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   when to perform                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   method of the interview                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   subjects to discuss, and                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to interview the architect and/or contractor.   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pu   | > The purpose of conducting a personal interview with   |
| rpose {#pu | > the architect and/or contractor selected for the      |
| rpose-2 .u | > project is to:                                        |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   clarify the role of the Department of Veterans      |
|            |     Affairs (VA) in the project                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   clarify the needs of the veteran and how those      |
|            |     needs apply to the project                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establish a relationship with the architect and/or  |
|            |     contractor                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establish requirements and expectations for the     |
|            |     project                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   provide a complete understanding of the Grant       |
|            |     Program, requirements,\                             |
|            |     adaptations, and procedures                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   allow the architect and/or contractor to ask        |
|            |     questions about the Specially\                      |
|            |     Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program, and            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establish a team approach to the adaptive design of |
|            |     the veteran's home.                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Perform the interview with the architect and/or       |
| # When to  | > contractor prior to execution of the construction     |
| Perform {# | > contract.                                             |
| when-to-pe |                                                         |
| rform-2 .u | > ***Reference***: For more information about the       |
| nnumbered} | > construction contract, see Chapter 9, Section H, "Bid |
|            | > (Proposal) Reviews and Contract Acceptance for        |
|            | > Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Cases."               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Interviewing the Architect and/or Contractor, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Me   | > When meeting with the architect and/or contractor, it |
| thod of th | > is best to conduct a face-to-face interview. A phone  |
| e Intervie | > interview is acceptable, but must be documented in    |
| w {#method | > the grant file.                                       |
| -of-the-in |                                                         |
| terview .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Subj | > The table below describes the subjects to discuss     |
| ects to Di | > during the interview with the architect and/or        |
| scuss {#su | > contractor.                                           |
| bjects-to- |                                                         |
| discuss .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Subject                          | Reference                         |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| VA's participation in the        | \-\--                             |
| project                          |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| > Veteran's needs, and physical  | See Chapter 8, Section A,         |
| > and mental abilities.          | "Conducting Veteran Interviews."  |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Inclusion of Minimum Property    | See Chapter 7, "Specially Adapted |
| Requirements (MPRs) and other    | Housing (SAH) Minimum Property    |
| planning considerations.         | Requirements (MPRs)."             |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Items required on the design or  | See Chapter 9, Section G, "The    |
| construction plans.              | Inspection Schedule and           |
|                                  | Assignment of a Department of     |
|                                  | Veterans Affairs (VA) Compliance  |
|                                  | Inspector."                       |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Number of plan sets and exhibits | See Chapter 9, Section F,         |
| (description of materials,       | "General Information About        |
| certifications, etc.) to         | Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)   |
| produce.                         | Construction Plans."              |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Procedure for changes and        | See Chapter 9, Section F,         |
| omissions to plans.              | "Handling Changes after Plan      |
|                                  | Approval."                        |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| VA compliance inspections.       | See Chapter 13, "Escrows, Escrow  |
|                                  | Agents, Compliance Inspection     |
|                                  | Reports and the Authorization of  |
|                                  | Funds."                           |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Escrow agreement and             | See Chapter 13, "Escrows, Escrow  |
| disbursement schedule.           | Agents, Compliance Inspection     |
|                                  | Reports, and the Authorization of |
|                                  | Funds."                           |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Interviewing the Architect and/or Contractor, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Subjects to Discuss (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Subject                          | Reference:                        |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Warranties.                      | See:                              |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   local and State warranty\     |
|                                  |     requirements                  |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   *VA Form 26-1859*, and        |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   HUD approved 10-year          |
|                                  |     warranty\                     |
|                                  |     programs.                     |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  |     ***Note***: 3 VA compliance   |
|                                  |     inspections are required      |
|                                  |     regardless of the type of     |
|                                  |     warranty.                     |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### H    | > Follow the steps in the table below to conduct the    |
| ow to Inte | > interview with the architect and/or contractor.       |
| rview the  |                                                         |
| Architect  | > ***IMPORTANT***: During the initial interview with    |
| and/or Con | > the architect and/or contractor, take thorough notes, |
| tractor {# | > including descriptions of:                            |
| how-to-int |                                                         |
| erview-the | -   dimensions                                          |
| -architect |                                                         |
| -andor-con | -   materials to be used, and                           |
| tractor .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   products to be installed.                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | > Conduct preliminary introductions, and provide a brief     |
|       | > explanation of the SAH Grant Program and program           |
|       | > requirements.                                              |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Ask the contractor if he/she has a VA Builder ID number,     |
|       | professional and state license, and if necessary, provide    |
|       | the Builder Participation Forms.                             |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | Ask the architect and/or contractor if he/she has questions. |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Interviewing the Architect and/or Contractor, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  How to Interview the Architect and/or\
  Contractor (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | Provide the architect and/or contractor with:                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   *VA Pamphlet 26-13*, *The SAH Handbook for Design,* to\  |
|       |     familiarize him/her with the needs required by most      |
|       |     disabled\                                                |
|       |     veterans, and                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   a list of MPRs.                                          |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5     | If the project is a:                                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   remodeling project, walk around the home, room-by-room,  |
|       |     and\                                                     |
|       |     discuss the MPRs for each room, or                       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   proposed construction project, discuss the MPRs for each |
|       |     room\                                                    |
|       |     in the home.                                             |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 6     | Advise the architect and/or contractor that the MPRs must be |
|       | illustrated on the plans and described in the specification  |
|       | sheet.                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 7     | Discuss the remaining items in "Subjects to Discuss" earlier |
|       | in this topic.                                               |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8     | Document the interview in the grant file.                    |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

#### Confirming the Assignment of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Builder Identification (ID) Number {#confirming-the-assignment-of-the-department-of-veterans-affairs-va-builder-identification-id-number .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about confirming the  |
| roduction  | > assignment of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| {#introduc | > Builder ID number, including:                         |
| tion-10 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   a description                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the purpose, and                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to confirm the assignment of the VA Builder ID  |
|            |     number.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The ***VA Builder ID number*** is a 4-digit numeric   |
| # Descript | > code which:                                           |
| ion {#desc |                                                         |
| ription .u | -   is assigned by the Regional Loan Center (RLC)       |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   is entered into Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)/The |
|            |     Appraisal System\                                   |
|            |     (TAS)                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   identifies the contractor, and                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   provides the contractor's company information.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pu   | > The VA Builder ID number indicates that the required  |
| rpose {#pu | > documents from the contractor have been presented and |
| rpose-3 .u | > accepted by the VA office having jurisdiction over    |
| nnumbered} | > the State where the contractor works.                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Ho   | Use SAH/TAS to determine if the contractor has a VA     |
| w to Confi | Builder ID number.                                      |
| rm Assignm |                                                         |
| ent of the | > ***Reference***: For more information about           |
|  VA Builde | > determining if the contractor has a VA Builder ID     |
| r ID Numbe | > number, see the *SAH/TAS Help link in SAH/TAS*.       |
| r {#how-to |                                                         |
| -confirm-a |                                                         |
| ssignment- |                                                         |
| of-the-va- |                                                         |
| builder-id |                                                         |
| -number .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

## Section E The Cost Analysis {#section-e-the-cost-analysis .unnumbered}

#### Overview {#overview-5 .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This section contains information about the cost      |
| roduction  | > analysis, including:                                  |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-11 .u | -   general information about the cost analysis, and    |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   performing the cost analysis.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > This section includes the following topics:           |
| # In this  |                                                         |
| Section {# |                                                         |
| in-this-se |                                                         |
| ction-4 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic      Topic Name                                      See Page

  1          General Information About the Cost Analysis     9-E-2

  2          Performing the Cost Analysis                    9-E-5
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------

#### General Information About the Cost Analysis {#general-information-about-the-cost-analysis .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about the cost        |
| roduction  | > analysis, including:                                  |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-12 .u | -   purpose                                             |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   types of costs                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   cost-estimating tools and guides                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acceptable      |
|            |     nationwide resources for\                           |
|            |     cost-estimating                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   resources for product and cost-estimates, and       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   challenges with cost-estimation.                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pu   | > A cost analysis helps to determine if the             |
| rpose {#pu | > construction contract is appropriate for the type of  |
| rpose-4 .u | > project.                                              |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Type | > The types of costs to consider include:               |
| s of Costs |                                                         |
|  {#types-o | -   material                                            |
| f-costs .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   labor                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   overhead                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   job conditions                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   remodeling work, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   subcontractors.                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > On-the-job experience provides the best               |
| Cost-Estim | > cost-estimating knowledge. However, many              |
| ating Tool | > cost-estimating tools and guides are available for    |
| s and Guid | > assistance. However, contractors, architects, and     |
| es {#cost- | > estimators in the construction industry use           |
| estimating | > cost-estimating tools (Marshall & Swift, Boeck's,     |
| -tools-and | > etc.) and guides because they provide an accurate     |
| -guides .u | > means of estimating project costs.                    |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

General Information About the Cost Analysis, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The Marshall & Swift Cost Estimator, a software       |
| # Acceptab | > application, is a cost-estimating tool that can be    |
| le Nationw | > used by Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) agents in the |
| ide Softwa | > field. It is available nationwide at                  |
| re Applica | > <http://www.swiftestimator.com/>. This resource       |
| tion Resou | > provides a cost breakdown by:                         |
| rce for Co |                                                         |
| st Estimat | -   square foot                                         |
| ing {#acce |                                                         |
| ptable-nat | -   quality, and                                        |
| ionwide-so |                                                         |
| ftware-app | -   location.                                           |
| lication-r |                                                         |
| esource-fo |                                                         |
| r-cost-est |                                                         |
| imating .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Resources for product and cost-estimates include:     |
| ### Resour |                                                         |
| ces for Pr | -   builders associations                               |
| oduct and  |                                                         |
| Cost-Estim | -   seminars                                            |
| ates {#res |                                                         |
| ources-for | -   suppliers (retail and wholesale)                    |
| -product-a |                                                         |
| nd-cost-es | -   manufacturers                                       |
| timates .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   tradesmen                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   contractors, and                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the Internet.                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The Internet serves as an excellent       |
|            | > source of comparative cost and product information.   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

General Information About the Cost Analysis, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > Cost-estimating is one of the most difficult parts of |
| hallenges  | > the grant process because:                            |
| with Cost- |                                                         |
| Estimation | -   every project is different                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the needs of each veteran are unique                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   conditions under which jobs are performed in the    |
|            |     building trades are\                                |
|            |     variable                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   there is a lot of room for interpretation between   |
|            |     contractors regarding\                              |
|            |     costs for particular work                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   cost changes occur frequently and are not always    |
|            |     consistent with general\                            |
|            |     economic conditions in an area, despite the fact    |
|            |     that building costs\                                |
|            |     throughout the United States and Canada are         |
|            |     monitored, and                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   remodeling work may involve                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   hidden problems (termite or water damage,           |
|            |     structural damage,\                                 |
|            |     foundation defects, etc.), resulting in additional  |
|            |     costs, and                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   inherent structural and site limitations, providing |
|            |     less flexibility in\                                |
|            |     design and use of materials.                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***IMPORTANT***: Regardless of the variables, every   |
|            | > effort should be made to provide the veteran with the |
|            | > most accurate cost information.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Performing the Cost Analysis

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about performing the  |
| troduction | > cost analysis, including:                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the purpose                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to perform                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   contractor's cost breakdown                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   appraiser's cost analysis                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   documenting the findings                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to perform the cost analysis, and               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when the cost analysis shows overcharging by a      |
|            |     contractor.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pu   | > The cost analysis assures that the contractor is not  |
| rpose {#pu | > overcharging on the project.                          |
| rpose-5 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Perform the cost analysis after receiving the:        |
| # When to  |                                                         |
| Perform {# | -   construction contract                               |
| when-to-pe |                                                         |
| rform-3 .u | -   plans, and                                          |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   specifications.                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The contractor can provide an itemized cost           |
|  Contracto | > breakdown, in lieu of the cost analysis by the        |
| r's Cost B | > Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) agent, but the cost   |
| reakdown { | > breakdown must be reviewed and accepted by the        |
| #contracto | > Valuation Officer or designee as a justified cost for |
| rs-cost-br | > the project. The itemized cost breakdown must be      |
| eakdown .u | > provided for all remodeling cases.                    |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The appraiser's cost analysis is accepted if it is    |
| #### Appra | > completed by an acceptable cost estimating resource.  |
| iser's Cos |                                                         |
| t Analysis | > ***IMPORTANT***: The cost analysis of the Uniform     |
|  {#apprais | > Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) is *not*          |
| ers-cost-a | > acceptable without supporting documentation from a    |
| nalysis .u | > Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acceptable        |
| nnumbered} | > cost-estimating resource.                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Performing the Cost Analysis, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Document the costs on the appropriate form that       |
| ### Where  | > accompanies the resource used to perform the cost     |
| to Documen | > analysis.                                             |
| t the Find |                                                         |
| ings {#whe |                                                         |
| re-to-docu |                                                         |
| ment-the-f |                                                         |
| indings .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Follow the steps in the table below to perform the    |
| How to Per | > cost analysis.                                        |
| form the C |                                                         |
| ost Analys |                                                         |
| is {#how-t |                                                         |
| o-perform- |                                                         |
| the-cost-a |                                                         |
| nalysis .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Review the plans and specifications for:                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   size                                                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   quality, and                                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   materials.                                               |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Use the project specifications to check the cost-estimating  |
|       | resources.                                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | Obtain verification of cost from a specialty supplier for    |
|       | any special equipment.                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | Document the grant file by including a completed cost        |
|       | estimate.                                                    |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > When the cost analysis shows significant overcharging |
| When the C | > by a contractor:                                      |
| ost Analys |                                                         |
| is Shows O | -   notify the veteran by letter                        |
| verchargin |                                                         |
| g by a Con | -   file a copy of the letter to the grant file, and    |
| tractor {# |                                                         |
| when-the-c | -   obtain a written statement from the veteran         |
| ost-analys |                                                         |
| is-shows-o | ```{=html}                                              |
| verchargin | <!-- -->                                                |
| g-by-a-con | ```                                                     |
| tractor .u | -   acknowledging the disparity                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   acknowledging if he/she wants to continue with the  |
|            |     project, and                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   verifying the source of funds (loan, savings, etc.) |
|            |     beyond the\                                         |
|            |     maximum grant amount.                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

## Section F Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Construction Plans

#### Overview

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This section contains information about Specially     |
| troduction | > Adapted Housing (SAH) construction plans, including:  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   general information about SAH construction plans    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   building code requirements                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   obtaining the SAH construction plans and required   |
|            |     certifications                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *VA Form 26-1852*, *Description of Materials*       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   plot and foundation plans                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   floor and wall plans                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   exterior and interior elevation plans               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   other required SAH exhibits and certifications      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reviewing the SAH construction plans for new        |
|            |     construction cases                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reviewing the SAH construction plans for remodeling |
|            |     cases, and                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling plan inaccuracies, changes, and omissions. |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > This section includes the following topics:           |
| # In this  |                                                         |
| Section {# |                                                         |
| in-this-se |                                                         |
| ction-5 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic      Topic Name                                      See Page

  1          General Information About Specially Adapted     9-F-2
             Housing (SAH) Construction Plans                

  2          Building Code Requirements                      9-F-5

  3          Obtaining the SAH Construction Plans and        9-F-6
             Required Certifications                         

  4          VA Form 26-1852, Description of Materials       9-F-7

  5          Plot and Foundation Plans                       9-F-8

  6          Floor and Wall Plans                            9-F-10

  7          Exterior and Interior Elevation Plans           9-F-11

  8          Other Required SAH Exhibits and Certifications  9-F-13

  9          Reviewing the SAH Construction Plans for        9-F-15
             Proposed Construction and Remodeling            

  10         Handling Changes After Plan Approval            9-F-17
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------

#### General Information About Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Construction Plans {#general-information-about-specially-adapted-housing-sah-construction-plans .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about Specially       |
| roduction  | > Adapted Housing (SAH) construction plan requirements, |
| {#introduc | > including:                                            |
| tion-15 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   an important note                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when plans are drawn                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   number of copies                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   recipients, and                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   components of the plans.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### IMPO | > Never assume that all parties know what is to be      |
| RTANT {#im | > built and included, regardless of any verbal          |
| portant .u | > assurances. Unless specified in writing, work is not  |
| nnumbered} | > required to be completed or installed; therefore,     |
|            | > documentation is critical.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The architect and/or contractor draws up a set of     |
| ### When P | > construction plans after:                             |
| lans Are D |                                                         |
| rawn {#whe | -   reviewing *VA Pamphlet 26-13 Handbook for Design*   |
| n-plans-ar |                                                         |
| e-drawn .u | ```{=html}                                              |
| nnumbered} | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   SAH agent and the architect and/or contractor have  |
|            |     discussed                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   how the Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) will   |
|            |     be met, and                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   other planning considerations, and                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   architect and/or contractor have gathered all the   |
|            |     needed information.                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > For cases that involve proposed construction or room  |
| # Number o | > additions, four plan sets are required. If the        |
| f Copies { | > veteran has a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)     |
| #number-of | > home loan, a fifth set is required for VA.            |
| -copies .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | > ***Exception***: The fifth set of plans is not        |
|            | > required for veterans with conventional home loans.   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

General Information About Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Construction
Plans, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The following individuals should receive a copy of    |
| ### Recipi | > the plans:                                            |
| ents {#rec |                                                         |
| ipients .u | -   SAH agent                                           |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   contractor                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   veteran, and                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   VA-assigned Compliance Inspector (CI).              |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: The SAH agent's set of the approved   |
|            |     > plans is filed in the grant file.                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Reference***: For more information about the   |
|            |     > requirement for filing one set of plans in the    |
|            |     > grant file, see M26-9: "Quality Control           |
|            |     > Procedures, Loan Guaranty Operations."            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Co   | > The table below lists the components that need to be  |
| mponents o | > included when the architect and/or contractor draws   |
| f the Plan | > up a set of construction plans.                       |
| s {#compon |                                                         |
| ents-of-th |                                                         |
| e-plans .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  --------------------------------- -------------------------------------
  Component                         Reference

  *VA Form 26-1852, Description of  See "VA Form 26-1852, Description of
  Materials*                        Materials" later in this section.

  Plot and Foundation plans         See "Plot and Foundation Plans" later
                                    in this section.

  Floor levels/floor plans          See "Floor and Wall Plans" later in
                                    this section.

  Wall detail                       See "Floor and Wall Plans" later in
                                    this section.

  Interior/exterior elevations      See "Exterior and Interior Elevation
                                    Plans" later in this section.

  Other required exhibits and       See "Other Required SAH Exhibits and
  certifications                    Certifications" later in this
                                    section.
  --------------------------------- -------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Notes***:                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   For remodeling cases, with a proposed addition, all items above   |
|     are\                                                              |
|     required.                                                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   If only remodeling is involved, then the floor plan where the     |
|     veteran will\                                                     |
|     reside, must be submitted. The layout and dimensions of all rooms |
|     of the\                                                           |
|     existing floor plan must be submitted, along with another set     |
|     showing the\                                                      |
|     adaptations that are to be completed.                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

General Information About Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Construction
Plans, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The SAH agent must inform the veteran and contractor  |
| ### Change | > that changes to plans and specifications cannot be    |
| s to Plans | > made without prior approval of the SAH agent.         |
|  and Speci |                                                         |
| fications  | > ***Reference***: For information on handling changes  |
| {#changes- | > after plan approval, see "Handling Changes after Plan |
| to-plans-a | > Approval" later in this section.                      |
| nd-specifi |                                                         |
| cations .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

####  Building Code Requirements {#building-code-requirements .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about building code   |
| roduction  | > requirements.                                         |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-16 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If the property is located in a jurisdiction which    |
| Building C | > enforces a State, county or local building code, then |
| ode Requir | > Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Minimum Property  |
| ements {#b | > Requirements (MPRs) require that the construction     |
| uilding-co | > comply with:                                          |
| de-require |                                                         |
| ments-1 .u | -   the applicable State, county or local building      |
| nnumbered} |     > codes                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200.926d,      |
|            |     > *Construction Requirements*                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   1992 Council of American Building Officials (CABO)  |
|            |     > *Model Energy Code (MEC)*, and                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   HUD engineering bulletins and materials.            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > If the property is located in a jurisdiction which    |
|            | > **does not** enforce a State, county, or local        |
|            | > building code, then VA MPRs require that the          |
|            | > construction comply with:                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   applicable provisions of the current 1995 CABO,     |
|            |     > 1998 *International, One and Two Family Dwelling  |
|            |     > Code*, and any mandatory codes or standards       |
|            |     > incorporated by reference                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   24 CFR 200.926d, *Construction Requirements*        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   24 CFR 200.926e, *Supplemental Information for Use  |
|            |     > with 1995* *CABO One and Two Family Dwelling      |
|            |     > Code*                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   1992 CABO Model Energy Code (MEC), and              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   HUD engineering bulletins and materials.            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Obtaining the SAH Construction Plans and Required Certifications {#obtaining-the-sah-construction-plans-and-required-certifications .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about obtaining the   |
| roduction  | > construction plans and required certifications,       |
| {#introduc | > including:                                            |
| tion-17 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   the purpose                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to perform, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to obtain construction plans and required       |
|            |     certifications.                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pu   | > The purpose of obtaining the construction plans and   |
| rpose {#pu | > required certifications is to define the project.     |
| rpose-6 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Review the construction plans and required            |
| # When to  | > certifications upon receipt.                          |
| Perform {# |                                                         |
| when-to-pe |                                                         |
| rform-4 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The table below lists the plans and certifications    |
| ### How to | > that need to be requested from the contractor for     |
|  Obtain Co | > both proposed construction and remodeling cases as    |
| nstruction | > applicable.                                           |
|  Plans and |                                                         |
|  Required  |                                                         |
| Certificat |                                                         |
| ions {#how |                                                         |
| -to-obtain |                                                         |
| -construct |                                                         |
| ion-plans- |                                                         |
| and-requir |                                                         |
| ed-certifi |                                                         |
| cations .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -------------------------------- --------------------------------------
  Plan/Certifications              Reference

  *VA Form 26-1852*                See "VA Form 26-1852, Description of
                                   Materials" later in this section.

  Plot and Foundation plans        See "Plot and Foundation Plans" later
                                   in this section.

  Floor levels/floor plans         See "Floor and Wall Plans" later in
                                   this section.

  Wall detail                      See "Floor and Wall Plans" later in
                                   this section.

  Exterior/interior elevations     See "Exterior and Interior Elevation
                                   Plans" later in this section.

  Other required exhibits and      See "Other Required SAH Exhibits and
  certifications                   Certifications" later in this section.
  -------------------------------- --------------------------------------

#### VA Form 26-1852, Description of Materials  {#va-form-26-1852-description-of-materials .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about *VA Form        |
| roduction  | > 26-1852*, *Description of Materials*, including:      |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-18 .u | -   formats.                                            |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) agents use *VA Form   |
| Formats {# | > 26-1852* (*HUD Form 920005*) to document the          |
| formats .u | > description of materials. *VA Form 26-1852* must be   |
| nnumbered} | > fully completed and have the original signatures of   |
|            | > the veteran and the contractor on the form filed in   |
|            | > the grant folder.                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > Other specification formats are acceptable, provided  |
|            | > that they are signed and dated by the contractor and  |
|            | > veteran as described above, and are specifically      |
|            | > detailed for SAH, appraisal, and compliance           |
|            | > inspection purposes.                                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Plot and Foundation Plans {#plot-and-foundation-plans .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about the plot and    |
| roduction  | > foundation plans, including:                          |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-19 .u | -   plot plan requirements                              |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   sea level heights                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   foundation plan requirements, and                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a reference.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > A plot plan should illustrate where the following     |
| Plot Plan  | > items will be located:                                |
| Requiremen |                                                         |
| ts {#plot- | -   the proposed house or addition                      |
| plan-requi |                                                         |
| rements .u | -   sidewalks                                           |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   driveways                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   outbuildings                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   drainage                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   other improvements, and                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   well and/or septic systems, if applicable.          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > It is preferable that the plot plan show the grade    |
| Sea Level  | > elevations of finished grade at the:                  |
| Heights {# |                                                         |
| sea-level- | -   foundation                                          |
| heights .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   proposed finished floor height, and                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   four corners of the site.                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: If the site is large, grade           |
|            |     > elevations of the site should be identified 30    |
|            |     > feet from the four corners of the foundation.     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Plot and Foundation Plans, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Fo   | > Foundation plans should include the dimensions and    |
| undation P | > materials used for:                                   |
| lan Requir |                                                         |
| ements {#f | -   footings                                            |
| oundation- |                                                         |
| plan-requi | -   walls                                               |
| rements .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   slab, and                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   support piers.                                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Refe | > For more information about plot plans and foundation  |
| rence {#re | > plans, see Chapter 7, "Specially Adapted Housing      |
| ference .u | > (SAH) Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)."          |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Floor and Wall Plans {#floor-and-wall-plans .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about floor and wall  |
| roduction  | > plans, including:                                     |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-20 .u | -   wall plan requirements                              |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   floor plan requirements, and                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a reference.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The wall plan should illustrate the sectional wall    |
| Wall Plan  | > cross detail, including the:                          |
| Requiremen |                                                         |
| ts {#wall- | -   window sill and window hardware heights             |
| plan-requi |                                                         |
| rements .u | -   electrical outlet and switch heights, and           |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   design of the proposed construction from the        |
|            |     foundation footing upward\                          |
|            |     to the roof ridge.                                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Fl   | > Floor plans should illustrate the design and layout   |
| oor Plan R | > of:                                                   |
| equirement |                                                         |
| s {#floor- | -   all levels, including dimensions of the home        |
| plan-requi |                                                         |
| rements .u | -   garage or carport dimensions                        |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   heating and cooling layout                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   electrical layout                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   size and location of doors and windows, and         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   room and hallway dimensions.                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***IMPORTANT***: In most cases, the flooring      |
|            |     > samples will *not* be available at the time of    |
|            |     > the plan approval, but make a notation on the     |
|            |     > plan indicating that flooring should *not* be     |
|            |     > installed until samples or acceptable             |
|            |     > descriptions of materials are submitted and       |
|            |     > approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs    |
|            |     > (VA).                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > For more information about floor and wall plans, see  |
| ### Refere | > Chapter 7, "Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Minimum   |
| nce {#refe | > Property Requirements (MPRs)."                        |
| rence-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Exterior and Interior Elevation Plans {#exterior-and-interior-elevation-plans .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about exterior and    |
| roduction  | > interior elevation plans, including:                  |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-21 .u | -   exterior elevation requirements                     |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   interior elevation requirements                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   bathroom requirements                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   kitchen requirements, and                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a reference.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Exterior elevations on all four sides of the house    |
| # Exterior | > should be shown, including:                           |
|  Elevation |                                                         |
|  Requireme | -   front                                               |
| nts {#exte |                                                         |
| rior-eleva | -   back                                                |
| tion-requi |                                                         |
| rements .u | -   right, and                                          |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   left.                                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Interior elevations of cabinets and fixtures for      |
| # Interior | > every room in the house should be shown, paying       |
|  Elevation | > particular attention to:                              |
|  Requireme |                                                         |
| nts {#inte | -   bathrooms                                           |
| rior-eleva |                                                         |
| tion-requi | -   the kitchen, and                                    |
| rements .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   closet and storage areas, including the location    |
|            |     and height of closet rods\                          |
|            |     and shelving.                                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Exterior and Interior Elevation Plans, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Interior elevation details for the bathroom should be |
| # Bathroom | > shown, including details for the:                     |
|  Requireme |                                                         |
| nts {#bath | -   shower, including                                   |
| room-requi |                                                         |
| rements .u | ```{=html}                                              |
| nnumbered} | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   grab bar mounting locations                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   water control locations                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   bathtubs, including                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   transfer platform                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   grab bar mounting locations, and                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   water control locations                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   toilet, including grab bar mounting locations       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   mirrors (tilted or lowered), and                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   cabinet details for sink/vanity, including          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   knee spaces, and                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   plumbing.                                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Interior elevations for the kitchen should be shown,  |
| Kitchen Re | > including details for the:                            |
| quirements |                                                         |
|            | -   cabinet and counter heights                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   sink basin                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   workspaces, and                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   appliance locations.                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Free standing stove/oven combinations     |
|            | > must be located at the end of the counter space for   |
|            | > easy and safe access to a person using a wheelchair.  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > For more information about exterior and interior      |
| ### Refere | > elevation plans, see Chapter 7, "Specially Adapted    |
| nce {#refe | > Housing (SAH) Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)."  |
| rence-2 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Other Required SAH Exhibits and Certifications {#other-required-sah-exhibits-and-certifications .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about other required  |
| roduction  | > Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) exhibits and          |
| {#introduc | > certifications, including:                            |
| tion-22 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   electrical specifications                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   heating and air conditioning specifications         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   floor samples                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   special equipment specifications, and               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the *VA Builder Certification*.                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Plans should illustrate the electrical layout and     |
| ### Electr | > detail. The following items should be located so they |
| ical Speci | > are easily accessed by a person using a wheelchair:   |
| fications  |                                                         |
| {#electric | -   electrical service panel                            |
| al-specifi |                                                         |
| cations .u | -   switches                                            |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   outlets, and                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   thermostats.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### He   | > Plans should illustrate the heating and air           |
| ating and  | > conditioning layout and detail.                       |
| Air Condit |                                                         |
| ioning Spe |                                                         |
| cification |                                                         |
| s {#heatin |                                                         |
| g-and-air- |                                                         |
| conditioni |                                                         |
| ng-specifi |                                                         |
| cations .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Fl   | > Include floor samples of carpet, carpet pad, ceramic, |
| oor Sample | > vinyl, and wood, or acceptable descriptions of the    |
| s {#floor- | > materials.                                            |
| samples .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Plans should illustrate details for the installation  |
| Special Eq | > of any special equipment (automatic door openers,     |
| uipment Sp | > fold-down benches, trapeze, etc.).                    |
| ecificatio |                                                         |
| ns {#speci |                                                         |
| al-equipme |                                                         |
| nt-specifi |                                                         |
| cations .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Other Required SAH Exhibits and Certifications, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### VA B | > The *VA Builder Certification* should be:             |
| uilder Cer |                                                         |
| tification | -   signed and dated by a technically qualified and     |
|  {#va-buil |     properly identified\                                |
| der-certif |     individual (such as the contractor, architect,      |
| ication .u |     engineer, etc.), and                                |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   contain the following language, indicating that the |
|            |     home meets code\                                    |
|            |     requirements and is free of hazardous material:     |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > *"I certify that the construction exhibits for    |
|            |     > (identification of the property by house type,    |
|            |     > lot, lock, subdivision name, and so on) meet all  |
|            |     > local code requirements and are in substantial    |
|            |     > conformity with both SAH and VA Minimum Property  |
|            |     > Requirements, and all building standards as       |
|            |     > required by VA."*                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: The Department of Veterans Affairs    |
|            |     > (VA) accepts *HUD Form 92541*, *Builder's         |
|            |     > Certification of Plans, Specification, and Site,* |
|            |     > in lieu of the certification.                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Reviewing the SAH Construction Plans for Proposed Construction and Remodeling {#reviewing-the-sah-construction-plans-for-proposed-construction-and-remodeling .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about reviewing the   |
| roduction  | > plans for proposed construction and remodeling cases, |
| {#introduc | > including:                                            |
| tion-23 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   the purpose                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to perform, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to review the plans.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pu   | > The purpose of reviewing the plans for proposed       |
| rpose {#pu | > construction and remodeling is to assure the house    |
| rpose-7 .u | > meets Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs).           |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Review the construction plans upon receipt.           |
| # When to  |                                                         |
| Perform {# |                                                         |
| when-to-pe |                                                         |
| rform-5 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### How  | > Review the floor plan of the existing house, layout,  |
| to Review  | > and dimensions of all rooms, and compare with the     |
| Plans for  | > floor plan showing the proposed adaptive changes that |
| Remodeling | > are to be completed.                                  |
|  {#how-to- |                                                         |
| review-pla | > ***Note***: For new additions, review the plans in    |
| ns-for-rem | > the manner required for proposed construction.        |
| odeling .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Reviewing the SAH Construction Plans for Proposed Construction and
Remodeling, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### How  | > Follow the steps in the table below to review the     |
| to Review  | > plans for proposed construction cases.                |
| the Plans  |                                                         |
| for Propos |                                                         |
| ed Constru |                                                         |
| ction {#ho |                                                         |
| w-to-revie |                                                         |
| w-the-plan |                                                         |
| s-for-prop |                                                         |
| osed-const |                                                         |
| ruction .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Verify that the plans contain the exhibits and               |
|       | certifications necessary for the proposed construction.      |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Verify that the plans, specifications, and associated        |
|       | exhibits adhere to the MPRs, and that the work contained in  |
|       | the contract matches the plans and specifications.           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | > ***Note***: If plans are:                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   acceptable                                               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   continue processing for grant approval, and              |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   file a copy of the approved plans, specifications, and\  |
|       |     associated exhibits in the grant file.                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   *not* acceptable, write a letter to the contractor and   |
|       |     veteran\                                                 |
|       |     specifying the necessary revisions.                      |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

#### Handling Changes after Plan Approval {#handling-changes-after-plan-approval .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about handling        |
| roduction  | > changes after plan approval, including:               |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-24 .u | -   the purpose                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   when to perform                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   requirements to authorize changes, and              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to handle changes after plan approval.          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pu   | > The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that:      |
| rpose {#pu |                                                         |
| rpose-8 .u | -   the changes are acceptable, and                     |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   no Minimum Property Requirement (MPR) item is       |
|            |     removed.                                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Perform this procedure upon notification of changes   |
| # When to  | > to the plans and specifications.                      |
| Perform {# |                                                         |
| when-to-pe |                                                         |
| rform-6 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Re   | > Changes can only be authorized:                       |
| quirements |                                                         |
|  to Author | -   upon receipt of                                     |
| ize Change |                                                         |
| s {#requir | ```{=html}                                              |
| ements-to- | <!-- -->                                                |
| authorize- | ```                                                     |
| changes .u | -   *VA Form 26-1844, Request for Acceptance of Changes |
| nnumbered} |     in Approved\                                        |
|            |     Drawings and Specifications,* which specifically    |
|            |     itemizes the changes,\                              |
|            |     cost of changes, and signed by the veteran,         |
|            |     contractor, and lender (if\                         |
|            |     applicable), or                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   written notification specifically itemizing the     |
|            |     changes, costs of\                                  |
|            |     changes, and signed by the veteran, contractor, and |
|            |     lender (if\                                         |
|            |     applicable), and                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   if no MPRs are changed.                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: Copies of the changes, whether        |
|            |     > approved or denied, must be retained in the grant |
|            |     > file.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Handling Changes after Plan Approval, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > To handle changes after plan approval:                |
| # How to H |                                                         |
| andle Chan | -   accept or deny the changes by signing:              |
| ges after  |                                                         |
| Plan Appro | ```{=html}                                              |
| val {#how- | <!-- -->                                                |
| to-handle- | ```                                                     |
| changes-af | -   *VA Form 26-1844* indicating the decision, or       |
| ter-plan-a |                                                         |
| pproval .u | -   the change order request, indicating acceptance or  |
| nnumbered} |     denial, and                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   notify the following individuals of the findings:   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   contractor                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   veteran                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   lender (if applicable), and                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-assigned        |
|            |     Compliance Inspector\                               |
|            |     (CI).                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***IMPORTANT***: Any adjustment in costs of 5percent  |
|            | > or more must be approved by the Valuation Officer, or |
|            | > designee.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

##  {#section .unnumbered}

## Section G Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Inspection Schedule and Assignment of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Compliance Inspector

#### Overview

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This section contains information about Specially     |
| troduction | > Adapted Housing (SAH) inspection schedules and        |
|            | > assignment of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)   |
|            | > Compliance Inspector (CI), including:                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   general information about inspection schedules      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   assigning the VA CI, and                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   final field review.                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > This section includes the following topics:           |
| # In this  |                                                         |
| Section {# |                                                         |
| in-this-se |                                                         |
| ction-6 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic      Topic Name                                      See Page

  1          General Information About Inspection Schedules  9-G-2

  2          Assigning the Department of Veterans Affairs    9-G-4
             (VA) Compliance Inspector                       

  3          Final Field Review                              9-G-6
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------

#### General Information About Inspection Schedules {#general-information-about-inspection-schedules .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about creating the    |
| roduction  | > inspection schedule, including:                       |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-26 .u | -   the purpose                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   when to perform                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a description of standard number of inspections,    |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to determine the number of required             |
|            |     inspections.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pu   | > The purpose of creating the inspection schedule is to |
| rpose {#pu | > notify the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)        |
| rpose-9 .u | > Compliance Inspector (CI) of the number of            |
| nnumbered} | > inspections required for a project.                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Create the inspection schedule before construction    |
| # When to  | > starts.                                               |
| Perform {# |                                                         |
| when-to-pe |                                                         |
| rform-7 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### De   | > The minimum number of inspections for proposed        |
| scription  | > construction is three. The three inspections include  |
| of the Min | > the:                                                  |
| imum Numbe |                                                         |
| r of Inspe | -   first inspection when the foundations walls are     |
| ctions {#d |     complete and ready for\                             |
| escription |     backfill                                            |
| -of-the-mi |                                                         |
| nimum-numb | -   second inspection when the building is enclosed,    |
| er-of-insp |     including rough-ins\                                |
| ections .u |     (electrical, heating, and plumbing)                 |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   third inspection when the building and landscape is |
|            |     complete.                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: The number of inspections may         |
|            |     > increase depending on the project.                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

General Information About Inspection Schedules, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Use the table below to determine the number of        |
| # How to D | > required VA compliance inspections.                   |
| etermine t |                                                         |
| he Number  |                                                         |
| of Require |                                                         |
| d Inspecti |                                                         |
| ons {#how- |                                                         |
| to-determi |                                                         |
| ne-the-num |                                                         |
| ber-of-req |                                                         |
| uired-insp |                                                         |
| ections .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  If the case involves ...            Then the number of required VA
                                      compliance inspections is ...

  proposed construction               a minimum of 3.

  remodeling job that includes an     a minimum of 3.
  addition                            

  remodeling job that does *not*      3 or less depending on the
  include an addition                 complexity of the project.
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

#### Assigning the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Compliance Inspector {#assigning-the-department-of-veterans-affairs-va-compliance-inspector .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about assigning the   |
| roduction  | > Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Compliance        |
| {#introduc | > Inspector (CI), including:                            |
| tion-27 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   the selection of the VA CI                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *SAH/TAS Letter #16* (*FL 26-638), Inspector        |
|            |     Assignment Letter*                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   documents sent with the *SAH/TAS Letter #16* (*FL   |
|            |     26-638*)                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when the assigned VA CI is unavailable              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   areas without a VA CI, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   payment vouchers.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Select the VA CI from Specially Adapted Housing       |
| ### Select | > (SAH)/The Appraisal System (TAS).                     |
| ion of the |                                                         |
|  VA Compli |                                                         |
| ance Inspe |                                                         |
| ctor {#sel |                                                         |
| ection-of- |                                                         |
| the-va-com |                                                         |
| pliance-in |                                                         |
| spector .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > The *SAH/TAS Letter #16* (*FL 26-*638)*,* *Inspector  |
| ## The SAH | > Assignment Letter*:                                   |
| /TAS Lette |                                                         |
| r #16 (FL  | -   is used to assign the VA CI, and                    |
| 26-638), I |                                                         |
| nspector A | -   includes important information, such as the         |
| ssignment  |                                                         |
| Letter {#t | ```{=html}                                              |
| he-sahtas- | <!-- -->                                                |
| letter-16- | ```                                                     |
| fl-26-638- | -   amount to be paid for the inspections               |
| inspector- |                                                         |
| assignment | -   number of inspections                               |
| -letter .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   name of the veteran                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   location of the project, and                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   voucher with an obligation number.                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The obligation number is assigned in      |
|            | > accordance with Regional Loan Center (RLC)            |
|            | > procedures.                                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Docu | > The following documents are sent with *SAH/TAS Letter |
| ments Sent | > #16* *(FL 26-638*):                                   |
|  with *SAH |                                                         |
| /TAS Lette | -   the approved plans, and                             |
| r #16* (*F |                                                         |
| L 26-638)* | -   the specifications.                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Assigning the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Compliance Inspector,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > If a VA CI has been assigned, but is unavailable at   |
| ### When t | > the time of request for the inspection, the following |
| he Assigne | > individuals may conduct the inspection:               |
| d VA-Appro |                                                         |
| ved Compli | -   another VA CI                                       |
| ance Inspe |                                                         |
| ctor Is Un | -   SAH agent, or                                       |
| available  |                                                         |
| {#when-the | -   other qualified VA staff personnel.                 |
| -assigned- |                                                         |
| va-approve |     ***IMPORTANT:*** Compliance inspections must be     |
| d-complian |     performed by a designated fee compliance inspector. |
| ce-inspect |     Compliance inspections may be made by qualified     |
| or-is-unav |     salaried personnel only when designated fee         |
| ailable .u |     compliance inspectors are not immediately           |
| nnumbered} |     available. The Loan Guaranty Officer must notify    |
|            |     the Chief of Specially Adapted Housing, Central     |
|            |     Office, prior to the use of an individual other     |
|            |     than a designated fee compliance inspector.         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Ar   | > In areas without VA CIs, qualified, salaried          |
| eas withou | > personnel may perform compliance inspections.         |
| t VA Compl |                                                         |
| iance Insp | > ***Requirements***:                                   |
| ectors {#a |                                                         |
| reas-witho | -   The Loan Guaranty Officer (LGO) must approve the    |
| ut-va-comp |     use of a contracted\                                |
| liance-ins |     inspector for a project.                            |
| pectors .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   The SAH agent must document the grant file or       |
|            |     obtain evidence\                                    |
|            |     documenting the need for assignment of the          |
|            |     inspector on the project.                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Upon receipt of a completed voucher from the CI, the  |
| # Payment  | > voucher is:                                           |
| Vouchers { |                                                         |
| #payment-v | -   certified by an LGO-designated individual, and      |
| ouchers .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   processed for payment through finance activity.     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > ***IMPORTANT:*** SAH agent should conduct follow-up   |
| # SAH Agen | > reviews for both quality of construction and          |
| t Responsi | > performance of the inspector.                         |
| bilities { |                                                         |
| #sah-agent |                                                         |
| -responsib |                                                         |
| ilities .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Final Field Review

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about the Final Field |
| roduction  | > Review, including:                                    |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-28 .u | -   the purpose                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   who can perform                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to perform, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   requirements.                                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pur  | > The purpose of the Final Field Review is to ensure    |
| pose {#pur | > that the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Minimum      |
| pose-10 .u | > Property Requirements (MPRs) are met prior to the     |
| nnumbered} | > release of the holdback funds.                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The Final Field Review must be conducted by:          |
| ### Who Ca |                                                         |
| n Perform  | -   the SAH agent                                       |
| {#who-can- |                                                         |
| perform .u | -   Regional Loan Center (RLC) management staff, or     |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   any other qualified Department of Veterans Affairs  |
|            |     > (VA) personnel, as determined by the Loan         |
|            |     > Guaranty Officer (LGO).                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The Final Field Review must be completed within 15    |
| # When to  | > work days of the receipt of the *VA Form 26-1839,     |
| Perform {# | > Compliance Inspection Report,* from the Compliance    |
| when-to-pe | > Inspector (CI).                                       |
| rform-8 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The Final Field Review must:                          |
| Requiremen |                                                         |
| ts {#requi | -   be completed using *VA Form 26-1858* format, found  |
| rements .u |     > in SAH/The Appraisal System (TAS) under           |
| nnumbered} |     > SAH/Letters, or other locally developed narrative |
|            |     > report format                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   evidence that all work is in conformity with SAH    |
|            |     > MPRs and VA approved plans and specifications,    |
|            |     > and includes all special adaptive features, as    |
|            |     > required                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   include digital photographs of the subject property |
|            |     > (including a minimum of front, rear, and interior |
|            |     > of veteran's bedroom, bathroom, and all other     |
|            |     > design adaptations)                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   be reviewed and approved by RLC management prior to |
|            |     > the final release of grant funds, and             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   be included in the Final Accounting package sent to |
|            |     > Central Office (CO).                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

## Section H Bid (Proposal) Reviews and Contract Acceptance for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Cases {#section-h-bid-proposal-reviews-and-contract-acceptance-for-specially-adapted-housing-sah-cases .unnumbered}

#### Overview {#overview-8 .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This section contains information about bids          |
| roduction  | > (proposals) reviews and contract acceptance for       |
| {#introduc | > Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) cases, including:     |
| tion-29 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   construction/remodeling bids (proposals) for SAH    |
|            |     cases                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   construction contracts, and                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   components of the construction contract.            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > This section includes the following topics:           |
| # In this  |                                                         |
| Section {# |                                                         |
| in-this-se |                                                         |
| ction-7 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------+-----------+
| Topic    | Topic Name                                    | See Page  |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------+-----------+
| 1        | General Information About Construction/       | 9-H-2     |
|          |                                               |           |
|          | Remodeling Bids (Proposals) and Lien and      |           |
|          | Performance Bonds for Specially Adapted       |           |
|          | Housing (SAH) Cases                           |           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------+-----------+
| 2        | General Information About the Construction    | 9-H-4     |
|          | Contract                                      |           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------+-----------+
| 3        | Components of the Construction Contract       | 9-H-6     |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------+-----------+

#### General Information About Construction/Remodeling Bids (Proposals) and Lien and Performance Bonds for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Cases {#general-information-about-constructionremodeling-bids-proposals-and-lien-and-performance-bonds-for-specially-adapted-housing-sah-cases .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about                 |
| roduction  | > construction/remodeling bids (proposals) for          |
| {#introduc | > Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) cases, including:     |
| tion-30 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   a description                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the purpose                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   three-bid (proposal) requirement                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   lien and performance bond requirement               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   waivers, and                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   updating SAH/The Appraisal System (TAS).            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The construction/remodeling bid is a proposal         |
| Descriptio | > specifying the project and cost.                      |
| n {#descri |                                                         |
| ption-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pur  | > The construction/remodeling bid (proposal) provides   |
| pose {#pur | > the veteran with an estimate for the cost of the      |
| pose-11 .u | > project.                                              |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > A veteran must obtain three competitive bids          |
| ### Bid (P | > (proposals) for SAH cases that:                       |
| roposal) R |                                                         |
| equirement | -   include fixed, maximum prices                       |
|  {#bid-pro |                                                         |
| posal-requ | -   are from contractors of the veteran's choice, and   |
| irement .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   specifically relate to the proposed construction or |
|            |     remodeling.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > A veteran must obtain a lien and performance bond     |
| Lien and P | > from the contractor for all SAH cases to:             |
| erformance |                                                         |
|  Bond Requ | -   provide insurance coverage in the event the builder |
| irement {# |     > is unable to complete the project or places liens |
| lien-and-p |     > against the property                              |
| erformance |                                                         |
| -bond-requ | -   provide the necessary funds to allow completion of  |
| irement .u |     > the project, and                                  |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   give the veteran protection against any loss that   |
|            |     > could occur.                                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

General Information About Construction/Remodeling Bids (Proposals) and
Lien and Performance Bonds for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Cases,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > *Waivers* apply when:                                 |
| Waivers {# |                                                         |
| waivers .u | -   a veteran feels it is a burden to obtain 3 bids     |
| nnumbered} |     (proposals)                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   it is impractical to require additional bids        |
|            |     (proposals), or                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a lien and performance bond may be economically     |
|            |     burdensome.                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Reference***: For more information about       |
|            |     > waivers, see Chapter 11, Section B, "Processing   |
|            |     > Medical and Non-Medical Waiver Requests."         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The Loan Guaranty Officer (LGO), or designee, may     |
| # Who Waiv | > waive the requirement on a case-by-case basis upon    |
| es the Req | > submission of a written request by the veteran.       |
| uirement { |                                                         |
| #who-waive | > ***IMPORTANT***: SAH agents are *not* allowed to      |
| s-the-requ | > waive requests.                                       |
| irement .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### U    | > The SAH/TAS must be updated to show the receipt of    |
| pdating SA | > the:                                                  |
| H/The Appr |                                                         |
| aisal Syst | -   three bids (proposals), or                          |
| em (TAS) { |                                                         |
| #updating- | -   waivers.                                            |
| sahthe-app |                                                         |
| raisal-sys |                                                         |
| tem-tas .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### General Information About the Construction Contract {#general-information-about-the-construction-contract .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about the             |
| roduction  | > construction contract, including:                     |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-31 .u | -   the purpose                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   required components of the contract                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   land contracts                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   amendments to the signed contract, and              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   filing the contract.                                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Pur  | > The purpose of a fixed contract is to:                |
| pose {#pur |                                                         |
| pose-12 .u | -   clearly state the scope of the work and the total   |
| nnumbered} |     cost                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   protect the veteran against increases in labor and  |
|            |     material and other\                                 |
|            |     influences                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   require the contractor to complete the project in a |
|            |     timely manner, and                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   protect the veteran from incurring additional costs |
|            |     above and beyond the\                               |
|            |     original contract.                                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The fixed contract should include the following       |
| #### Requi | > components:                                           |
| red Compon |                                                         |
| ents of th | -   parties to the contract                             |
| e Contract |                                                         |
|            | -   a legal description of the property                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a reference to a specific plan and specifications   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   terms and cost of the project                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central       |
|            |     Office (CO)-approved\                               |
|            |     escape clause                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   completion date, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   signatures and signature dates from all parties.    |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Reference***: For more information about the   |
|            |     > required components of the contract, see          |
|            |     > "Components of the Construction Contract" later   |
|            |     > in this section.                                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

General Information About the Construction Contract, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Land | > Land contracts have the same components as the        |
|  Contracts | > construction contract listed previously. However, the |
|  {#land-co | > completion date is replaced with a settlement date.   |
| ntracts .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Am   | > The VA must review any amendments to the signed       |
| endments t | > contract.                                             |
| o the Sign |                                                         |
| ed Contrac | > ***IMPORTANT***: If the amendments exceed the         |
| t {#amendm | > contract price, it must be determined that the        |
| ents-to-th | > veteran has the ability to pay the difference prior   |
| e-signed-c | > to approval of the changes.                           |
| ontract .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Fili | > A copy of the contract, signed by all parties, must   |
| ng the Con | > be retained in the grant file.                        |
| tract {#fi |                                                         |
| ling-the-c |                                                         |
| ontract .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Components of the Construction Contract {#components-of-the-construction-contract .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Int  | > This topic contains information about the components  |
| roduction  | > of the construction contract, including:              |
| {#introduc |                                                         |
| tion-32 .u | -   parties to the contract                             |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   legal description of the property                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a reference to a specific plan and specifications   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   terms and cost of the contract                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   escape clause                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the completion date, and                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   signatures and signature dates from all parties.    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Leg  | > The contract must include the legal description of    |
| al Descrip | > the property identifying the location of the          |
| tion of th | > property.                                             |
| e Property |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > The contract must include a reference to a specific   |
| ## Referen | > plan and specifications identifying the project for   |
| ce to a Sp | > construction or remodeling.                           |
| ecific Pla |                                                         |
| n and Spec |                                                         |
| ifications |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Term | > The contract must include the terms and the total     |
| s and Cost | > amount of the project so that the terms and the cost  |
|            | > of the project are defined and cannot be changed      |
|            | > without amendments signed by all parties.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Esc  | > The contract must include an escape clause with the   |
| ape clause | > following statement, exactly as shown below:          |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > *"This contract is conditioned in its entirety upon   |
|            | > the veteran receiving a grant under Title 38 U.S.C.   |
|            | > Chapter 21 and if this veteran does not receive this  |
|            | > grant, this contract is null and void and any and all |
|            | > monies will be returned without exception."*          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The contract must provide the completion date of the  |
| #### Compl | > project.                                              |
| etion Date | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: The completion date may change due to     |
|            | > conditions beyond control of the parties.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+