Welcome to the Heritage Home ProgramSM Newsletter!  
The Heritage Home Program Newsletter
Welcome 2021!

Thank you all for subscribing to the Heritage Home Program's e-newsletter, Field Notes! We are looking forward to a busy 2021 after a successful 2020. We had record numbers of inquiries from homeowners thanks to our bi-annual mailings, virtual events, and support from our participating communities. All of us on the Heritage Home Program team are ready for a busy year in 2021.
Spring Heritage Home Program Mailing Update 
Dates are being set, information sessions scheduled
Our Spring mailing campaign is in the works. Each year we send Heritage Home Program postcards or letters to eligible homes in participating communities. This year the mailing will begin mid-March and run through May. With all of our information sessions planned as virtual events, our cards and letter will have a variety of dates for homeowners to join and learn about the Heritage Home Program!
Planning a rehab project?
Here are some tips when working with contractors

Questions to Ask Contractors
  • How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
  • How long have you been in business?
  • Will my project require a permit? (If so, obtain copies of all city permits and post them on-site.)
  • What kind of insurance do you carry? (Ask for copies.)
  • Are you going to use subcontractors? Do they have insurance? Who oversees their workmanship?
  • Could I have 3 references? (They should be able to provide you with names and numbers.) Ask the reference: Was the project completed on time? Were you satisfied with the work? Were there any unexpected costs? Did the workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job?
Communicating with your Contractor
  • Keep records of everything: contract, change orders, correspondence, notes from phone calls, payment receipts, etc.
  • Have documentation on hand when communicating an issue
  • Set up times to discuss the project during their work hours
  • Establish norms for your home: tell them what bathroom they can use, where to get water, cleanliness of the site, etc. 
  • Talk about your concerns in person as soon as they come up
  • Be respectful to your contractor, kindness goes a long way

Contractor Don'ts
  • Don't make a down payment on a project. If invoicing prior to work starting, ask about up front material costs
  • Don't pay in full until the job is complete
  • Don't let your kids and pets enter the construction site
  • Don't ask for additional repairs beyond what is outlined in the contract. Obtain a written change order if needed
  • Don't tell your contractor how to do their job. They are experts! Trust they will get the job done right, and address potential concerns within reason

For more tips like these, visit https://www.heritagehomeprogram.org/program-resources/ (Printable versions are available)
Check our website for our upcoming events

Our events calendar at www.heritagehomeprogram.org will be updated with our upcoming virtual information sessions and presentations. Anyone interested in joining can register online or call the Heritage Home Program staff at 216-426-3116. Registration is free, but required. Time for a Q&A is provided at the end of each session and each session can be joined via Zoom online or over the phone. 
 216.426.3116 | hhp@heritagehomeprogram.org | www.heritagehomeprogram.org
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