Reconstruction Award of a Single-Family Housing Unit Affected By Hurricanes Irma and María

Abstract

Hurricanes Irma and María caused significant damage in 2017 to single-family housing units located at the east coast of the island of Puerto Rico. Eligible homeowners of storm damaged units could apply for the Community Development Block Grant, Repair, Reconstruction and Relocation program (CDBG-R3). An initial assessment to identify storm damage was performed to a single-family housing unit located at the municipality of Río Grande. Storm damages and environmental factors were identified, documented, and analyzed using Xactimate software. Lead Based Paint (LBP) and Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) surveys were performed, finding lead-based paint at ceramic tiles in Bathroom and asbestos in vinyl flooring tiles at the Porch, Bedroom 1 and Bedroom 2 areas. A detailed cost estimate was developed, surpassing the minimum program cap of $60,000, and an initial project intent of reconstruction was proposed, as the property was storm damaged to an extent not feasible to repair. Site walk inspection was performed, an initial scope was submitted by the Construction Manager, and the applicant accepted the reconstruction award for a single story, 2-bedroom model home type. Construction progress inspections were performed, with an Applicant Final Lien Amount of $150,054.34 at closeout. Key Terms ⎯ cost estimate, damage assessment, environmental, lead based paint, asbestos, project intent, reconstruction.