After construction is done
For rehabilitation, manufactured home replacement, and reconstruction projects, the construction complete process begins after construction is finished. This ensures that all approved work has been finished and that all program requirements have been met before final payment is issued to the contractor.
Final inspection and the construction complete process
Once construction is complete, you and your contractor should conduct a final walk-through of your home one last time. This is your chance to check the completed work and point out any outstanding scope items you do not believe are finished.
After the walk-through, your contractor can request a final inspection.
The final inspection confirms that:
- All construction work is complete according to the approved scope of work.
- The work meets Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) guidelines.
- All required building permits have been closed by your local jurisdiction.
- Your home meets HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
- All required environmental mitigation work is complete, and any required clearance inspections are done or scheduled, meet standards, and are on file.
If the home meets the above criteria and passes the final inspection, the work is considered complete.
Once the program confirms that all required documents have been submitted and approved, final payment can be released to the contractor. This payment means construction is officially complete.
Construction projects include a 10% payment retainer. This portion of the payment is held for 30 days after the final inspection is approved. After the 30-day period, the remaining payment can be released to the contractor. During this time, the program helps ensure that the contractor has provided the required construction warranties, environmental reports, and lien releases.
Warranty binder
Your contractor should provide you with all warranties for your project. Your construction agreement includes standard warranty terms based on the type of work completed. These include:
Reconstruction
- 1-year coverage for finishes and appearance (for example, paint and flooring)
- 3-year coverage for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- 10-year warranty for the home’s structure
Rehabilitation (for property components addressed in program scope)
- 1-year coverage for finishes and appearance
- 2-year coverage for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- 2-year warranty for the home’s structure
Manufactured home replacement
- 1-year coverage for finishes and appearance
- 2-year coverage for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- 2-year warranty for the home’s structure
If you notice issues covered by a warranty after construction is complete, contact your contractor directly using the warranty information provided.
Other documentation you may receive
After the final inspection, you may also receive the following documents:
- Final acceptance form, signed by all parties
- Required inspection reports and building permits (if applicable)
- Releases of liens or claims from contractors
- Architectural and engineering design documents
Keep these documents for your records.
Case closeout
After construction and final payments are complete, your HARP project will move into case closeout. During this step, the program completes a final review to confirm that all program requirements and documentation are complete.
You will receive an official closeout letter from the program once your case has been approved for closeout.