House Design Guidelines

The Principles

The design of both new houses and renovations must be considered with the basic mission and goals of Habitat for Humanity - simple, decent, affordable housing for responsible families in need. House designs and renovations must balance need and building code requirements, the resources available, inclusion of the partner family, site conditions and the unique conditions of building with unskilled and skilled volunteers, most often in a blitz build.

Some Goals

To create designs that are functional, attractive, energy efficient, healthy and an asset to the neighbourhood.
To standardize as many design details as possible, to simplify both estimating and construction.
To address the unique needs of blitz builds as they apply to design.
To involve the families in the design process.

General

Houses shall typically have three or four bedrooms. The family size will determine the number of bedrooms. Each house shall have bedrooms, a living room, kitchen/dining area and one bathroom.

Neither garages nor carports are provided with a typical home. Size of house (finished area) shall not exceed the following limits unless special circumstances warrant increases and an increase is approved by the Board of Directors.

Three Bedroom - 1050 square feet
Four Bedroom - 1150 square feet
Five Bedroom - 1250 square feet

Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton receives various national and local donations of building materials and services, reducing our need for cash. As well, products or services may be standardized among houses in order to save money.

All construction will use generally accepted practices in the industry and will be in accordance with local and provincial building codes, ordinances and standards. H.F.H. Sarnia-Lambton will strive to build a sound house incorporating the highest quality workmanship and to deliver the completed house to the family.

How much does a house cost?

Once the house is completed, an appraisal is done by an accredited appraiser to learn the value of the property. Habitat will hold the First and Second Mortgages on the property. The first mortgage is about 75% to 80% of the property value. The second mortgage is for the remainder. In effect, Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton holds the interest free mortgage.

The homeowner must pay Habitat the amount of the first mortgage within a certain period - usually 20 to 25 years. For example, if the first mortgage is $70,000 you would only pay Habitat $70,000.

Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton will determine the "annual housing costs" (including mortgage principal, property taxes, insurance, gas, hydro and water) as a minimum of 30% of the homeowner's gross income. If a family lives in the Habitat home for 20 years and the first mortgage is paid off, the 2nd mortgage is forgiven.

Maintenance

The homeowner is responsible for performing proper maintenance on the house, both inside and outside.