Content Information
This includes general IFA requirements for Construction. There are other requirements for the IRS Form 8609 Application. A red flag will appear on the Assignments Tab of the Application when a task is due such as the initial or final construction package. Refer to Construction Tab Instructions.
A. Initial Construction Package
Upload in electronic pdf format to the Construction Tab prior to the start of Construction. IFA approval required prior to commencing construction. Construction Package will be reviewed for QAP requirements and amenities listed in the application.
Initial Energy Report from Energy Consultant outlining how selected energy targets will be achieved. The report should include NGBS initial preliminary scoring information.
Letter from the Architect or engineer confirming coordination with the Energy Consultant and the project’s design complies with minimum energy requirements of IECC 2018.
Project Manual and Specifications including technical details.
Complete set of Architectural Plans and Civil Drawings.
Documentation of an enforceable minimum 1-year blanket construction warranty.
Radon tests (Only for Acq/Rehab or Rehab built slab on grade).
B. Preconstruction Meeting
An IFA representative shall attend a contractor/developer construction meeting at or near the beginning of construction. Notify IFA Construction Analyst at least 2-weeks prior to the pre-construction meeting.
Construction Tab:
Upload a copy of the project schedule to the Construction Tab.
Enter the emails for individuals that will need to be copied on Construction correspondence on inspections and document reviews.
Enter the construction start date.
Enter the pre-construction meeting date.
Enter the percent construction complete throughout the construction process.
Provide contact information of the people IFA will work with in the field, including the Contractor, Owner, Architect, Energy Consultant, Developer Consultant.
4. Inspections
Provide timely notifications to IFA for the pre-sheet rock inspection, progress inspections, and the final inspection, as applicable to the project, to prevent a charge for a missed inspection.
New Construction and Adaptive Re-use
Foundation: Pictures shall be emailed to contact listed below of the vertical foundation insulation installation and under slab prep work to verify structural design consistency and insulation placement meets energy standards.
Pre-Sheet Rock: An inspection shall be scheduled before sheet rock and insulation are installed, to view mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations, review fire ratings, and determine that under slab fixtures such as the radon mitigation system has been effectively installed.
Progress: An inspection may be held between rough-in and final inspection to review the general progress of construction and verify that IFA requirements for unit finishes are meeting QAP product, material, and threshold standards.
Final: An Inspection shall be held after punch list and before Occupancy on new construction.
Rehab Projects
- Will have three to four progress inspections plus the final inspection. Developer may only receive a copy of the final inspection report. For progress inspections, notification will only be delivered if significant corrections are needed. The Final inspection for Rehab Projects shall be held after a certificate of substantial completion (COSC) is issued.
Inspection Communication
All inspection reports will be sent through TAC and include information on deficiencies and follow-up items to be completed prior to the subsequent inspection.
Any person responding to deficiencies, including members of the contracting team, energy consultants, or developers or will need to have a username for the online Application system. A link can be sent to any contact to set up access to TAC. Requests will need to include “Construction Upload” as the reason for the request. Additional details can be found in the Construction Tab Instructions.
Other Inspection Considerations
Additional fees may be charged for failed or missed inspections that occur when inspectors are unable to inspect the site at the time scheduled or if additional inspections are scheduled to review the same items missed from previous inspections.
Additional inspections may be required for scatter sites and large phased sites with buildings that are under construction at different times over the course of the project. Developers and contractors will need to communicate with IFA staff the need for additional inspections to avoid failed or missed inspections.
D. Accessibility
For new construction projects, at least 10% of units (5% for Acq/Rehab projects) or at least 1 unit (whichever is greater) shall be designed for persons with mobility disabilities constructed in accordance with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). An additional 2% of the units (or at least 1) shall be designed accessible for persons with hearing or visual disabilities in accordance with ANSI 2009 ICC A117.1 Chapter 10 Section 1006 Units with Accessible Communication Features.
E. Federally Funded Projects
Projects receiving additional funding through programs such as Federal HOME and NHTF may be subject to stricter building standards and will be reviewed and inspected accordingly.
F. Final Construction Package
The Final Energy Report should include NGBS Certification for each residential building and a checklist demonstrating that minimum Energy Star ratings for mechanical, appliance and lighting fixtures have been met.
A copy of the Certificate of Occupancy or Architect’s Substantial Completion form must be submitted.
Radon Tests must be submitted for New Construction and Adaptive Reuse projects and any Rehab projects that initially tested above the permissible thresholds at the start of construction.
The Initial and Final Executed Pay Applications with schedule of values must be submitted.
An up-to-date floor plan or diagram verifying the location and count of all accessible units must be submitted.