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Fix-Up Incentives Program

2024 HOUSING FIX-UP INCENTIVES

Application intake is now CLOSED for the season.

If you would like to be notified when we begin taking applications for our 2025 program, please email us at: hfi@spenceneighbourhood.org

APPLICATION GUIDE

The Housing Fix-Up Incentives (HFI) program provides up to $3,500 to fix up your home or rental property in the Spence neighbourhood!

Deadline to submit applications: Closed

Deadline to complete your project: Monday September 30, 2024, 4:00PM

If you can’t meet a deadline, please contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

How to get in touch:

EMAIL: HFI@spenceneighbourhood.org

DROP-IN HOURS: Wednesdays & Thursdays from May 8th-30th

1:00PM – 4:00PM,  615 Ellice Ave

Contact us to arrange an alternative time if needed.

  • You can access the online application at the end of this page.
  • We also have paper applications available at 615 Ellice Ave.

 

Don’t live in Spence? Click here for a list of fix-up programs outside of the Spence neighbourhood, as well as a map of the Spence boundary.

 

How it works:

  • You get two quotes (estimates) from different contractors, take some photos, and submit them with your application form. Easy!
  • Homeowners pay at least 25% of the cost of the project, rental property owners pay at least 50%, and low income homeowners pay at least 10% (see Step 4 for income guidelines)
  • SNA pays the rest, up to $3,500. If you go over that amount, you’ll also be responsible for covering the remainder.

Example 1

  • The total cost of your quote is $5,800
  • SNA pays the maximum incentive of $3,500
  • You pay the remaining $2,300 (25% plus any amount over the maximum incentive)

Example 2

  • The total cost of your quote is $1,500
  • You pay 25% of $1,500, which is $375
  • SNA pays the remaining amount of $1,125

If the final cost is less than the original quote, SNA will reduce your incentive by a proportional amount. If the final cost is more than the original quote, SNA will pay the incentive based on the original quote, however we will increase the incentive if extra funds are available, not exceeding the $3,500 maximum.

Important to know:

  • You must check your eligibility with us before you apply (see Step 1)
  • SNA provides reimbursement after you have fully paid for your project.

If this affects your ability to access the program, please contact us!

Step 1: Get Your Eligibility Checked!

Before you start working on your application, SNA will need to check the eligibility of your property and the type of project you want to do. This is so you don’t waste time on an ineligible application!

Send us an email with the following information:

  • Your full name
  • Address of the property you are applying for
  • Type of project you want to do

Send your email to: HFI@spenceneighbourhood.org

We can also check this information in person during our drop-in hours!

Certain types of projects are not eligible, such as landscaping, recreational decks, cosmetic interior updates, and improvements to garages or sheds (demolition of derelict garages or sheds is acceptable).

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Roofing (shingles, soffits, fascia)
  • Eavestroughs, downspouts
  • Stucco or siding
  • Exterior painting
  • Fence 
  • Porch and/or exterior steps
  • Walkway
  • Security lighting
  • Windows
  • Exterior doors
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Mold remediation
  • Foundation repairs
  • Structural repairs
  • Interior accessibility adaptations
  • Exterior accessibility adaptations (i.e. ramp)
  • Demolition of a derelict garage or shed
  • Critical interior repairs that affect the health and safety of the occupants and/or to bring the space up to code

If the project you want to do is not listed here, please check with us before beginning your application!

Step 2: Get Your Contractor Quotes!

After SNA has confirmed your eligibility, you must begin looking up contractors, and contacting them to visit your property, and provide quotes.

  • SNA will need you to submit two quotes from different contractors for each project you want to do (i.e. two quotes for painting your house, and two quotes for fixing your fence).
  • SNA requires two quotes for due diligence, but you can get more to compare prices.
  • You get to choose which of the two contractors you prefer. It does not necessarily have to be the cheapest quote.

What if I want to do the work myself?

  • Get quotes from two different hardware stores for the cost of materials, supplies, and equipment rentals. This can often be done using the hardware store’s website, or you can ask in person at the store.
  • Unused items or materials must be returned at the end of your project, and you must submit all return receipts when you submit for reimbursement.

Important to know:

  • You cannot claim the cost of labour if you are doing the work yourself.
  • Simple projects are preferred, such as painting a fence, or putting up a new mailbox. It is your responsibility to know what you are doing and take all safety precautions.
  • If the finished work appears unsatisfactory, SNA reserves the right to cancel your incentive. SNA may not approve an incentive for a complicated project if you do not have the credentials. We may insist that you get a professional contractor.

Once you have at least two quotes for your project, and chosen which contractor to use, you will have enough information to fill out your application form.

    • You must include your quotes when you submit your application form. If you would like us to make copies, we can do so during our drop-in hours.
    • If your contractor sends you a digital quote, you can forward it to us via email.
  • Please do not submit an application without quotes, or it will not be considered.

Choosing a Contractor

SNA cannot recommend specific contractors, so you will have to research contractors online, or ask friends, family, neighbours, or coworkers if they can recommend a contractor they were happy with.

If you need help looking up contractors online, please visit us during our drop-in hours, and we will assist you.

How to Choose a Contractor

Step 3: Take Your Photos!

  • Take several “before” photos of your project
  • This could be the part of your house that needs to be repaired, or the area of your yard where a fence will be built
  • If this is a window or door project, take photos from both the outside and inside
  • Roof photos can be taken from the ground
  • If needed, we can help you get photos off your phone during our drop-in hours

We prefer photos to be sent via email:  hfi@spenceneighbourhood.org

Step 4: Provide Your Proof of Income (optional)

  • This step is optional, and only applies to homeowners.

If you qualify as low income, your minimum project contribution will be reduced from 25% to 10% and your application score will increase, making you more likely to be approved for an incentive.

How to Qualify

Step 5: Rooming House License

If you are applying for a rooming house, you must have a current rooming house license.

You must submit a copy of your license with your application, or you can send it to us via scan and email, or we can make a copy in person during our drop-in hours.

Step 6: Submitting Your Application

  • Do not begin filling out your application until you have your contractor quotes, as you will not be able to complete it without them.
  • You will not be able to save your progress, so review the application form before you fill it out to ensure you have everything you need.

 

Be ready to email us the following documents when you fill out your application:

  • Two Contractor Quotes
  • Photos

Additional documents may include:

  • Rooming House Licence (can be emailed or dropped off)
  • Proof of Income (bring in-person during drop-in hours only)

If you prefer, you can also drop off physical documents in our mail slot, or we can make copies for you during drop-in hours.

LOCATION: 615 Ellice Ave (corner of Ellice & Maryland)

MAIL SLOT ACCESS: Monday to Friday, 9:00AM-4:00PM

Our mail slot is locked outside of these times, and on holidays.

DROP-IN HOURS: Wednesdays & Thursdays from May 8th-30th

1:00PM-4:00PM

Contact us to arrange an alternative time if needed.

EMAIL: HFI@spenceneighbourhood.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Closed

HOMEOWNER APPLICATION

  • If you’re applying to fix up your house, use the Homeowner application!
  • You can also use the Homeowner application for a duplex, triplex, or side-by-side, as long as it is your primary residence.

Click here to access the Homeowner Application!


RENTAL PROPERTY APPLICATION

  • Use the Rental Property application if you’re applying for a property you rent out, such as an apartment building or rooming house. This includes duplexes, triplexes, and side-by-sides, if you do not live there.
  • Rental property owners can apply for up to two properties. Please submit a separate application for each property.

Click here to access the Rental Property Application!

Step 7: What Happens Next?

  • It may take a few weeks after the May 31st deadline to approve all applications.
  • Do not begin your project, or make purchases against it until we approve your incentive.
  • You will be notified by email and letter mail as to the outcome of your application.
  • If you are placed on a waitlist, you will not be able to begin your project until we have an available spot. Most years, we are not able to accept many folks off the waitlist.
  • If you are not successful this year, you are welcome to reapply next year, and indicate on your application that you applied the previous year but were not successful (this will increase your chances of being accepted)

Approval

  • If your application is approved, you must request a work schedule with a completion date in writing from your contractor and submit it to SNA. We’ll need this within two weeks of your approval.
  • If you are doing the work yourself, please give us an estimated date, and we’ll check with you ahead of that date.
  • Once you have submitted your work schedule, you may begin your project.
  • SNA may require inspections before your project begins, during the project, and after completion, before reimbursement can be granted.
  • If any aspects of your project change (i.e. change in cost, contractor, schedule), please report them to the SNA Housing Coordinator immediately. Unreported changes may cause delays, or cancellation of your incentive.

Reimbursement

Once your project is complete, submit your final documents for reimbursement.

Final documents include:

  • “After” photos of your finished project
  • Proof of payment

Proof of payment may include:

  • A paid invoice from your contractor that is stamped “paid”, or that has an attached transaction receipt.
  • Receipts showing payment to your contractor or hardware store.
  • If you did the work yourself, you must submit all return receipts from your hardware store for any surplus items.

Deadline to complete your project and submit all receipts and photos:

Monday, September 30, 2024, 4:00PM

If you can’t meet the deadline, contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

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