New Guideline for Foundation Aid

The following information was reported by the Hartford Courant.

There are new guidelines for applying for crumbling foundation reimbursements. This is what’s changed.

After sifting through feedback from hundreds of homeowners with failing foundations, the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company has updated the guidelines for its application process.

The new application launch date is Jan. 10.

At that time, homeowners with failing foundations can apply for either a reimbursement of work completed in the past or for money to replace a foundation.

What’s different?

Thirteen guidelines changed based on victim feedback, according to a message posted by Tolland Town Manager and CFSIC president Steve Werbner.

The biggest change is that, instead of funding only eight reimbursements, CFSIC instead will reimburse 25 people who have completed foundation repairs.

CFSIC also will allow pyrrhotite testing from any acceptable laboratory and visual inspections from any licensed professional engineer to be submitted during the application process.

Previously, tests and inspections only from a list of sources approved by the Capitol Region Council of Governments were permitted.

The new guidelines also cover buildings built after Oct. 31, 2017.

They were excluded under the previous set of rules.

A full list of the changes can be found here.

What stays the same?

Homeowners with failing foundations should apply online for reimbursement and replacement starting Jan. 10.

The CFSIC will go through the applications and then pay out claims until the money runs out.

CFSIC will pay a maximum of $175,000 to an individual.

The amount of money made available to each homeowner will be based on the home’s measurements.

Applications for replacing a foundation will be judged based on how badly the foundation has deteriorated. The insurance company has set up a scale for rating how bad the damage is and will prioritize those most at risk for collapse.

Reimbursement for work already done on a foundation will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply for a foundation replacement claim, homeowners will need to fill out an application form online and attach proof of ownership, a copy of a core sample inspection and a visual inspection report, as well as two estimates from approved contractors.

Homeowners also must attach copies of communications with their insurance providers if they have filed a claim there.

They will also need to show proof that their home was built in 1983 or later.

For a reimbursement, applicants will need to fill out an application form and attach the inspection reports.

They will also need to answer questions about the replacement cost.