CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
The Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) and the Heritage Home Program℠ have standards that we hold all of our exterior projects to.
We want to be sure that the best materials and practices are being used by all contractors working with homeowners in our program. Below is the type of work we are looking for when reviewing estimates and reviewing a completion of the work.
Loan funds cannot be used for the purchase or installation of the following items:
- Vinyl Siding
- Vinyl Windows
- Swimming Pools
- Hot Tubs
- Decks
The contractor should verify all measurements and quantities in the field.
Each contractor is responsible for: 1) contacting the municipality to find out which jobs require a permit; 2) securing all necessary permits prior to beginning any work subsidized with Heritage Home Loan Program funds; and 3) scheduling and being present for all necessary inspections.
It is ultimately the homeowner’s responsibility to confirm that appropriate permits are secured. Upon discovery that work requiring a permit has been completed without one, the homeowner will be at risk of losing the interest rate being subsidized by the Cuyahoga County Treasurer through Cleveland Restoration Society.
A full list of the general specs can be found below. Please look over the entire document if you are having exterior work completed.
- Concrete shall not be installed when air temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or when such temperatures can reasonably be expected within three days following the completion of work.
- When installing an asphalt driveway, dig out, remove existing driveway, and haul away debris Apply a herbicide to any vegetation in driveway prior to installing base.
- When removing aluminum siding, carefully remove the siding from all areas, taking care to not damage the original wooden shingles, siding, and trim underneath.
- Do not discard any fixtures or hardware without approval from the owner or CRS.
A full list of the sitework specs can be found below. Please look over the entire document if you are having sitework completed.
- Colors and materials need to be approved by the homeowner and CRS.
- Insulation should be done before repair or replacement of siding and after the installation of any mechanical in the exterior walls.
- When repairing or replacing a roof: sweep off and properly dispose of all dirt and debris from roof deck. Clean gutters of any roofing debris. Check for any projecting nails and drive in.
- Install a layer of 30# felt over the deck; lap all seams at least two inches. Install Ice and Water shield to all eaves and valleys. Ice guard should extend up from gutter board 6ft.
A full list of the roofing, gutters, and insulation specs can be found below. Please look over the entire document if you are having that work completed.
Download a full copy of Roofing, Gutters, & Insulation Specs here
- New walls are to be constructed of 2x4 lumber, 16” o.c., unless indicated otherwise. New studs should be “padded out” with wood strips to receive finishes where they adjoin an existing wall. Include single bottom and double top plates, jack studs under headers, four studs in corners. Studs are to align with floor joists or rafters.
- Exterior walls will include structural sheathing and or wind bracing properly secured to top and bottom plates.
- Install new soffits and fascias to match existing where the old were removed. Where necessary, shim out the new pieces to be flush with the old. All joints need to be tight and properly secured to solid backing.
- When repairing clapboards, in addition to areas called out in drawings, replace all clapboards that are missing, damaged, rotted, or have cracks more than 12” long.
A full list of the carpentry specs can be found below. Please look over the entire document if you are having carpentry work completed.
- Reuse old brick or stone wherever possible. If use of old brick is not feasible, use new brick grade SW or better that matches the color and size of the old exactly.
- In general, tuckpointing, rebuilding, and stucco application should not be done when temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or when such temperatures can reasonably be expected within three days following completion of the work.
- Document existing masonry patterns and configuration before dismantling.
- When foundation waterproofing, protect areas of property; grass, walkways, driveway, and other areas that are needed as access.
- Contractor should provide the homeowner with a minimum ten year warranty against leakage before the final payment.
A full list of the masonry specs can be found below. Please look over the entire document if you are having masonry work completed.
- Any and all doors will be CRS approved.
- Submit samples of all hardware prior to installation for approval by the homeowner and CRS.
- Moulding should match the existing, when no pattern is indicated, obtain approval from CRS for the use of the closest available stock or sound salvaged moulding.
- In leaded glass window repair, the original glass should always be retained, but when replacement is needed, match existing glass panels in texture, pattern, and color.
- Installation of glass block windows is permitted for basement windows only.
A full list of door and window specs can be found below. Please look over the entire document if you are having door or window work completed.
- Where wood has been exposed to the weather remove all gray and oxidized wood to produce a clean, sound surface.
- Open-flame torches, sandblasting, and water blasting are not allowed.
- When preparing other wood surfaces for painting, remove all loose, alligatored, or damaged paint to the sound substrate using sharp drag scrapers, heat plates, heat guns, followed by hand sanding, or mechanical sanders equipped with HEPA vacuums.
- Do not paint when the temperature is or will be below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, when rain or cooler weather appears likely, or on surfaces that are not completely dry.
A full list of the finishes specs can be found below. Please look over the entire document if you are having exterior finishes completed.
Download a full copy of Finishes Specs here
Contact us if you would like a color consultation.
- Floors greater than 500 sq. ft. require a footer. The structure must be safely jacked and the old floor removed completely. A four inch curb is required around the perimeter along with 1/2″ anchor bolts spaced six inches.
- Roofing material must run up the sides of the parapet and coping must be repaired or installed. Gutters must be present, well attached, and functioning on gable roofs.
- Ensure that soil around the perimeter of the garage is at least eight inches below any type of wood siding to reduce the possibility of moisture retention.