The tough economy has taken its toll on neighborhoods throughout the state. Kearns is no exception, with foreclosed homes sprinkled throughout the community. Several of these former dilapidated bank-owned properties are now the model of what low maintenance and sustainability looks like.
The Nonprofit Community Development Corporation of Utah held an open house at 4351 West 4745 South. This is the latest “Idea House” revealed, a concept pioneered by the CDCU to strengthen low-income communities in Kearns and Magna. Residents of the surrounding neighborhood were invited to tour the home and learn firsthand what practices can make their home more comfortable as well as efficient. CDCU CEO Darin Brush said his team renovates four homes a year within Kearns and Magna.
“The great majority of the homes are in Kearns because of the great support we receive from the Kearns community, by their interest in touring the ‘idea houses’ as well as wanting information on how they can better their homes,” Brush said.
He said it takes 60 to 90 days to complete the renovation. The homes must meet strict guidelines such as being energy efficient, have low water usage fixtures and xeriscaping, be wheelchair accessible and be green and healthy. This means homes are tested for contaminates such as mold, radon, lead-based paint and methamphetamine.
“Half of the homes we have purchased have meth contamination,” Brush said. “Most of the meth that’s detected is from recreational use rather than an actual meth lab and can be remediated.”
After contaminates are removed, the home receives insulation, new windows and doors, a tankless water heater and both energy efficient appliances and heating and cooling systems. Pathways are also widened in the home to ensure comfortable wheelchair accessibility. Wood flooring is laid in the common areas with vertical blinds to reduce allergens. The outside landscaping is also done with xeriscaping designs to keep water usage minimal. Stuart Smith, development agency’s public relations specialist, said those who purchase these homes can have confidence that the work has been done properly and that the homes have long-term sustainability.
“There is not much sense to get them in the home if it’s not affordable throughout the time they own it,” Smith said.
Despite all the costly upgrades, Smith said the homes are priced to sell quickly. This is made part by the relationship with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where homes are discounted 10 to 50 percent.
The CDCU offers programs to help current homeowners with foreclosure prevention counseling, low-interest home repair loans and down payment assistance programs. All Salt Lake County residents can also take advantage of its 5 percent loan program for home energy efficient upgrades. For more information about “The Idea House” or any of its programs, call 801-994-7222.
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