Architecture and Construction Services

IHDA works with owners, architects and contractors to facilitate compliance with all applicable construction, accessibility, sustainability, environmental, wage rate, and contract reporting, codes, acts and standards.

Architectural review

Architectural planning and construction standards

The IHDA Standards for Architectural Planning and Construction is a comprehensive reference for owners, developers, architects and contractors in the design and construction of quality affordable housing. IHDA uses the standards to evaluate plans, specifications and other relevant data of the proposed new construction, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

Accessibility review

The Architectural Services department reviews plans for compliance with applicable accessibility codes. A summary of each code can be found in the IHDA Standards for Architectural Planning and Construction. One or more of the accessibility codes and acts applies to any development funded by IHDA. When there is a conflict in the design requirements of the various acts and codes, the most stringent requirements will prevail. Projects electing points for enhanced accessibility under the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) program will be subject to the additional requirements outlined in the relevant QAP for the project’s allocation year.

Sustainability review

IHDA is using the Enterprise Green Communities criteria as its green design standards. Please refer to the IHDA Standards for Architectural Planning and Construction for all minimum green design requirements. Projects electing points for green initiatives under the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) program will be subject to the additional requirements outlined in the relevant QAP for the project’s allocation year.

Physical Needs Assessment (PNA) review

If the project consists of any existing structures, a Physical Needs Assessment (PNA) must be submitted at the time of application. The PNA will evaluate the current condition of the asset(s) and include a cost estimate for any critical, immediate and long term repairs. The PNA must be prepared by an IHDA-approved vendor. The selected vendor cannot be the design architect for the project nor can they prepare the owner’s scope of work for the project.

Environmental review

IHDA projects must be built in locations that are healthy for both humans and the environment, and must adhere to all federal regulations related to environmental and human safety. All applicants for IHDA multifamily financing must submit a Phase I review prepared by an IHDA-approved environmental firm. All Phase I reviews must include certain non-scope items required by IHDA. Successful applicants should be aware that contingent upon the source of financing provided by IHDA, the project may be required to undergo a full environmental assessment following rules and regulations from HUD as required by the National Environmental Policies Act (NEPA). This includes, but is not limited to, storage tanks, floodplains, wetlands, endangered species and various toxins/poisonous materials.

In rehabilitation projects, special attention must be given to:

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Construction review

Davis-Bacon

Most projects containing funds from federal sources are subject to Davis-Bacon wage requirements and the recipients must ensure that all applicable Davis-Bacon wage requirements are followed. The IHDA Davis-Bacon Compliance Guide is provided as a user guide for the Davis-Bacon wage requirements and includes the various forms, posters and links.

Illinois prevailing wage

All IHDA-funded projects are subject to Illinois prevailing wage, unless the project contains funds from federal sources, in which case the Davis-Bacon wage rate will prevail. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has oversight responsibilities to assure coordination of administration and consistency of enforcement of the labor standards provisions of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. IDOL has issued regulations establishing standards and procedures for the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.

Contract reporting – Section 3

IHDA administers a portion of its funds from federal sources for housing development activities. Most projects containing funds from federal sources are subject to Section 3 requirements and the recipients must ensure that all applicable Section 3 requirements are followed. The IHDA Section 3 Compliance Guide is provided as a user guide for the Section 3 requirements and includes the various forms that must be submitted for compliance.

Change order process

When a modification to the construction contract is requested, an AIA G701 change order form executed/signed by the owner, general contractor and architect must be submitted to IHDA's construction field representative. The guidelines for change orders can be found in the IHDA Standards for Architectural Planning and Construction.

Site inspections

During the monthly field inspections, the construction field representative reviews and approves monthly payment requests, change orders and permissions for occupancy before forwarding his copy of these documents to the construction field representative supervisor. Payments are made only for work and materials in place.

If federally funded, the construction field representative supervisor will review payrolls for Davis-Bacon compliance.

Projects electing points for enhanced accessibility and green initiatives under the federal tax credit program will be subject to the additional requirements outlined in the QAP applicable to the project’s allocation year. A representative from the Architectural Services department will conduct inspections throughout the project duration to review the project for compliance under these sections of the QAP.

  • IHDA Construction Site Sign [Please check back]

Construction and Architectural Services close out

When the project is 100 percent complete, prior to final project close out, several criteria must be met for IHDA to give its approval.

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