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4 . Applicant interviews : Approved applicants will be provided detailed information on assistance , <br /> program repair/ modification standards and the contracting procedures associated with their <br /> project at this informational interview . <br /> 5 . Work write - Up : The County ' s Rehabilitation Specialists will visit the home again for a more <br /> thorough inspection . All parts of the home must be made accessible for this inspection , <br /> including the attic and crawlspace , if any . The homeowner should report any known problems <br /> such as electrical short circuits , blinking lights , roof leaks , etc . The Rehabilitation Specialist will <br /> prepare a complete and detailed set of work specifications ( " work write - up " ) . A final , <br /> confidential cost estimate will also be prepared by the Rehabilitation Specialist and held in <br /> confidence until bidding is completed . <br /> 6 . Formal agreement : After approval of the work write - up , the homeowner will sign a formal <br /> agreement that will explain and govern the repair/ modification process and an explanation of <br /> the Promissory Note , which is considered a forgivable loan . This agreement will define the roles <br /> of the parties involved throughout the process . <br /> 7 . Bidding : The work write - up and bid documents will be sent to a minimum of three contractors <br /> on the Approved Contractors ' Registry who will be given one week in which to inspect the <br /> property and prepare bid proposals . The names of the invited contractors will be supplied to the <br /> homeowner . Each will need access to those areas of the house in which work is to be performed <br /> in order to prepare a bid . A bid opening will be conducted at the Orange County Housing and <br /> Community Development Department at a specified date and time , with all bidders and the <br /> homeowner invited to attend . <br /> 8 . Contractor Selection : Within 24 hours of the bid opening and after review of bid breakdowns <br /> and timing factors , the winning bidder will be selected . All bidders and the homeowner will be <br /> notified of ( 1 ) the selection , ( 2 ) the amount , ( 3 ) the amount of the County' s cost estimate , ( 4 ) <br /> any support or contingency costs that will be included in the loan amount and ( 5 ) if other than <br /> the lowest bidder is selected , the specific reasons for the selection . <br /> 9 . Execution of loan and contract Documents : The loan will be executed , as well as the <br /> repair/ modification contract prior to work beginning on the project . This contract will be <br /> between the contractor and homeowner, with the County as an interested third party . The cost <br /> of the actual work and project - related support costs up to the maximum amount of $ 1 , 000 will <br /> be included in the loan document . <br /> 10 . Pre - construction conference : A pre - construction meeting will be held at the home . At this time , <br /> the homeowner, contractor and program representatives will be present and discuss the details <br /> of the work to be done . Starting and ending dates will be agreed upon , along with any special <br /> arrangements such as weekend or evening work hours , storage of household furniture , if <br /> applicable and the disposition of items to be removed from the home ( such as old plumbing, <br /> etc . ) . If the contract has been executed , the County will issue a " proceed order " formally <br /> Page 5 <br />