Chapter 8 › V.C.1 Buildings

How does FEMA decide what building damage it will repair?

FEMA term

Category E: Buildings and equipment

Short answer

Repairing disaster damage to all structural and non-structural building components, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing, is eligible. Insurance is expected to be the primary source of recovery for buildings, contents, equipment and vehicles.

What FEMA requires

FEMA weighs maintenance evidence, signs of pre-existing problems such as old leaks, the severity of the incident, and whether you acted promptly to prevent more damage.
Mold remediation and mud removal are permanent work when done with the facility’s restoration.
Public housing authority buildings are eligible only if Congress doesn’t fund HUD for their emergency capital needs.
Detailed studies of earthquake damage to welded steel moment frames need FEMA approval before the work starts.

Documentation

Maintenance records, photos of pre- and post-disaster condition, and records of steps taken to prevent further damage.

Watch out · Govstar practitioner advice

Document how you protected the building in the first days, such as tarps, dry-out and boarding. It is your answer to a pre-existing damage challenge.

Govstar summarizes FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide in plain language and links to the official text. Govstar is independent and not affiliated with FEMA. This is general guidance, not legal advice.