Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who decides what work will be done in my home?
A. Acoustical treatments are determined by the Program Team which evaluates the needs of each home individually. These treatments will be reviewed with Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) staff, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to ensure their consistency with reimbursement guidelines. Proposed treatments will then be reviewed with each homeowner before bid documents are prepared for construction.

Q. What if I want to make other repairs?
A. Homeowners may not undertake any repairs or remodeling while the home is in the construction phase of the Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP). Improvements that are not directly related to noise reduction are outside of the program’s scope are NOT covered by the program and may NOT occur from the time RSIP construction begins in your home until it is officially completed.

Q. How long will construction take?
A. Homeowners and/or Landlords are required to be present for 10 working days (excluding weekends and holidays) once construction begins. Most homes are substantially completed within this timeframe. Substantial completion is achieved when all products required in the scope of work are installed, but it does not include “punch list” time (construction review, inspection, and follow-up modifications). Any work required to be completed after the initial 10 working day period will be scheduled with the homeowner. From start to finish, it generally requires 30-40 days to finish all the work.

Q. Are there any costs to me?
A. The FAA and TAA pay for the basic costs for labor and materials to install sound insulation treatments. Typical costs to the homeowner would be to adjust or replace window dressings (blinds, draperies, etc.), storing of materials removed from the home, or prepare the home for installation of the treatments (if needed).

Q. Who does the work?
A. The work is bid out by the TAA to insured, licensed, and bonded general contractors. Contractors bid for the work and the contractor with the lowest, most responsive bid is awarded the job.

Q. I recently installed new windows and doors. Will I be reimbursed for these improvements?
A. No. Per federal guidelines, improvements completed by the homeowner are not eligible for reimbursement.

Q. Will air conditioning be provided?
A. Each home will be evaluated to determine the necessary treatments. An air conditioning system may be installed if your home does not already have one.

Q. Can I keep my old windows and doors?
A. No. Your old windows and doors will become the property of the contractor.

Q. Do I need to be home during the construction process?
A. Yes, you or a designated representative over the age of 18 will need to be present during the construction process. You can expect the contractor to be in your home the entire day for the first 10 days. After they have reached substantial completion, the contractor will schedule appointments with you to finish the Punch-list items or schedule a permit inspection.