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Housing Rehabilitation FAQs

1. What is the process for obtaining assistance from DURA?

The first step is to call our office at 303-534-3872 for assistance. An application can be filled out over the phone or can be downloaded or mailed to you. Once DURA receives all the documents required for the application, your eligibility will be reviewed (this process will take about two weeks). If everything meets the program requirements, a rehabilitation specialist will inspect your home and review with you a description of work detailing the rehabilitation to be done. Bids will be obtained by three qualified contractors on DURA's approved bid list and the lowest bidder will be awarded the contract (this process will take about three weeks).

2. How long will it take before a contractor works on my home?

Contractors generally start the work within two months of the loan closing. However, this varies with the schedule of both the homeowner and the contractor. Depending on the complexity and amount of work, the construction period can take up to three or four months. The entire time from application to completion of a renovation under the Single Family Rehabilitation Program can range from three months to nine months. With an emergency, however, turnaround can be as quick as 24 hours from receipt by DURA of documentation indicating eligibility.

3. Can I use my own contractor?

DURA has a qualified pool of contractors who bid on jobs on a rotating basis. Your contractor can bid on the job; however, they will need to be qualified under our program and will need to submit proof of contractor license, insurance, workman's compensation and other items required by the program. If they meet all these requirements and are awarded the winning bid, their work progress will be closely monitored by the rehabilitation specialist, as is the work of all contractors.

4. What type of loans does DURA offer?

DURA offers no interest or low interest loans to those whose income is at or below 80 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Denver-Aurora median income.  All loans are secured by a promissory note and a deed of trust. All loans are due upon sale or refinance of the property or when the owner ceases to occupy the home.

5 .Are these home improvement loans?

DURA loans are different from standard home improvement loans for several reasons:

• DURA loans have no interest or low interest.  
• DURA can only repair or replace items that are considered essential, or that do not meet minimum code requirements.
• DURA provides technical assistance and monitors the construction process from beginning to end. With a home improvement loan, you must find your own contractor and monitor construction yourself.

6. Can I do the work myself, or will DURA pay for materials?

No. Under this program, all work is done by licensed contractors and subcontractors who obtain permits. All work is inspected by DURA representatives and by qualified persons at the City and County of Denver's Building Department. Funds are not disbursed directly to the homeowner at any time. All checks are made payable jointly to the contractor and the homeowner.

7. How do I know your contractors are reputable?

DURA has a process that all contractors must go through when they apply to work under our housing programs. They must be appropriately licensed through the Denver Building Department, insured and carry adequate workman's compensation coverage. We also check references and inspect their work regularly. Most contractors have worked through DURA for an average of ten or more years, and there is ongoing performance monitoring of all contractors.

8 .Can you reimburse me for money I have already spent on repairs?

No, we cannot.

9. What kind of work can I get done?

Essential repairs and code items all qualify under the Single Family Rehabilitation Program. Items such as roofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, sewer repair or replacement, windows, and handicap accessibility are a few of the items that qualify.

10. Who qualifies for these programs?

You must be a resident of the City and County of Denver and you must own and occupy the property needing repairs. You must also meet income requirements under both the SFR and EHR programs. Other loan underwriting requirements also apply, such as a current mortgage, homeowners insurance and reasonably good credit.

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