The first step is to call our office at 303-534-3872 or apply online for assistance. An application can be filled out online or over the phone. Once DURA receives all the documents required for the application, your eligibility will be reviewed (this process will take about one week, except in the case of an emergency). If the application 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.
Contractors generally start the work within one month of the loan closing for SFR and within two weeks for EHR and RHAMP. 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 for SFR, but should be much shorter for EHR and RHAMP programs. The entire time from application to completion of a renovation under the Single Family Rehabilitation program can usually range from three months to six months.
DURA has a pool of qualified contractors who bid on jobs on a rotating basis. Your contractor can bid on the job; however, they will need to become qualified under our program and will need to submit proof of contractor license, insurance, worker'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.
For the SFR and EHR programs, DURA offers zero- and low-interest loans to those whose household income is at or below 80 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Area Median Income (AMI) for Denver County, depending on the program. 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. The RHAMP program is a grant program for people with disabilities to make disability related modifications to their home. The household income requirement for RHAMP is at or below 50 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Area Median Income (AMI) for Denver County.
DURA loans are different from standard home improvement loans for several reasons. First, 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. In addition, 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.
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. Payments to contractors shall be approved by the homeowner.
DURA has a qualification process that all contractors must complete when they apply to provide services for our housing programs. They must be appropriately licensed through the Denver Building Department, insured and carry adequate worker's compensation coverage. We also check references, inspect their work regularly, and monitor performance over time. Many contractors have worked on DURA projects for an average of 10 or more years.
No, we cannot.
Essential repairs and repairs needed to bring a home up to city code requirements qualify under the DURA program. Items such as roofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, sewer repair or replacement, windows, and handicap accessibility are a few of the items that qualify, depending on the program.
You must be a resident of the City and County of Denver for all DURA programs. For the SFR and EHR programs you must own and occupy the property needing repairs. For RHAMP you must occupy the home but renters are still eligible so long as as the property owner agrees to the modifications. All DURA housing rehabilitation programs require that you meet income requirements, please see each program’s page for the specific income requirements. Other loan underwriting requirements also apply, such as a being current your mortgage, homeowners insurance and not being delinquent on Federal or city debts such as income or property taxes.
DURA uses the 1040 calculation for gross taxable income. If you have any non taxable income such as being a recipient of child support or in some cases social security income may not always be taxable that amount is not calculated into your AMI. If you are self employed, DURA loan staff can also work with you on collecting the appropriate documents to determine your taxable gross income.
DURA can help Denver residents through various housing rehabilitation programs with the following repairs: roof repair; plumbing fixes, updates and lead pipe mitigation; siding; gutters; window repair or replacement; tile and cabinetry upgrades; heating; electrical; sewer repair or replacement; windows; bathroom and shower grab bars; ramp installation; lifts for chairs and stairs; roll-in showers; repair and/or replace deteriorated or faulty private residential sanitary sewer and disposal systems; clear, clean, scope and locate backed-up sewer lines; establish a connection to a metropolitan sewer system to replace a private residential sewage disposal system; lead-based paint risk assessment; appliance replacement, such as hot water heater or furnace; and lead service lines inspection.