GENERAL FAQ'S

Now that my repair is complete, what's next?

First, congratulations on completing your repair! Whether your home received a new roof or windows, regular upkeep is key to preserving the safety, comfort, and value of your home. Here are some important steps to help protect your investment:

General Home Maintenance Tips

• Stay on top of seasonal maintenance. Clean gutters, trim nearby trees or bushes, inspect for leaks, and service your heating and cooling systems regularly.
• Maintain your homeowners insurance. Ensure your coverage is current and adequate to protect your home and improvements.
• Keep records organized. Hold on to warranties, inspection reports, and photos of your completed work for future reference, resale, or insurance claims.
• Know when to call a professional. Don’t hesitate to seek licensed help for issues beyond DIY repair.

Roof Maintenance

• Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water back-up and roof damage.
• Inspect attic ventilation and insulation to avoid moisture buildup.
• Check for missing or damaged shingles after storms or high winds.
• Schedule chimney inspections and clear debris to prevent blockages or water infiltration.

Window Maintenance

• Clean windows and inspect seals to maintain energy efficiency and visibility.
• Look for signs of condensation between window panes—this could indicate seal failure.
• Check caulking and weatherstripping annually and replace if cracked or worn.
• Keep tracks and hardware clean to ensure smooth operation and avoid premature wear.

When to Contact Us

If you experience an issue that may be related to the work completed through the program, please contact your assigned Program Specialist for guidance.

What does Phase 2 include?

A primary focus on roof replacement and a secondary focus on windows.  For homes that require both a roof replacement and window replacements, the roof replacement is likely to be prioritized. Participant homes are limited to one essential home repair as designated by Renew Detroit and cannot receive both a roof replacement and window replacements.

If approved for the window repair, will you replace all the windows of my home?

For each home, we will allocate funding for window replacement up to a predetermined amount, depending on available resources. We do not complete window replacements for historical homes. Specifics regarding window repairs will be reviewed with residents directly as each home and scope is different. Window obstructions such as bars, awning, cooling units, etc. will need to be removed prior to construction. Your assigned program specialist will review these details in advance of construction. 

Will my replacement windows include decorative grids like my current windows?

No. The replacement windows provided through our program are standard white vinyl windows with a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 27—which means they offer a moderate level of noise reduction compared to older single-pane windows—and do not include decorative grids, muntins, or similar features.

What is conditional selection?

Conditional selection means that a home has been found eligible and has scored high enough to participate in the Renew Detroit program and may move forward if all applicable program and home condition requirements are met. Properties may fall out of the program for non-compliance with program requirements such as failure to complete documents, not maintaining home’s structural/foundational soundness, posing a safety or other hazard, failure to occupy, etc.

Is there a limit on the size of the property that will qualify for this program?

There is no square footage minimum or maximum for participants in Renew Detroit. We will complete repairs on detached single-family homes or duplexes (2-family flats) only. Repairs are warrantied and require the full roof structure to be completed based on contractor review.

Is there a budgeted limit per house for the home repairs? 

Renew Detroit participants who are selected for a roof will receive a full roof replacement. Those selected for windows will have a set number of windows replaced depending on condition and funding availability.

How is Renew Detroit prioritizing who gets a repair?

Renew Detroit utilizes a Home Repair Score to prioritize eligible applicants by their home score for conditional selection into the program.

Conditionally selected participants become participants in the Renew Detroit program, they will be assigned to a construction season. Although we will do our best to prioritize homes with more urgent conditions, Renew Detroit is not an emergency program, so we are not always able to take the condition of the roof in consideration when selecting the next participant.

Will there be a lien put on the home after repairs?

No, Renew Detroit is not placing a lien on your property.

Did Renew Detroit’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 have more than one application period?

No. Each phase for Renew Detroit has one application period. Application periods run for the month of October in 2021 and 2022, respectively. There are no additional phases or application periods.

Was income used as an eligibility factor for Renew Detroit?

Yes. Renew Detroit used the HOPE Property Tax exemption as a requirement, which is an income-based program. The 2022 HOPE Income Guidelines are listed below.