Home Repair, Maintenance, & Improvement
Home Repair Programs
Paint-a-Thon - Assists seniors (60+) and/or a resident with a disability to paint the exterior of their homes. The home must be an owner-occupied, single-family home less than 20 feet tall. Contact Community Connections at 720-977-5800 or Housing@ThorntonCO.gov to learn more. Use the Paint-a-Thon link on the right-hand side of this page to learn more and apply.
CAPABLE Program - the city has a new partner! CAPABLE, which stands for Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders, is operated by the Colorado Visiting Nurses Association. The program was developed by the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Its goal is to allow older adults to remain in their homes longer, achieve better health outcomes, and decrease medical costs. The CAPABLE program provides 10 visits to the home: six with an occupational therapist and four with a nurse. If small physical changes are needed to improve the safety or accessibility of the home, CAPABLE will provide a handyperson to perform the work for free. Eligible seniors (65 and up) who income qualify should use the link on the right-hand side of this page to learn more and apply.
Help for Homes (Two-Year Waiting List) - This program helps Thornton's low to moderate-income homeowners with minor home repairs that address health, safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency-related repairs. Some common repairs this program assists with include but is not limited to: installing new water heaters, installing new furnaces, roof repair, building wheelchair ramps, installing accessible showers, plumbing repairs, and electrical repairs. There is currently a two-year waiting list for this program. To be added to this list contact Community Connections at 720-977-5800 or Housing@ThorntonCO.gov to learn more.
Energy and Water Efficiency Resources
By making a few key upgrades you can see immediate benefits such as reductions in your monthly utility bills, improved indoor air quality, and even increased property values. Here are some ideas that can help you make energy efficiency advances.
Get Free Solar with GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit organization that brings the benefits of solar technology to communities that otherwise would not have access. Through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) awarded by the City of Thornton, GRID Alternatives is providing no-cost solar systems + installation to income-qualifying homeowners in these communities. Qualifying homeowners will own these systems in full at no cost and can expect to save between 50-90 percent on their annual electric bill. In order to qualify for the free solar program, applicants must own their home, earn 80 percent or less of the area median income based on household size, and have a qualifying roof (limited shading, good quality, etc.). This is a first-come, first-served program, and funds are limited! To learn more, call Outreach Coordinators Mikkela Blanton (303-968-1634) or Chelsea Gaines (720-943-5162) directly, fill out a pre-screening application on our website, or email outreachco@gridalternatives.org to learn more.
Sign Up for a Home Energy Squad Visit
Home Energy Squad can help you begin your journey towards having a lower energy bill along with a more comfortable and energy-efficient home. Residents who get their electricity from Xcel Energy can receive a Home Energy Squad visit for $50. Participants will receive $200 worth of energy-saving help such as thermostat adjustments, installation of faucet aerators and efficient lighting, and recommendations for other energy-saving projects. A standard visit includes:
- Switching out traditional, inefficient lighting for more efficient LED bulbs
- Replacing showerheads with energy-efficient models
- Weather-stripping drafty exterior doors
- Installing a programmable thermostat
- Adding aerators to kitchen and bathroom faucets
If you're looking for more you can sign up for a Home Energy Squad Plus visit to receive all the benefits of the Home Energy Squad listed above along with the bonus of a professional home energy audit. For $100 you can receive services valued at $600! Additional services of the Home Energy Squad Plus visit include:
- A thorough inspection of the home's exterior, insulation, and mechanical systems
- Air leak analysis with a blower door diagnostic test
- Infrared imaging and analysis
- Full summary report with findings and recommendations
Visit Xcel's website or call 303-446-7910 to schedule your appointment.
Thornton Water Assistance Program helps low-income individuals and families pay their water bills. Thornton Water customers and residents living in apartment complexes, manufactured home parks, condominiums, and townhomes that receive water through the city of Thornton can apply for the program once per calendar year. Those who meet the program qualifications will receive a credit on their water account. For more information, contact Community Connections at 720-977-5815.
The 2022 credit for those with a Thornton Water account is $360.
The 2022 credit for those living in a master meter community is $80.
The Home Energy Savings Guide by Recharge Colorado offers tips on ways to save energy in your home, including a do-it-yourself energy audit.
Xcel Energy offers rebates to homeowners who have purchased and installed new energy-efficient improvements in their homes.
The PowerSaver Loan Program allows homeowners to borrow up to $25,000 for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to their homes. Participating Colorado lenders include the Bank of Colorado at 970-663-2999 and the Credit Union of Colorado at 303-832-4816.
Tax credits for some energy efficiency improvements may be available for your federal income tax returns, including geothermal, solar, and wind energy systems. Call Energy Star at 1-888-782-7937 for information.
The Colorado Energy Office provides a financial incentive to those who purchase an existing home (versus newly built) and makes energy-efficient or renewable energy upgrades within 120 days of purchase. Contact them at 303-866-2100.
The Arapahoe County Weatherization Program provides free services to eligible low-income Adams County residents. Includes energy audits, furnace and water heater repairs, insulation, and more financial assistance with paying utility bills. Call 303-636-1982.