Home improvement: requirements

Three out of every four families living in poverty in Colombia don't need a new house: they need to fix the one they already have. The country's 751% housing deficit is qualitative, not quantitative. And there, in that little-repeated fact, lies the key to the home improvement.

If your house has a dirt floor, a leaky roof, or an unusable bathroom, this article is for you. We'll explain what it is, what it includes, how to access it, and how we can help you.

What is home improvement?

He home improvement It's about fixing up and completing an existing house, rather than building one from scratch. It's about replacing a dirt floor with a solid one, replacing a broken roof, building a missing wall, or installing a working bathroom and kitchen.

The difference compared to a subsidy for buying a new home is enormous. This isn't about moving: it's about transforming the house where the family already lives from a hazard into a decent home.

Why it matters so much: the 75% deficit is qualitative

In Colombia, 4.8 million households face a housing deficit, representing 25.61% of the total, according to DANE and Camacol. What almost no one mentions is that most of these families do have a roof over their heads; the problem lies in the quality of that roof.

Of that total, 751% corresponds to a qualitative deficit: precarious housing that needs improvements, not families on the street. The gap is stark in rural areas, where the deficit reaches 58.61% compared to 16.51% in urban areas. That is why we insist so much that A house with a dirt floor affects health of those who live there, especially the children.

What does a home improvement include?

A home improvement addresses what makes a house unsafe or unhealthy. It's not a luxury: it's the basics for living with dignity. The most common areas addressed are:

• Firm floors: Replacing the soil with concrete is the improvement with the greatest impact on health.
• Roofs: Replace broken or makeshift covers that let water through.
• Bathrooms: install or adapt a decent sanitary unit.
• Kitchens: safe, ventilated spaces for cooking without smoke inside.
• Walls: to close and finish walls that were only half-built.

Every house is different, so the range of a home improvement It depends on what that particular family is lacking.

How to access home improvement

The official route is through the Ministry of Housing's Home Improvement programs, which exist precisely to address this qualitative 75%. Unlike a subsidy for purchasing a home, these programs aim to finance improvements to the home you already live in.

The specific requirements, amounts, and conditions are defined by current regulations and may change, so it's best to refer to the official source. Check the most up-to-date details directly at [website/link]. Ministry of Housing before doing any paperwork.

How Hepacom helps you with the improvement

At the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation (Hepacom), home improvement is our cornerstone. We are a non-profit organization based in Itagüí, Antioquia, with a national reach, and we work precisely where official services are lacking or insufficient.

We support vulnerable families so that their dirt floors become concrete and their roofs stop leaking. We don't ask families to wait years: we prioritize the most urgent projects. You can see real-life examples in our projects and understand how we turn a donation into square meters of dignity.

Every project exists because someone decided to contribute. Your help translates into materials, labor, and a family that sleeps soundly.

General requirements for accessing home improvement

The home improvement subsidy is designed for households that already own a home but need to address deficiencies such as flooring, bathroom, kitchen, roof, or structure. Before applying, it's advisable to review the basic requirements. This table summarizes them in general terms; the specific conditions and amounts are defined by each call for applications, so check the current information with the Ministry of Housing (Minvivienda) or your local compensation fund.

Requirement	What does it consist of?
To be owner or possessor	The household must inhabit the dwelling that is going to be improved
Housing in designated area	The property must meet the program's conditions
Not having received another incompatible subsidy	Some benefits cannot be combined
Deficiency to be corrected	The improvements address specific deficiencies, not luxury expansions.

These are indicative requirements. The exact conditions and amounts depend on each call for applications; please check the current information at the Ministry of Housing.

Common mistakes when applying for home improvement

• Confusing improvement with new construction: The subsidy covers correcting deficiencies in an existing home, not building a house from scratch.
• Not having the property documentation up to date: Without proof of ownership or possession, the application is halted.
• Wait for the final announcement: Spaces are limited; check dates in advance to avoid missing out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between home improvement and new housing?

Home improvement involves repairing your existing home (floors, roofs, bathrooms, kitchens, walls), while new construction means building or buying from scratch. Since 751% of the housing deficit in Colombia is qualitative, home improvement is the most realistic solution for most families.

What repairs does an improvement typically cover?

The most common improvements are to solid floors, roofs, bathrooms, kitchens, and walls. These are basic interventions that make a house safe and healthy, not luxury renovations.

Where can I find the official requirements?

The Ministry of Housing manages the Housing Improvement programs and publishes the updated requirements and conditions. Since these details change, it's always best to verify them with the official source.

Does Hepacom make improvements nationwide?

We have nationwide reach from Itagüí, Antioquia, and we prioritize based on urgency and available resources. The best thing to do is write to us and tell us about your situation to see if we can include you in a project.

If you know a family living on a dirt floor or under a broken roof, don't ignore it. Contact us via WhatsApp at +57 300 143 7951 or learn how to contribute on our website. donateOne improvement changes an entire life.

This guide is part of our Complete guide to decent housing in Colombia, where we bring together how to access housing and how to help another family have their own.