Home improvement loans come in many shapes and sizes, as do the needs of homeowners seeking to deal with a fixer-upper, add a new room, or update the look, feel, and functionality of their real estate property.
However, not every homeowner qualifies for a loan or has the resources to update or repair their primary residence. Expenses often exceed limited budgets.
Surprisingly, several federal government programs grant local agencies money to fund energy-efficient home repairs and improvements. Low-income families qualify most readily.
Learn how to cash in while protecting the environment simultaneously.
Sponsored Listing
Articles on this Topic
Free Water Heaters: Five Government Assistance Programs
One home repair we all dread is a leaky water heater. One day, you turn on the shower and shiver as cold water shoots from the spout. Then you find a massive puddle in the basement spelling “big surprise bill!”
Fortunately, at least four government programs assist when upgrading to newer, more energy-efficient models that heat your water while consuming less gas or electricity.
Paying For A Roof With No Money: Free Government Grants
Before taking out a home improvement loan to pay for a pricey roof replacement or repair, you might want to investigate the availability of free grants that reduce the amount you need to borrow.
You might qualify for one of the government programs designed to help low-income families cope with utility bills and weatherization improvements. A local company might fix your roof at no cost to you.
Free Home Repair Grants From Federal & State Governments
The federal government does not award grants directly to individuals or homeowners except in a few unique situations, such as the Section 504 program.
Still, low-income families, disabled individuals, and senior citizens can trace the free money from the federal level to local government departments and non-profit organizations that assist with home repairs.
Free Programs to Help Senior Citizens with Home Repairs
Senior citizens often qualify for free home repair assistance because several government programs target benefits to households living under a specified percentage of the federal poverty level.
Many older adults rely on Social Security retirement income, allowing them to qualify for these benefits and more. Many charities and government agencies set aside resources exclusively for seniors.
Free Home Repair Assistance for Low-Income & Disabled
Low-income families frequently qualify for free home repair assistance because several government programs target benefits to households living under a specified percentage of the federal poverty level.
Individuals with disabilities often have low incomes because Social Security benefits provide for subsistence living, allowing them to meet the criteria for the same programs. Plus, they have other opportunities to save money fixing up their homes.
Help With Home Repair: Finding Nearby Charities & Churches
Paying for expensive home repairs is never easy – unless you have the cash.
The government has the resources but dedicates support to energy-saving upgrades to protect the environment.
Charities and churches can close the gap by providing volunteers to help fix things in your home that do not affect gas or electricity consumption. The trick is finding a non-profit in your local area.
Texas Home Improvement & Repair Grant Program Eligibility
Families living in Texas qualify for the most pervasive home repair assistance programs funded by the federal government if they meet low-income criteria and the improvement reduces the consumption of energy (gas or electricity).
Others may be fortunate to live in a city or county where property taxes support repairs for other items, such as foundations or ADA-required modifications.
Who Is Eligible For Government Home Improvement Grants?
Since a government grant represents free money you do not have to repay, you owe it yourself to see if you qualify before applying for a home improvement loan.
However, your choice of words matters.
Additional rooms or remodeled kitchens and baths increase property value while repairs restore essential functions. Government money is much easier to find for repairs than improvements, but every rule has exceptions.
Free Appliance Replacement: Low Income Government Programs
A home improvement loan approval could be the secret to getting appliances for free as the energy savings associated with upgrading from old inefficient refrigerators could be more than the purchase price.
The government follows a similar thought process when providing benefits to low-income families. In addition, agencies seek to help citizens while safeguarding the environment.
Government Grants for Free HVAC System Replacement
Why finance a big home improvement project like a new furnace, water heater, or air conditioning unit when government grants might provide you with a free system?
Most people qualify for weatherization assistance and perhaps discounts on remaining gas and electric bills – unless they meet strict criteria. Then, payment plans enable you to upgrade without hurting your cash flow as energy savings kick in.
Home Repair Grants in Florida: Assistance Programs
Low-income Florida homeowners can use federal grants to fix their primary residence, provided the upgrade reduces energy consumption. Likewise, seniors can address health and safety issues, while veterans with disabilities can add adaptations.
Meanwhile, victims of Hurricane Ian and other natural disasters can tap into FEMA and state-based programs to help mitigate losses and harden their residences to withstand future storms.
Getting Free Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Non-profit entities, property insurance companies, government agencies, and state and city rule-makers share one thing: they want to save lives endangered by fires and gas leaks in your home.
Sometimes, this concern translates into free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for low-income families, senior citizens, and people with hearing loss. Learn where to look and how to take advantage of various programs.
Above Ground Swimming Pool Financing No Credit Check
Financing an above-ground swimming pool becomes challenging when you have bad credit or no history on your consumer report.
Fortunately, you have three viable options to help you cool off during the hot summer. Personal loans, buy no pay later, and rent-to-own arrangements have unique pros and cons you should understand.
Free Government Window Replacement Grant Programs
Reducing the amount of money borrowed is ideal for improving your chances of a home improvement loan approval. Lenders are more willing to say yes when the applicant can afford the monthly payment.
Window replacement grants from the government can reduce your home improvement costs significantly. Take advantage of incentives for low-income homeowners to upgrade to energy-efficient frames and panes.
Home Improvement Loans with Bad Credit & No Equity
Taking out a home improvement loan should be your last resort when you have a bad credit history and no equity in the property.
First, most lenders will decline your application. However, you can turn financial hardship into an advantage by tapping into free resources.
Financing Home Appliances No Credit Check: Pay Monthly
A personal loan can be the ideal way to finance improvements to the appliances in your home: refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.
Many people visit the retailer first and think about setting up monthly payments later, only to paint themselves into a corner. Why limit yourself to the one lender chosen by your appliance company?
Residential HVAC Equipment Financing: No Credit Check
Homeowners have unique considerations to weigh when deciding how to finance HVAC systems.
First, permanent equipment hooked into your ductwork is more expensive to install and remove than portable units.
Then, energy-efficient furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters save money on gas and electricity over time: making monthly payments far more affordable.
Flooring Financing with No Credit Check: Pay Monthly
When financing hardwood flooring and carpeting projects, homeowners have two main choices.
Tapping into funds from a lender upfront frees your to choose the contractor and supplier with the best price and service.
Relying on financing from the flooring company reduces choices, and opend the door for promotional rates – with a catch.