Many federal, state, and local programs provide home improvement assistance in the form of grants. These are often given to low and moderate-income families, seniors, veterans, disabled people, and those impacted by Covid 19.
While most homeowners can apply for these grants, eligibility depends on income levels as well as specific program guidelines.
Repairs for Seniors and Disabled Residents
A number of programs offer home improvement repairs for seniors and disabled residents. Some provide safety enhancements, like deadbolt locks and smoke detectors, while others help with accessibility modifications, such as doorway enlargement and installation of grab bars. These types of home modification solutions may be covered by various grants and funds.
For example, the RESTORE program offers assistance to low-income elderly homeowners. The grant helps eliminate unsafe conditions in the house and ensures that the resident can live safely at home for as long as possible.
This program is available through State Units on Aging (SUAs), local Area Agencies on Aging and other community organizations. Check with your local SUA to see if they have funding for this program in your area.
Energy-Efficient Fixes
Home improvements that increase energy efficiency are not only budget-friendly but also environmentally friendly. By plugging leaks and upgrading insulation, homeowners can save on energy costs while making their homes more comfortable. Moreover, by investing in energy-efficient appliances, they can significantly reduce the cost of electricity bills.
Several home repair assistance programs offer energy-saving solutions for eligible residents. For instance, the Low-Interest Home Improvement Program and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program provide financial assistance for energy-saving improvements.
Other home improvement options include replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models and installing programmable thermostats. Additionally, you can seal air leaks by using caulking and weatherstripping around windows, doors, and other areas to prevent drafts. Other energy-saving measures include insulating walls and attics and adding programmable power strips, which use less energy when not in use.
Accessibility Fixes
Home accessibility modifications can be a big investment, but they also offer major benefits for people with disabilities. These include installing ramps and lifts for entryways, wider doorways and grab bars in bathrooms. Lowering kitchen countertops and closet rods can make clothing easier to reach for individuals who use wheelchairs.
A home modification that offers significant benefit for those with mobility issues is to relocate a bedroom and bathroom to the main level, eliminating the need to climb stairs. This can help prevent falls and injury, says Mariya Snisar, head of interior design for Renowell, an Ontario, Canada-based home design and renovation firm.
These types of improvements typically require a contractor to perform the work, but some programs also provide grants for disabled homeowners that can help offset costs. These grants can cover things like the cost of materials and labor, as well as fees to get the work done. In addition, there are a few financing options available, such as the FHA 203(k) program or loans through non-profit organizations that specialize in home improvement assistance.
Home Renovations
Many cities, counties and state programs offer home renovation assistance as well. These include grants and loans such as a 203(k) rehabilitation mortgage insurance loan for projects that cost $35,000 or more. The loans are available to both homeowners and landlords to finance a purchase and renovation in one package, which helps keep costs down.
Generally, a renovation is work that refreshes or restores something to its original state. Examples of this type of project include repainting, resurfacing and swapping fixtures or furniture. On the other hand, remodeling changes the function or layout of a room or home. For example, if you take out walls and add an extra bathroom or bedroom, this is a remodel.
While it may seem obvious, the difference between a renovating and a remodeling project is based on your goals. The former is DIY-friendly, while the latter is more suited for contractors. Renovating also has a higher ROI than a remodel.