How Can I Finance Home Renovations?
If you are considering giving your home a makeover but have no idea how to finance home renovations, there are several options you can choose from. You could take out a loan, modify your mortgage, or use your savings to pay upfront. However, these decisions can be challenging for a homeowner.
In this guide, we will help you understand the different ways to finance home renovations.
7 Ways to Finance Home Renovation
Whether you want to transform a dull basement into an entertainment space, add a new pool, or upgrade to a chef-worthy kitchen, a home renovation allows you to personalize your home to your liking.
There are several ways to finance home renovations depending on the project’s scope, financial situation, and creditworthiness.
Here are some of the common ways:
#1. Personal Loan
A personal loan is a simple and low-risk way to finance home improvements because it’s unsecured, meaning you don’t use your home as collateral. They are ideal for smaller renovation projects or when you need funds quickly, as they often have a faster approval process.
The best interest rates are available to those with high credit scores. However, even if your credit score is lower, you can still secure a loan at a slightly higher interest rate. Repaying a personal loan on time can also help improve your credit score.
#2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) usually offers lower interest rates, primarily because your home serves as collateral. It provides a long-term borrowing option, allowing you to borrow, repay, and borrow again over a period of 10 years, similar to using a credit card.
However, it’s important to note that you have 20 years to fully repay what you have borrowed. Missing payments could result in the lender taking possession of your home, so it’s essential to understand the terms and ensure timely payments.
Also, remember that closing costs range between 2% to 5% of the borrowed amount.
#3. Home Equity Loan
A Home equity loan provides lump sum money, which you pay back over a period of 5 to 30 years. It’s often referred to as a “second mortgage” because it uses the home value as security.
Home equity loans are suitable for larger renovation projects with upfront costs, and the interest paid may be tax-deductible in some cases. Closing costs are similar to HELOC’s, usually between 2% to 5% of the loan amount. While the interest rate might be higher than what you pay on your original mortgage, it’s still a good choice for many people.
#4. Mortgage Refinance
Refinancing your mortgage involves replacing your current mortgage with a new one, usually to get a better interest rate, change the loan duration, or adjust other mortgage terms. If you have paid off a good amount of your mortgage and your home’s value has increased, you might qualify for a cash-out refinance (using equity in your home to obtain extra cash).
Here’s an example:
Let’s say your home is worth $200,000, and you still owe $100,000 on your mortgage. You could get a new loan for $150,000 with a cash-out refinance. After paying off the old mortgage, you would have $50,000 left over for renovations or whatever you need. Even if the interest rate on the new loan isn’t lower than your current one, refinancing could still be a good idea because it gives you extra money to work with.
#5. Credit Cards
Credit cards can be convenient for small home upgrades and fixes. But they can be pricey because of high interest rates unless you have a low fixed interest rate. While occasional 0% APR deals might seem attractive, they usually don’t last long, which makes them less suitable for big home renovations. In these situations, choosing a home renovation loan with a longer repayment period is usually a better idea.
For example, you want to replace a broken window that costs $500. If you put it on a credit card with a high-interest rate, you might end up paying much more in interest over time than if you took out a loan with a lower interest rate and longer repayment term.
#6. Government Loans
Several government-backed loans can help with renovations:
- FHA 203(k) Loan (United States)
This loan lets you add renovation costs to your mortgage. For example, if you are buying a house for $200,000 and need $20,000 for renovations, you can get a loan for $220,000.
- Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Mortgage (United States)
With this loan, you get money to buy and renovate a home. Approved contractors do the work. For instance, if you find a fixer-upper for $150,000 and estimate $30,000 for renovations, you could get a loan for $180,000.
- HUD Title 1 Property Improvement Loans (United States)
HUD Title 1 Property Improvement Loans provide homeowners with the financial means to make necessary home repairs and improvements. This type of loan is particularly beneficial because it can be used independently or combined with a 203(k) loan for more extensive renovations.
For example, if you need $15,000 to replace your leaking roof. A HUD Title 1 loan provides the funds without using your savings. Later, if you want to remodel your kitchen and add a bathroom, you can combine the Title 1 loan with a 203(k) loan for the larger project.
#7. Savings
If you have kept aside savings specifically for home improvements, this is often the most cost-effective way to finance renovations. Here’s why:
- More time to decide
Saving up lets you take your time to finalize your design choices without rushing.
- No loan worries
You won’t have to stress about paying back loans or dealing with interest rates and will maintain full home ownership.
- You can stay within your budget
Paying with cash encourages you to stick to a budget and avoid spending money impulsively.
Considerations for Financing Home Improvements
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when it comes to financing home improvements:
- Figure out how much you can afford to pay back each month.
- Talk to a loan officer to find the best loan for you.
- Ensure you are okay with the monthly payments and think about the total cost of your project.
- With interest rates increasing, it might be smart to wait before starting renovations. Look around for the best loan deals.
| Finance home renovations when: | Avoid financing home renovations when: |
| You have enough savings to cover your living expenses in case of an emergency (for 3 to 6 months). | Your budget is already tight. |
| You have a secure job and income. | Your job or personal life is unstable. |
| You are sure you can afford the monthly loan payments. | You tend to spend more than you earn or have a low credit score. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q1. Is Financing Home Improvements Right?
Answer: Financing home improvements can be the right choice, but it depends on factors like:
- Your financial situation
- Types of improvements required
- Available financing options.
Q2. What documents and information will I need to apply for renovation financing?
Answer: Commonly required documents include:
- Proof of income
- Tax returns
- Credit history
- List of renovation costs
- Details about the property.
Q3. Are there any restrictions on using the funds from a renovation loan?
Answer: Most lenders require that the funds be used specifically for home improvements outlined in your renovation plans. Using the money for other purposes could violate the terms of the loan agreement.
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