5 Ways to Finance a Home Renovation

Are you considering how to finance a home renovation but you are worried about the cost and complexity? With so many options available, knowing which is right for you can take time and effort. That's why we created this comprehensive guide for how to finance your next home renovation project.

In this article we cover personal loans, home equity loans, and other financing solutions to help make your renovation dreams a reality without breaking the bank. So if you're ready to get started on your project, read on and learn about the 5 main ways to to finance your dream home improvements.

1. Secure a Renovation Loan Through Your Contractor

Are you interested in starting a new project but concerned about the cost? Well, did you know that some contractors, like us at Green Home Installations, offer convenient financing options right in their own office? Our partnership with GreenSky means that we can offer our customers a variety of flexible financing plans to fit their specific needs.

Whether you prefer fixed rate installment loans with low payments or promotional plans that offer no interest, we've got you covered. And the best part? You can take advantage of these financing options regardless of whether the project is at your primary residence. 

Don't let financial worries hold you back from your dream project - contact us today to learn more!

2. Should you pay in Cash to Finance a Home Renovation?

Paying in cash, despite low interest rates, is the most straightforward option when it comes to Financing Home Renovations. You control the money and minimize overall costs by eliminating interest rates.

Depending on the type and size of the project, milestones, and payment types will be different. 

• Small Projects: When dealing with smaller projects, you may be required to pay 50% upfront and the remaining balance upon completion. 
• Medium Size Projects: For mid-sized tasks such as kitchen renovations, typically 15%-30% would be due upfront, followed by 40%-50% at the halfway mark, and finally, 15%-30% once completed.
• Larger Projects: For larger projects, generally, a lower deposit is required upfront, but smaller payments are needed throughout the project. It is important to get in writing which payments will be linked to certain project milestones. Once demolition, midpoint, and completion points have been defined, you'll be closer than ever before to transforming your home into the dream vision you've had in mind.

3. Can a personal or unsecured loan can be an effective way to finance a Home renovation?

For home renovations that cost less than $50,000, you may want to borrow money or obtain a personal loan from an accredited credit union or bank. With unsecured personal loans being so easy to acquire and requiring no collateral like your home as security, it's the perfect option for those who want to avoid any risk of losing their house if a default occurs.

With personal loans, you get a higher funding limit than most credit cards but lower than you'd receive from a secured loan. Typically offered with fixed terms and interest rates, the repayments are made monthly in installments. Unfortunately, the interest rate on these types of loans is usually much steeper than those connected to your house, like mortgages that include renovation financing, home equity lines of credit, or home equity loans.

Take the time to shop around and research different rates when considering a personal unsecured personal loan of $50,000 over 24 months; you should anticipate paying an interest rate somewhere between 5-6%. Investing your energy in understanding which option is best for financing your renovation will save money down the line.

4. Utilize Home Equity Loan to Fund Home Renovation Projects

A home equity loan is a great financial tool to access equity built up in your property. This method of borrowing against the equity you have built up in your home is often more cost-effective than other types of loans, as the interest rate is usually less than other borrowed funds. With a home equity loan, you borrow a fixed amount and get a lump sum payment at the beginning.

The repayment terms tend to be shorter than other loans, which also helps to keep overall payments lower. It's important to remember that your property secures this type of loan, so there could be issues if you cannot make your repayments on time. Therefore, taking out a home equity loan is worth careful consideration for those looking for an ideal financial option.

5. Take out a Home Equity Line of Credit HELOC

Enhance your financial power with a home equity line of credit, and experience the freedom to achieve your project goals quickly. Imagine having your own personal credit line, allowing you to borrow what you need at any time while only paying interest on what you use. This is perfect for long-term home renovations or multiple projects that require funds over an extended period.

Stay cautious when selecting HELOC loans with low initial rates, as these may be adjustable. Some may even limit your access to the credit line for 5-10 years or require a minimum withdrawal amount. While more flexible than home equity loans, keep in mind that this rate can fluctuate and may carry more risk.

Question: Are You Entitled to a Revised Estimate from Your Contractor?

So, you've done some serious thinking and have come to the decision that taking out a loan just isn't feasible to finance a home renovation. Now you're contemplating whether or not it's possible to ask your contractor to lower their initial estimate for your home renovation project so you can pay with cash. The good news is that revised estimates are definitely an option, but be aware that negotiations and compromise will be a big part of the process. 

To successfully negotiate a better price, you must strategize beyond simply asking for a discount; consider streamlined scopes of work or cost-effective materials. Remember that general contractors don't usually include wiggle room in their estimates, so consider other ways to lower the price. For example, you could use less expensive features, cheaper appliances, leave walls, or compromise on the aesthetics of the projects.

So when can you request a revised renovation estimate that fits your budget? The answer is that most contractors allow a single round of minor quote revisions for free. However, if you require detailed alterations to the initial bid, be prepared for your contractor to ask for payment for their time. This covers their internal costs for the extensive effort it takes to build a firm quote. But don't worry; if you hire them, this fee for sharpening the quote can be rolled into the total project expenditure.

What you need to do when getting revised quotes from your contractor

• Before your contractor drafts the estimate, have an open discussion about your budget and the scope of work.
• Speak with your contractor to explore ways to adjust the scope of work so that it fits within your budget.
• Prepare to incur additional costs for significant revisions and adjustments.
• Be prepared to wait several days for major revisions of your estimates.

What you shouldn't do when getting revised quote from your contractor

• Request a price reduction without sacrificing the quality or quantity of materials
• Base plan expenses on a budgetary quote
• Expect major revisions for free
• Expect major revisions quickly

There you have it! Whether you're planning to paint over the kitchen walls or completely remodel your bathroom, plenty of financing options are available to help make your renovation dreams a reality. All that's left is finding the right loan for you and starting your project!

Now that you know how to manage home renovation projects financially, we would love for you to share your story with us! Have you utilized one of these methods -- or even discovered an unconventional approach? Reach out to us on Social Media and share your story.

Disclaimer - This article does not constitute financial advice from an accredited institution. Please seek professional guidance before making any decisions related to money & loans.