Reno Focused Home Improvement Grants

Reno Focused Home Improvement Grants

Have you ever watched renovations being done on those popular cable shows and thought how cool it would be to be able to do something like that?  Of course, on television, they mostly just show the fun parts like the knocking down of a beam or the unveiling of the incredible finished product.

The show hosts also seem to get last-minute help from a group of friends just as the reno project is getting underway. As for your project, the challenge might be that although it might be fun, you may not have the same budget or willing crew as on a cable television show.

However, whether you want to DIY or enlist some good contracting help, there may be some home improvement grants available that can help you out financially, particularly if you need help financing repairs to your current home before beginning a new buying process.

These grants are also known as Home Repair Grants and are a type of financial assistance provided by federal, state, or local governments to help offset home renovation costs.

Let’s take a closer look at a few options for home improvement grants:  

Single-Family Housing Repair & Grants

Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, it provides loans to lower-income homeowners who qualify. Funds can be used to repair and modernize homes, including replacing fixtures, improving energy efficiency, removing safety hazards, and making properties safely accessible. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees this government-backed loan program.

These grants are designed to assist elderly homeowners, people with disabilities, and individuals who live in rural areas. To qualify for grants, individuals must be over 62 years of age and unable to repay a loan. A complete list of eligibility guidelines can be found on the USDA Rural Development website.   

The Home Investment Partnerships Program

According to the HUD website, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, “provides formula grants to states and localities that communities use - often in partnership with local nonprofit groups - to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people.”

Funding can also be utilized for relocation expenses, demolition of dilapidated housing, and home improvement. There are also home improvement grant options and government-sponsored financial assistance programs for Seniors. These programs provide support for home repairs and safer accessibility and more livable for senior citizens.

An application must be made through your local or state government since HUD doesn’t provide funding directly to individuals or organizations.

One of the requirements for receiving assistance is that current income is no more than 60% of the HUD-adjusted median family income for your area. The HUD website provides a complete list of eligibility requirements.

Grant Options for Veterans

Veterans and active-duty service members can also apply for home improvement grants. Grant specifics and qualification requirements can be obtained at the VA Home Loans website.

“VA specially adapted housing grants” are designed to help support veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities purchase or renovate their homes according to their individual needs.

Examples of how funds can be utilized include widening doorways and installing ramps that allow easier access to the home. Grants can also be used for the purchase or new construction of a home.

Eligibility requirements to receive either of these home improvement grants include owning your home and having a qualifying service-connected disability.

Additionally, the Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant is designed to support veterans and service members seeking funds to help update the home of a family member where they’re currently residing.

Regional loan center contact information is listed on the VA Home Loans website. For additional help in determining if you qualify for any home improvement grants, check with your local Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office, or contact the National Residential Improvement Association (NRIA).

FHA Programs

Federal Housing Authority partners offer programs such as the 203(k) mortgage, which lets borrowers finance repairs and renovations. The upgrades can also be used for making a home ready for occupancy and boosting its equity.

FHA's Limited 203(k) program permits homebuyers and homeowners to finance up to $35,000 into their mortgage. Homebuyers and homeowners can tap into cash to pay for property repairs or improvements, such as those identified by a home inspector or an FHA appraiser.

Weatherizing

A nice “win-win” situation would be being able to update areas of your home and help save energy and money while doing it. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. 

The program's goal is to improve the energy efficiency of homes while helping people save money on heating and cooling costs.  

You can use WAP to improve your home's heating, cooling, and electrical systems as well as to upgrade energy-consuming home appliances.

Additional information on eligibility requirements for weatherization assistance can be found on the Energy.gov website.

Getting Started

Whether you’re ready to knock down an old wall with a sledgehammer or have a contractor in mind for the job, it can’t hurt to see if you qualify for a home improvement grant.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about any aspect of the mortgage process including home renovation loans, we’re always here for you.