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House flipping is a great way to make a profit through real estate investment. Unfortunately, though, it can be quite expensive to perform all of the necessary renovations that come with the territory.

If you’re getting into this business, you’ll need to be familiar with your financing options.

Loans for house flipping are different from the typical home improvement loans you would get through the NRIA program, and these projects also don’t always qualify for traditional financing options. But you shouldn’t let this discourage you! There are still plenty of accessible financing options for those looking to fix and flip a property.

Read on for an overview of six of the most common financing options homeowners and real estate investors take advantage of when flipping houses.

Traditional Financing

Traditional financing from your bank may be an option for some homeowners, depending on their credit score and their bank’s policies regarding home improvement loans. It’s often the most comfortable financing option for those who qualify, as you can obtain funding through a financial institution that you already have a relationship with.

However, there are some things to watch out for when taking loans from the bank. Interest rates tend to be quite high, and there are sometimes obscure penalties that you wouldn’t expect. Make sure you understand your bank’s policy before borrowing.

Real Estate Investors

You can be sure that you’re not the only homeowner in your area interested in real estate investment. So if you’re having trouble raising funds and you’re willing to share your eventual profits, you shouldn’t have too hard of a time finding real estate investors to go into business with.

You don’t have to limit yourself to industry professionals, either. If you have willing family or friends with the funds, they can act as personal investors to help you with the financing. Be sure to compensate your investors by either paying them interest rates or a portion of the final profits.

Hard Money Loan

You also have the option to get your funding from money lenders in the form of a hard money loan. 

These short-term loans are relatively easy to get approved for. The money lenders can usually get you your money in just a couple of weeks, and you will typically pay back the loan in one or two years.

Money lenders do charge interest, of course, so you’ll have to account for this in your budget.

Home Equity Line of Credit

While often home improvement loans don’t cover fix-and-flip jobs, some varieties can be used for these projects. One of these is called a home equity line of credit, or HELOC.

But how do home improvement loans work? Well, in the case of a HELOC, it’s sort of like getting a credit card for your house. The bank will use the value of your home to determine your credit limit and allow you to borrow funds within this amount.  

You must account for interest rates, but you only have to pay interest on the funds you take out. Plus, the financial commitment shouldn’t be too severe as most homeowners decide to borrow from a HELOC in small amounts over time.

Crowdfunding

The recent surge in the popularity of crowdfunding has made real estate investment more accessible for many house flippers. There are plenty of real estate crowdfunding platforms that allow investors to collect small amounts of money from many people at once, making the financial burden easier on everyone. Investors are typically compensated via interest or a profit percentage.

401k Loan

If you participate in a 401k plan through your employer, you may have the option to borrow against it. If your plan allows this, it’s a great way to get a loan without having to pay interest to someone else. It’s almost like borrowing money from yourself!

Of course, your retirement may be in danger if your flip doesn’t generate the profits you were hoping for, so be sure to keep this in mind when considering this financing option.

See How Homeowner Funding Can Help You

House flipping is an expensive and labor-intensive endeavor, so if you’re going to take on this task, you’ll want an Owens Corning preferred contractor like Homeowner Funding by your side along the way.  

That being said, once you get capital to pay for the renovation work, flipping houses can make you more than enough profit to justify the expense. That’s where Homeowner Funding can help. Visit our website today for more information about our financing options!

Home renovations can be stressful. From sending your house into disarray to completely compromising your daily routine, home improvements can really upheave the structure of your life. 

However, there is one way to avoid these pressures — and that’s thorough preparation. Simply sitting down and planning your home renovation can play a major role in making the whole process run as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible. Before you hastily call the contractors, plumbers, painters, and decorators, do some planning first. It’ll all be worth it in the end.

If you’re looking for some ideas on how to prepare, take a look at these four tips below:

1. Remove as Much as Possible

There will be a lot on your plate initially, from researching metal roof vs shingle roof cost to asking contractors for their portfolios. However, you need to look inwards as well.

Before your workers come in to start on your home, you must clear the space as much as you possibly can. Move couches, chairs, and coffee tables to a less busy side of the room. Plan to move it as your contractors need to relocate to different areas of the room.

Not only will this initiative provide a larger construction area for the workers, but it will also prevent the furniture you have from getting damaged. 

For example, with renovations such as a bathroom or kitchen remodel, chances are you’ll have old tiles being removed and new ones taking their place. This element of a kitchen or bathroom remodel will create an immense amount of dust and mess in the areas of your home. You won’t want the debris falling on your furniture and causing stains and general damage. 

2. Find a Storage Unit

For some home improvement projects, you won’t be able to keep your furniture indoors. In this instance, you’ll need to move these items into a suitable storage space for safekeeping during your remodeling project. This way, you can ensure that all of your valuable and sentimental assets are stored away safely and will be in pristine condition when you come to put them back in your newly renovated home.

When researching for secure storage units, consider these tips to ensure your belongings will remain safe:

•             Choose a local storage unit: Renting a storage unit close to your home will allow you to regularly check on your belongings. The short distance will also allow you to make multiple trips if there are other items you need to store throughout the remodeling project.

•             Check out a few facilities first: Before renting the first unit you come across, make sure you do your research, as there may be units in your area that are more affordable with bigger spaces. You should also make sure the area is respectable and has a good reputation. You can usually check reviews online to read about others’ experiences.

When adding house additions, you’ll probably have new furniture ready and waiting, too. Keeping it in storage will prevent it from getting damaged throughout the home improvement process.

3. Cover Leftover Items

For those furniture pieces or other household items that simply can’t be removed during the home improvement process, we advise you to cover them. For example, you should cover floating shelves or light fixtures that are staying behind with suitable sheets. Whether you use fabric sheets or plastic sheets, just ensure that the whole area is covered. You’ll even want to cover carpets and wooden floors outside of the construction area, as you’d be surprised at how far dust can travel throughout the areas of your home.

4. Keep Everything Organized

When it comes to organization, it doesn’t just mean looking after your belongings and keeping them safe. You should also stay organized with the finer details of the remodeling project. For example, you should keep hard copies of all your receipts and contracts. It’s also a good idea to keep an ideas board that specifically depicts your home improvement plan. Whether your construction workers dismissed the house siding options you provided for them or painted your walls the wrong shade, it’s good to have physical evidence on hand. Make sure you have all of these items digitized, too, so you can bring them up for a quick reference. 

Start Preparing Today

When you feel prepared, call Homeowner Funding to learn which financing options are available to you! We have an abundance of home improvement services available that will cater to all budgets. Whatever the remodeling project may be, we will be there to help all the way.

Home improvement isn’t only relevant for when you decide to sell your home. You can, and should, try to increase the value of your home whenever you get the opportunity. How do you do that, exactly? Well, you’re in the right place to find out.

Listed below are our top five picks on how to improve the value of your home. From minor to major enhancements, we are sure to have something that inspires you. Let’s take a look!

1. Expand Your Living Space

Adding an extra square foot here and there before you sell your home is a great way to add value. The best part is that, in many cases, you can use the space you already have! You just need to think of it a little differently.

Rather than opting for an expensive extension, why not convert your garage or loft? House additions are perfect value boosters.

Expanding your space can be a great idea, even if you don’t intend to sell your home just yet. Additional square footage will increase its value, meaning you can plan for a future sale. In the meantime, you can reap all the benefits of having extra space, like storage or an extra bedroom!

2. Carry Out a Kitchen Remodel

Renovating your kitchen doesn’t have to be an enormous task. Even a minor kitchen remodel can increase your house value significantly. 

So what’s the difference between a minor kitchen remodel and a major remodel? 

Essentially, it comes down to how much you are replacing. With a minor kitchen remodel, you make the most of all the existing appliances and cabinets. All you need to do is improve on what you have. 

A minor remodel could include installing new lighting, performing maintenance upkeep, and applying a fresh coat of paint. The changes don’t have to be dramatic to make a significant impact.

3. Renew Your Siding

Siding is an oft-overlooked feature, but the right house siding options can improve the value of your home. 

Siding provides the finishing touches that make a house look picture perfect. The exterior is crucial for curb appeal, but we will get to that later.

If you opt for a new material with your siding, you can significantly change the overall aesthetic of your home. Wooden siding is perfect for a more rustic, cozy appearance, whereas aluminum achieves a more modern selling point. 

In addition to being a bit of a facelift, renewed siding is a great way to improve the structural integrity of your home. 

4. Consider Your Energy Efficiency

As we move into a greener era, demands for energy efficiency are increasing with urgency. Buyers don’t want to invest in a home that eats up energy with no discernible benefit, so you need to have the same priorities. 

Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment — it also increases your home asset value. Your property value will rise, and it’s a selling point that will make it easier to sell the house later down the line.

One of the most significant ways to ensure energy efficiency is to guarantee your home has proper heating and insulation. No one wants to pay out in heating bills just to lose all of that heat through drafty windows. 

Replacing your current windows with double glazing, or renewing your current double-glazed windows, is a great start. Adding insulation into your loft space is another excellent way to ensure your home retains heat.

5. Improve Your Curb Appeal

A lot of home improvement is about making a solid first impression. There are (probably) a million different ways to make a good first impression when you sell your home. To make things a little less complicated, we have listed just a few:

•             Keep your garden neat: If you have any outdoor space, make sure that it is tidy. An overgrown yard is never a good look. Weed it, trim it, and if you are feeling creative, add some color!

•             Pressure wash: If possible, use a pressure washer on your decking and other outdoor spaces. The difference it can make is astounding and could make years-old materials look brand new.

•             Add some paint: Repainting your front door or windows with a bold color can catch the eye. When we say bold, we don’t necessarily mean canary yellow (but if that’s your thing, go ahead!). All we mean is that whatever you choose, it should catch the eye.

Any of the above are solid starts for improving curb appeal and may surprise you by the difference it makes.

Don’t Wait to Improve Your Home!

Getting a head start on the work is always your best bet. Whether you intend to sell your home in the next year or the next decade, home improvement doesn’t have to wait!

Here at Homeowner Funding, we’re an NRIA program provider, ready to provide you with the funds to revamp your home and improve its energy efficiency. Contact us today to learn about our financing options!

Flipping houses is an attractive venture for anyone who wants to see big profits. But, as the old saying goes, you need to have money to make money.

The lack of capital can be enough to deter most hopeful flippers. Fortunately, you can get the funds you need through financing options like renovation loans.

This guide is here to help you out by breaking down the different types of renovation loans. By the end, you’ll know which option will help you see the greatest return on your investment.

How do home improvement loans work? Let’s find out.

Types of Renovation Loans for Investment Property 

See below for an overview of your financing options for an investment property. 

1. FHA 203(K) Loan (From the Federal Housing Administration)

An FHA 203(K) is often the most popular because it is government-backed by the Federal Housing Administration. The FHA guarantees coverage for renovations, making it easier to make monthly payments.

Borrowers tend to favor the FHA 203(K) for its lower interest rates. Plus, you can qualify with a credit score as low as 500. If you have a credit score of 580 or higher, you’ll only have to make a 3.5% down payment.

While FHA 203(K)s can be handy options, you should be aware of their limitations. For instance, borrowers only have six months to complete the renovations. This short timeframe means that you need to coordinate all repairs efficiently. 

Another FHA 203(K) stipulation is that the investor must reside on the property for at least 12 months. If you need to sell the property sooner, you may want to consider another financing option. 

2. Self-Directed IRA Loan 

The Self-Directed IRA loan works like a retirement account. This loan helps you dedicate a portion of your retirement funds towards investments if you have limited investment options. 

A real estate investor might encourage you to choose this financing option because they know that you can build your retirement and earn an income through your rental property simultaneously.

It’s important to note that it’s for more seasoned investors who are comfortable putting funds towards renovations. If you are new to investing in property and aren’t sure how to handle your investments, an NRIA provider can offer special funding programs and advise you about financing options.

3. Fannie Mae Homestyle Loan  

Some home improvement loans, such as the Fannie Mae Homestyle Loan, are more flexible in the eligibility requirements and uses of the borrowed funds. 

This option lets you borrow up to 85% of the value of the rental property after repairs. This loan type covers everything from patio to comfort windows financing. 

The biggest drawback is that every renovation must have contractor approval, which might cause an issue if you were hoping to do much of the renovation yourself. The down payment is also high compared to other options, which might prove to be a hurdle for a homeowner with a high debt to income ratio.

A high debt to income ratio might negatively affect your ability to manage monthly payments, hindering you from paying back the money you’ve borrowed. 

4. Hard Money Loan

Hard money loans are short-term financing options that are easy to apply for; therefore, they are popular among many homeowners looking to invest in real estate. Lenders are usually open to negotiations and will typically be flexible to avoid paying high interest rates and other factors. 

The term “hard money” comes from the fact that your property’s value determines the loan terms. While lenders are flexible, they can afford to negotiate because they generally work with experienced and successful buyers.  

If you have never borrowed money for a renovation or are an experienced real estate investor, you may have a harder time applying for hard money loans. 

Protecting Your Investment Property the Right Way 

Choosing a renovation loan can be challenging, especially since each option comes with its list of stipulations. If you are inexperienced with investing, or you’re unsure of what steps to take after you’ve chosen a financing option, we can help you further understand how to invest smartly and build your future in renovating rental properties.

We want your investment properties to have protection because we know the value of renovating homes and investing wisely. Homeowner Funding can help you achieve your financial goals safely. Contact us today to learn about our funding options!

Renovating your home can be a huge undertaking, both in terms of money spent and time consumed. However, it can also be highly rewarding. Not only can it completely transform the feel of your home, but it can also greatly increase the value of your property!

Knowing when to embark on this journey can be crucial. The optimal time for renovations can change based on which room you are trying to improve and what kind of work you want to do. Outdoor projects are better suited to warmer seasons such as early spring or summer, for instance.

In this guide, we will walk you through some of the best times to embark on renovations, no matter what room you want to make over. Let’s jump in!

The Best Time to Remodel the Kitchen

In all honesty, remodeling your kitchen is possible at any time throughout the year. The most important factor here is your personal preferences. Spring is a popular time to remodel kitchens, as it signifies a season of new beginnings. Why not apply that to your kitchen, too? The main consideration you need to make is whether your remodeling project is purely interior or not.

If you intend to expand outward, remodeling in the autumn or winter months isn’t the best idea. Inclement weather can severely hinder necessary work. In addition to that, if you have family over for the holidays, you’ll probably need your kitchen! 

Though there isn’t a wrong time to remodel your kitchen, there are some specific factors to consider before proceeding (like budgeting and keeping up with the trends). One of the most notable factors is whether you are simply remodeling the interior or expanding. If you want to include outdoor projects when you remodel your kitchen, you’ll generally require warm weather. 

The Best Time to Remodel the Bathroom

The time to remodel a bathroom can range from six weeks to six months, depending on how intensive your renovation is. That is a long period to go without your bathroom, especially if it is the only one in your home. Of course, it won’t be permanently out of action, but workers will be occupying it more often than not!

This should be your prime consideration for when to remodel. Though there isn’t any time of year that you explicitly can’t remodel your bathroom, you should plan around your family. The busy seasons where you have your in-laws staying are not the best times for remodeling work.

The busy seasons for the design industry usually occur throughout the fall because everyone is trying to have their home looking its best for the holidays. This means it could be in your best interests to go for a bathroom remodel in early spring or the winter months. Contractors will have less work available during this time and may offer better rates. If you are concerned about your budget, check out your options for bathroom remodel financing. 

The Best Time to Add an Extension

Extensions are almost exclusively outdoor projects. Therefore, unlike with a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you should stick to the warmer seasons for this work. The winter months are not appropriate, as snow, ice, and other harsh conditions can delay your project. This does mean you will be contacting contractors during their busy seasons, which could incur greater costs. Check out four seasons sunroom financing for more information on budgeting options. 

An extension is ordinarily a lengthy and intensive process, depending on the degree of the work. House extensions can make a significant difference to your home, whether you want to add a whole new room or simply expand on what you have. Because the work is important and detailed, it often takes time. Some projects can start in early spring and not reach completion until the late summer or beyond!

The Best Time to Remodel Your Roofing and Siding

Early spring, summer, or autumn are all perfectly viable options for roof or siding replacements. The winter months are generally a no-go unless the work is necessary for safety reasons. There are multiple house siding options available to renew the look of your home, in addition to providing some real practical benefits.

Beyond your workers’ discomfort, roof and siding renovation in the winter months can be disastrous due to the freezing temperatures. Materials for outdoor projects can’t settle properly in colder weather, meaning the project may take far longer than it needs to, and you may need to pay out for repairs sooner than expected. Generally speaking, summer is the best time to have your roof and siding replaced. 

Contact Us Today to Start the Home Remodeling Process!

No matter when you’re renovating (during the busy seasons or not), Homeowner Funding is here to help. Reach out today to learn about your loan options!

If you’ve looked into renovating your single-family home before, you may have initially been deterred by the high cost of materials.

As these price increases continue, many homeowners feel that their dreams of renovation may never come true. Fortunately, there are options available that can help make these costly materials more accessible.

But what is leading to these ceaseless price increases? What makes raw materials so expensive and inaccessible to the average family? We’ll take a look at some of the economic factors contributing to the problem. More importantly, we’ll discuss some of the financial options available for those who need assistance covering the costs.

Ready to learn how you can make your renovation dreams come true? Homeowner Funding has you covered. Read on below!

Why Are Home Renovations So Expensive?

Most materials have an average cost supply chain, meaning they don’t cost an unreasonable amount to produce. However, the “short supply high demand” situation is driving up their prices for consumers. 

According to the law of supply and demand, the price of a commodity is influenced by the relationship between how much of it is available and how many people are interested in purchasing it. When the demand exceeds the amount available for sale, you’re left with a “short supply high demand” situation.

Thus, despite the average cost supply chain, the limited availability of these coveted construction materials makes consumer prices quite expensive.

How Can Home Improvement Funding Help?

Even as scarcity continues to drive up the cost of construction materials like lumber and plywood, there’s still hope. You have financing options that can make your long-desired improvements more accessible. 

Let’s explore some of the most popular homeowner financing programs that can help you complete your project. 

With a homeowner loan, you can have the funds you need to complete your project in advance. Then, you repay the loan in small installments over time.

 A homeowner grant functions more like a gift of money that should be put towards a project and does not need to be paid back.

Both of these home improvement financing options are great resources for families who need help covering the high costs of renovation.

What Projects Can Home Improvement Funding Assist With?

Many possibilities come to mind when it comes to renovating a single-family home. But what specific projects would qualify for home improvement funding?

Fortunately, plenty of loans and grants cover various improvement projects. Let’s take a look at three of the most common reasons people decide to take advantage of these resources.

Kitchen Renovations

Renovating a kitchen is a project that can get very expensive, even if you’re only making small changes. Kitchens are full of specific plumbing and electrical equipment that tends to require complex fixes, meaning the bill can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Luckily, grants for kitchen renovations are an available and widely used resource for those who desperately need to fix their outdated and dysfunctional kitchens promptly.

Bathroom Renovations

If the plumbing in your bathroom is so old that it no longer functions properly, or the cracked tiles create a hazardous environment, you’ll want to have the room remodeled right away. Unfortunately, due to the complicated nature of bathroom plumbing fixtures, these improvements tend to be particularly costly.

Bathroom renovation financing is a practical option that can make these necessary construction projects more accessible. You’ll get the money you need to put in a new sink, paint the walls, or even redo the shower tiles.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a practical and efficient way to cover the exterior of your single-family home. Resistant to mold and water damage, it’s an incredibly durable and low-maintenance option that will be a lasting investment.

The scarcity of the materials used to make vinyl siding has caused the price to rise considerably, and it seems that this trend will continue. For this reason, many choose to take advantage of vinyl siding financing to cover the cost of this useful renovation.

Explore Your Funding Options with Homeowner Funding

As the “short supply high demand” situation continues to create price increases for the construction materials needed for single-family home renovations, remember that home improvement funding is a resource that you have in your arsenal with Homeowner Funding.

If you want a professional to help you explore your funding options, contact us today! We’re eager to get you the money you need to renovate your home.

A summer remodel of your home is an exciting prospect. There is so much that you can alter to improve your living space and add some significant value to your property. 

However, the process can also be quite daunting. Especially when you sit down for the first time and realize just how much you want to change. There’s work to be done!

In this guide, we will be taking you through our top tips on when to start your planning and what factors you need to consider. You don’t want to have to remodel your home year after year. If you do the job properly, you only need to do it once in a blue moon. Get it right the first time by checking out our helpful advice!

How Far in Advance Should You Plan Your Remodel?

Generally speaking, the more time you give yourself to prepare, the better. There is a lot to do, and staying on top of things never hurts anyone. We recommend that you start planning between six months and a year before your expected remodeling start date. 

Yes, a year. Why is this the ideal time? Because we’re talking about your home! It’s serious business.

Also, leaving extra time to search for contractors allows you to find the best workers for your needs. You can review multiple quotes and find a company that’s a perfect fit, rather than having to rush and go with the first one that you come across. 

Why Should You Start Planning so Early?

There are numerous reasons why early planning is a good idea that goes beyond simple organization. Listed below are just a few:

•           Contractors don’t always estimate the correct timeframes. Try as they may, they aren’t fortune-tellers. By starting early, you can account for any necessary project extensions.

•           Finding a contractor, booking with them, and creating an agreed timeline is a lengthy process. It isn’t as simple as calling a builder and having them over the next day. You need to discuss details, such as house siding options, before committing to anything!

•           Contractors are usually booked up months in advance. If you find the perfect contractor, you will likely have to wait months before work can begin anyway. The wait won’t feel as painful if you get in there first and beat the busiest periods.

The early bird gets the worm, and that phrase rings true in this case. Know that you can save money (and a lot of stress) by planning when it comes to your home renovation project.

Which Remodeling Jobs Take The Longest?

How long your home renovation project takes depends largely on what you intend to do. 

If you are only renovating a single room, then it could take as little as a month out of your holiday season. 

If you want to add sunroom value to your home or extend out with decking, it may take much longer. Why? Decking will require hand digging, which is a time-consuming process. You can speed up the job by doing it in the summer, as the soil is softer than it is in the colder months.

Adding an extension, such as a sunroom, is a marvelous choice for any house. It provides extra space that is well-lit and comfortable. Of course, as it is an entirely new room, it also takes time. Your existing rooms may also require insulation renovation. 

If you intend to add a whole new room to your property, we recommend planning it a year in advance. That way, you can do the job properly and find the best contractor possible. 

A rough breakdown of how long a renovation could take based on project type goes as follows:

•             Room Addition: 6-16 weeks

•             Kitchen: 3-12 weeks

•             Bathroom: 3+ weeks

Note that these are rough estimates as numerous variables affect renovation timelines. Examples of these variables include room size, the extent of the remodel, and the materials used.

Why Do People Choose to Remodel Their Homes in Summer?

Many people choose to remodel their homes in summer as it means that once the holiday season rolls around, their renovations will be ready to show off! Your newest additions will wow your friends and in-laws, and you can sit back and bask in the glory. 

Also, many large renovation projects largely take place outdoors. Contractors are far happier to work in the warmer months, making summer the ideal time. Materials often set better in summer, too, whereas freezing temperatures can seriously hinder how certain substances set. 

Plan Your Summer Remodel with Homeowner Funding

Summer’s a great time to remodel your house. If you want to learn more about managing your budget, get in touch with Homeowner Funding today to start the financing process! We’re eager to help you get the home of your dreams (and save money while you’re doing it).

Over recent years, many people have realized the importance of making lifestyle changes that are better for the environment. There are many ways to make your everyday life more sustainable, including within your home. Of course, you may do things like swap out regular light bulbs for ones that are more eco-friendly or turning down your heat, but the design of your house and the materials you use can also have a huge difference and help you become more sustainable.

Here are ten sustainable house design ideas that can help you live a greener life.

Build a Smaller Home

If you’re building a new home, one great way to ensure you aren’t using too much energy is by building a smaller home. The energy that goes into powering and heating a home can be a lot, so by building a smaller home, you won’t require as much. This doesn’t mean you have to build a tiny home and struggle to make room for your family and possessions, but if you have the power to decide what size home to get, consider how much space you really need to live comfortably. 

Use the Sun for Heat and Light

Sunlight is much more valuable than you might think, especially when you’re trying to cut down on the amount of energy you use. Rather than using energy to heat your home and keep it lit, you can rely on the sun more often. Keeping the curtains open can help you stop turning the lights on all day, but letting in enough sunlight can also warm up your house. If you’re building a new home, consider building in a spot that will allow more light to come into your home, or if you’re doing a home renovation, consider adding in skylights to bring in more sunshine.

Build with Local Materials 

When you’re doing any sort of renovation, try buying locally sourced materials if it’s an option. Buying local materials means that they won’t have to be transported very far, unlike other materials produced states away. The less these materials need to travel to get to you, the less impact on the environment they have. Plus, by building with local materials when you can, you’ll be supporting businesses in your own community. 

Invest in New Insulation

Anyone concerned about the amount of energy they need to heat and cool their home needs to look into new insulation. Without proper insulation, you could be losing a lot of the heat and air conditioning that goes into keeping your house comfortable. This leads to you needing even more energy to keep your home at the right temperature and costs you more money. If you’re looking for sunroom cooling options, investing in insulation for your home may help keep it cool.

Use Sustainable Materials 

If you’re building a new home or renovating your current home, look into sustainable building materials. Today, many building materials are made out of old recycled and reclaimed materials, such as reclaimed wood. Using these materials that are already available prevents them from going to waste and is much better for the environment than sourcing new materials. 

Install Renewable Energy Sources

Many people are making the change to renewable energy sources in their homes. In most cases, this means installing panels to use solar power. While the initial cost of changing power sources may be expensive, you could end up saving money on your energy bill over time. Alternatives like this can also be beneficial, as when the power goes out, you may still have power for your home.

Get a Rainwater Harvesting System

In addition to using more eco-friendly options like solar energy to power your house, there are also ways to use a more natural water source. Depending on where you live, you may be able to harvest rainwater. This is perfect for things like watering your plants, cleaning your car, and bathing your pets. Harvesting rainwater prevents you from using water from your home, which can also help you save some money. 

Utilize Native Plant Life

Of course, eco-friendly home design extends outside of your home. If you have a yard or garden, you likely put a lot of energy into caring for it. Rather than using a large amount of energy and water to care for a yard, find plants native to your area that can thrive naturally and don’t require as much maintenance. 

Get Eco-Friendly Windows and Doors

If you live in an older home, there’s a good chance you need new windows and doors. Older windows and doors can be extremely drafty, which wastes the energy used for heating and cooling your home. Not only can new windows and doors help cut your energy bill, but some are made specifically to be more eco-friendly. If you’re trying to reduce the amount of energy you use, getting energy-efficient windows can help. When you’re considering getting new windows and doors, do some research, like learning how to count windows for replacement. 

Install Greener Appliances

As your current appliances start to reach the end of their useful life, consider finding more eco-friendly replacements when you need them. You can find greener alternatives to most of the major appliances you use in your home every day. These require less energy to function, which is one more way that making sustainable changes can help you save money. 

Find Financing for Your Home Renovations 

Sustainable home renovations are great for the environment, but they can be extremely expensive. If you want to create a more eco-friendly home but can’t manage the cost on your own, these renovations are still possible for you. At Homeowner Funding, we help homeowners find funding options that help them pay for their home improvement projects, such as an insulation renovation.  

Apply for homeowner funding today to learn more about how we can help with your next renovation.

When you’re planning a home remodeling project, you have a lot of work on your plate. Even smaller projects require a lot of planning, like setting a budget and finding a contractor. All home remodeling work can be stressful and come with a lot for you to do, but some are much more complicated than others. For some projects, you might have the added work of needing a permit to ensure that local building codes are being followed. If you’re planning a home remodel, you might not even know if you need to worry about getting a permit. 

If you need any work done at home, it’s important that you know whether or not you need a permit to complete your project. Learn more about getting a permit for your next remodeling project. 

When to Get a Permit

When you need a permit will depend on your location, as all areas have different requirements. Before your project, you need to be sure of whether or not you need to get a permit. While you’ll need to check in on the permitting process in your areas to be sure of what you need, many projects commonly require permits regardless of location. 

Here are a few renovations where you’re likely to need a permit. 

Home Additions 

If you’re adding onto your home, there’s a good chance you’re going to need a permit. Whether you’re just adding a little extra space or an entire extra floor to your home, you should expect to need a permit. If you’re looking into four seasons sunroom financing for a home addition, you don’t want to forget about seeing if you’ll need a permit, too. 

Changing Your Home Layout

If you’re making big changes to your home that require you to change the layout, it might require a permit. This is especially true if you’re going to need to knock down any load-bearing walls. If you have a project that changes your home’s layout or requires major demolition like this, look into getting a permit. 

Plumbing and Electrical Work

Plumbing and electrical work can require permits depending on the project. For example, if you need bathroom renovation financing for a major bathroom remodel and need to move sinks, tubs, or toilets around, you might need a permit to change this. Most electrical work also often requires a permit. 

HVAC Systems, Water Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys

If you need a new HVAC system, or just new air conditioning or a furnace, or water heater installed, a permit will likely be required for this type of work. Similarly, work done to your fireplace or chimney may need a permit. 

Swimming Pools 

Having a swimming pool installed almost always means that you’ll need to get a permit. This usually doesn’t matter if you’re installing an above or in-ground pool. You will probably need a permit to get any pool installed. 

Why is Getting a Permit Necessary?

If you’ve never completed a renovation project that required a permit before, you might not fully understand why you need one in the first place. Getting a permit is extremely important if your project requires one, and you might not be able to go through with it if you don’t get one. Without a permit, you could have problems refinancing your home or getting money from your insurance company for damages related to the renovation. If you get caught without a permit, you could have to pay an expensive fine. Even if you don’t get caught remodeling without a permit when one was required, it can still affect you later on. Remodels done without a permit can also make your house harder to sell in the future, as not many people will want to take on that risk. 

Of course, you’ll also want to get a permit for your own safety. You want to be sure that your work is up to code and won’t cause any issues for you in the future. Permits might seem like a hassle, but they’re here for a reason. When the structural integrity of your home is being impacted or other serious parts of your home, such as electrical wiring or plumbing, you want to know everything is done properly. You’re the one who is going to be in your house every day, so you don’t want to put yourself or your family in harm’s way.  

Get Help with Your Next Remodeling Project

Regardless of the work you need for your home, remodeling is a huge source of stress for many homeowners. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and you can’t do all of it on your own. At Homeowner Funding, we can help take on some of the difficult work to ensure that your project will run smoothly. We can find financing for various home renovation projects, such as getting siding financing and help you find the help you need to complete your project. 

Contact Homeowner Funding to find out how we can help your next home renovation project. 

Houses of all ages require a lot of upkeep. Home renovations and remodeling projects come up all the time, and many of them can be huge undertakings for homeowners. Some features get old and give you no choice but to replace them, while others might go out of style and become outdated. There are plenty of reasons to get home renovations and a wide range of projects that homeowners need to tackle. If you don’t know what home renovation to do next, there are plenty to choose from. 

Here are eight of the most popular home renovation projects. 

Kitchen Remodel 

Kitchen remodels of all sizes are extremely popular, and you’ve probably seen many of them if you’ve ever looked through a remodeling magazine. Most of us spend a huge amount of time in our kitchens, and they go through a lot of wear and tear over the years. Even minor changes in your kitchen can make a huge difference. Maybe you’re just getting new countertops or want to have your cabinets repainted. If it’s been decades since the last time your kitchen has been updated, you might be looking at a major renovation instead. For expensive kitchen remodels, you might even be eligible for grants for kitchen renovations. 

Exterior Update

Renovations inside of the home are likely the first to come to mind when you think about home improvement projects, but exterior renovations are also popular. New siding, roofs, and porch renovations can add a huge amount of value to your home. While these projects can transform the look of your house, they’re also often necessary improvements that you can’t ignore. Your home’s siding and roofing help protect it from the elements, and they only last so long. Eventually, every homeowner will need to invest in exterior renovations. 

Home Additions 

If you’re like many who need more space at home, you might be considering getting a new addition installed. Some popular ideas for home additions are adding in an extra bathroom, extending existing rooms, and adding entire extra stories. Additionally, getting a sunroom adds value to your home and can give you the extra space that you need. Home additions can be projects to complete, but are worth it when you have a new space that’s just right for your home. 

Bathroom Remodel

As with kitchen remodels, a bathroom remodel can be anything from minor cosmetic changes to completely gutting the room and starting from scratch. Bathrooms also get a lot of wear, including exposure to water and humidity on a regular basis. Having a beautiful bathroom is something many homeowners dream of, which makes bathroom remodeling projects extremely common. However, these projects are also often expensive, but bathroom remodeling financing can help make them manageable. 

Basement Transformation 

Getting a finished basement is similar to investing in a home addition but might be easier for some homeowners. Unlike needing to add on a whole extra room, you already have this space available. Depending on the current state of your basement, you might only need mainly cosmetic changes to give you a finished basement. Of course, plenty of homes, especially older ones, require more work. Your basement might be sitting completely unused, so even if you need some major work done, you’ll be able to use the space you already have.

Landscaping Revamp

If you’re looking to get more use out of your yard, getting some landscaping work done can help. Maybe you need some major work on your lawn, want to get an impressive garden, or have a fence installed for more privacy in your yard. Creating a water feature in your yard can also help create the perfect outdoor getaway. Depending on the work your yard needs, many landscaping projects might be something you can do on your own with some hard work and the right tools. 

New Windows and Doors

If you live in an older home, getting new windows and doors installed is probably at the top of your to-do list. Old windows and doors can be extremely drafty, causing you to waste energy to heat and cool your home. Not only will new windows and doors help you save money in the long run, but they will also improve the look of your home both inside and outside. 

Adding New Insulation

Insulation is another popular home renovation that can help you save money on your energy bill. While the initial cost may be expensive, this is something you’ll benefit from for years to come that can eventually help you save money. Like many other home improvement projects, this might be a small task, or you might want to invest in getting all new insulation throughout your home. Insulation won’t affect the look of your home at all, but it’s well worth it if you live somewhere with harsh temperatures. 

Find Out How to Finance Your Next Renovation Project 

Sometimes, home renovations are as simple as getting new interior paint. While there are many small, easy projects you can do yourself, there are also a lot that require professional help and can get costly. At Homeowner Funding, we can help you get financing for some of the most popular home improvement projects. 

Apply for Homeowner Funding today to learn more about how we can help.