Skip to main content

The Journey, A Magazine for Women, September 09

Page 13

Homestead

home improvement grants - What are they? | By Matt Hick Wouldn’t it be wonderful to renovate your home and let someone

Depending on the agency that’s offering the grant, and the

else pay for it? In many circumstances, you can do just that! There

amount being requested, you may be required to submit a detailed

are dozens of programs available today through local agencies,

plan of your project, including a substantiated budget and a variety

state governments, and the federal housing authority that allow

of personal financial information including current pay stubs and

homeowners of every economic status and area of the country

federal income tax returns for the last one to three years. The entire

to apply for grants and/or financial aid packages to help pay for

process can take anywhere form a few weeks to a year or more.

personal renovations and remodeling on your private home. Some agencies limit their funding for projects in specific areas of interest such as the revitalization of certain geographic areas, historic preservation, handicap accessibility, low-income housing renovation, etc. Others offer funding to homeowners who own homes built before a certain year; located in a specific neighborhood, or that may require a specific type of renovation such as insulation, roofing, electric, plumbing, siding, etc. The key to finding funds for your specific home remodeling project is to locate the agency or organization that offers similar grant programs. For instance, if you are interested in making your home more energy efficient, consider contacting your local utility companies, “green” organizations, or state housing authority to inquire about any funding programs they may offer. Interested in purchasing an historic home, but not sure you’re wallet is ready to handle such an expensive revitalization project? Talk to your local and state historic commissions and revitalization agencies for help. Many offer grants to historic property homeowners to bring these historic homes back to their previous grandeur. It’s not uncommon today for many homeowners to need to make their existing property accessible to an older family member who has become disabled and is no longer capable of caring for themselves alone. Grants are available by many disability and older American organizations and agencies to remodel current bathrooms, add

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Hick

sufficient ramps, and more in existing homes. Who’s eligible for these types of home remodeling grants? Virtually any American citizen who is 18 years or older and either owns or rents their home and meets a funder’s specific grant requirements. It usually requires filling out a short questionnaire to determine eligibility, followed an official assessment of your needs and request. tjmag.com / 11


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
The Journey, A Magazine for Women, September 09 by Suzy Childers - Issuu