Funded by the equity in your home and received in a lump sum, a home equity loan usually has a fixed interest rate and is repaid between five and 30 years. Lenders generally allow you to borrow up to 85 percent of your home’s equity. Home improvement loans are used specifically for financing repairs, renovations or remodels. Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next. Read in-depth credit card reviews to find out which cards have the best perks and more.

Plus, many state and local programs provide financial assistance to homeowners for repairs and improvements. Research your options to be sure you’re not missing any potential assistance to help you with your home. Upgrade offers three-year and five-year loan terms, and it allows you to choose an option that fits your budget.

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Next, store things used infrequently in cabinets and drawers, leaving countertop space free and clear. Use a closet organizer to get shoes, linens, or other closet items in line. For the things you feel must be left within easy reach, try some simple DIY projects to organize your must-haves like shoes, mail, cords, keys, and more. You can adhere clear Command cord clips, a favorite in our roundup of the best ways to hide every wire in your home, to the back of your electronics or furniture to corral your cords. Some furniture comes with cord-hiding compartments, or you could build your own secret storage into a TV stand.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or IRA, allows homeowners to get tax credits for energy-efficient updates, like new doors, windows, insulation, heat pumps and air conditioners. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and Residential Clean Energy Credit are listed on the IRS website. You receive the loan all at once and repay it with interest over two to 12 years. You can’t claim a tax deduction on the interest paid on home improvement loans as you might be able to do with mortgage interest. Online applications typically take a few minutes, and funds are often available within a day or two, while funds from a HELOC or home equity loan can take a few weeks to become available. Most episodes featured outtakes from either Tool Time or the show itself as a backdrop to the closing credits.