In 2006, Lowe’s contracted designer Marianne Cusato to develop and offer affordable house plans for the hurricane-affected Gulf region. Lowe’s is the exclusive retailer for both the plans and building materials for the Lowe’s Katrina Cottage. They offer easy construction and affordability, as well as the possibility of expansion. Moreover, they meet all international building codes and exceed hurricane codes. Lowe’s won eight consecutive Energy Star awards from 2003 to 2010, including four Energy Star Partner of the Year awards for educating consumers about the benefits of energy efficiency.

• Illuminate your deck stairs or patio drop-offs with low-voltage lighting.
• Lenders typically look for a stable income, a solid credit score, and a debt-to-income ratio that indicates your ability to repay the loan.
• Finding the right tools largely comes down to your project goals and the work you need to tackle either at the house or at the job site.
• Comparing these rates is a critical step in securing the best financing for your project.

Anyone spending hours a week in their home office might be considering upgrading their space. The IRS allows for home office improvements to be tax deductible if they meet a few criteria. The home improvements or repairs must be made exclusively to the office space to deduct the whole amount. One example of a tax-deductible home improvement is repairing a broken window.

How do I get a home improvement loan?

They typically have higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms, but for credit cards with 0% introductory APR offers, they can be a cost-effective option if the balance is paid off promptly. RenoFi discusses the use of unsecured loans, while Bob Vila covers various home improvement loan types, including credit card options. Loan options vary widely in terms of APR rates and credit score requirements, impacting your eligibility and the cost of borrowing. Most renovation loans, including those from RenoFi, require a minimum credit score of 620, while other lenders may have different thresholds. For instance, Forbes and Bankrate indicate that securing the best rates often necessitates a credit score of 690 or above.

• The Bob Vila Product Reviews team tirelessly researches and tests products to ensure they live up to the hype.
• Increasing your home’s value doesn’t have to be your number one priority when remodeling or renovating.
• If budget-friendly is the bottom line when choosing a home warranty plan, then it’s good to know that there’s a company out there like Home Buyers Warranty.
• They also involve installing or upgrading home security systems, such as alarm systems, surveillance cameras, smart locks, and access control systems, to enhance the safety and security of a property.
• All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors.

Once you’ve done your research, choose the lender you like best and begin the application process. This typically involves providing personal information and details about your home improvement project. Be prepared to provide documentation to support your application, such as proof of income or a home appraisal. Keep in mind that this lender has a relatively high minimum loan amount of $7,000 — higher than the minimum of most lenders.