As the old saying goes, “there’s no place like home.” It is the place where we usually find peace and solace after a hard day’s work. But owning one is a huge investment that goes with great responsibilities, especially with repairs because not every person can afford to maintain its good and safe condition.
Even though renovation or repair is a predictable part of every homeowner’s life, which oftentimes gives better freedom of mobility into and around the house, it also provides essential facilities within it. With the current economic situation, doing so may seem few and far between.
If your house, however, is in desperate need of modification, but you are currently on a tight budget and cannot afford repairs, don’t despair. There are several funding opportunities that are available all over America. Funds from state and federal governments, as well as the local government, are available to assist you with your need for renovations or modifications. The key to access such is to be eligible with them.
Government Grants for House Repair
Grants for home improvement by the federal government generally have strict standard procedures. Several federal programs provide financial assistance for renovation or improvement that has safety concerns or structural issues. But remodeling, such as cosmetic changes, will definitely not be approved.
State and Local Governments
These types are available for certain types of recipients and their qualifying standards may vary substantially. Although the guidelines for the programs may be strict, you can still acquire free money if your project is covered by their mandate.
Eligible types of repairs include:
· Door widening and installing ramps
· Improving access to rooms and facilities
· Providing a heating system suitable to your needs
· Adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
· Improving access to and movement around the house to enable you to care for another person who lives in the property
· Extending a property where the existing space is inadequate or inaccessible
Qualified Fund Seekers:
· Frail elderly
· Persons who are at least 62 years old and above
· Homeless veterans
· Veterans with disability
· Low-income elderly
· Persons with disability who have the need to improve their houses
Veterans, especially those with disabilities, must be aware that the U.S. government wants to help them live more comfortably. Under H.R. 1293, the Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009, entitles veterans with disabilities to home improvement grants that will friendly with their conditions and enable them to live in a safer and more comfortable place. Apart from the Increase Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs has three programs that offer cash awards to qualified veterans:
1. The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Grant
2. The Specially Adapted Housing Grant
3. The Special Home Adaptation Grant
In most cases, grants for home improvement are given for free. There is no need to pay them back. But be mindful that they come with a huge responsibility and certain rules and regulations that need to be observed.