How to Find a Grant for Home Repairs

When finances are tight and a serious repair comes up for your home, how do you find the money to deal with it? There ARE grants out there that can help. Here are some suggestions on how to find a grant for home repair.

Instructions

1. Be very careful of advertising that offers you grants that seem too good to be true. They usually are. The best thing is to research your sources and make sure they are well validated by users, rating sites and the Better Business Bureau.

2. Another way to find home repair grants is to look to your city, town or state government. Surprisingly enough, there may be a number of programs set in place to help. Don't expect big money from these grants, but your priority is to get the job DONE painlessly as possible! Many of these grants are called 'Rehabilitation' grants and if you qualify, they can cover the cost of the repairs -- or at least a good percentage of the cost.

3. To apply for one of these grants first you will have to qualify. Before filling out lengthy applications, read through the paperwork first to see if you are likely to qualify.

4. Then fill out the forms and carefully provide any information and documentation requested. Rather than make a mistake, call the telephone numbers provided if you have any questions.

5. Often local government grants are provided on a first-come-first-serve basis so knowing when the funding year starts will increase your chance of getting a grant.

6. Building and repair grants usually also require at least three competitive professional bids to be submitted that will show the basic cost of the job that needs to be done.

7. You can also qualify for home repair grants in emergencies, disasters and for physical handicap accessibility modifications.

8. All in all, it is not difficult to find a grant for home repairs. You just need to take the time to find the right place to apply and make sure you follow the process correctly. Chances are the pay-off will be well worth the effort! For more information, check the additional links under Resources, below.

Resources

• Rural home grant development - Washington State
• General info on home repair grants
• Emergency and accessibility grants