| "> | | | | The one exception that seems to occur with |
| Money for nothing? Well, it's true. There is government | | | | frequency relates to energy savings and efficiency. |
| money available for home improvement projects. It's | | | | Grants and tax breaks (mostly tax breaks) can and |
| probably not for you, however. | | | | do save people real dollars. Making your home more |
| "Should we apply for a government grant to pay for | | | | efficient by upgrading heating systems, insulation, |
| our home remodel" | | | | windows and other changes often qualify. |
| Have you asked this question yourself? It does seem | | | | In these cases, you're not only getting the benefit of |
| alluring, especially during slow economic times. It's a | | | | the "free or nearly free improvement", but the annual |
| question that I get on occasion and I'd like to do my | | | | savings of reduced energy bills. |
| best to answer it. This is my own interpretation based | | | | Do You Want to Know More? |
| upon my experience in home building and remodeling ... I | | | | If your goal is to pursue the idea of home |
| think it will help you. | | | | improvement grants, you might try making some calls. |
| Not for the Average Home Owner | | | | Your local/regional Fair Housing Resource Centers |
| Most of the government programs are very restrictive. | | | | would be a good place to start. Also, try the Home |
| You must fall into certain categories and then be willing | | | | Repair Loan and Grant Program, or U.S. Department |
| to wait for eons and jump through a lot of hoops to | | | | of Agriculture. Certainly, Googling "home improvement |
| make something happen. | | | | grants" or any of these departments would help too. |
| The idea behind most programs is to offer | | | | Focus on Your Biggest Need |
| opportunities to those who might otherwise lack them. | | | | For most of us, forget it. Except for the energy |
| Often, qualifying centers around minorities, lower | | | | savings tax breaks or rebates, it's a waste of time, |
| income, and special circumstances. Typically, you'll | | | | effort and emotion. Rather than try for grants that can |
| know if you're in that group. By far, most of the people | | | | be very restrictive at best and often get you nowhere, |
| I have worked with do not qualify and shouldn't waste | | | | focus on what it is you really want to accomplish. |
| time trying. | | | | So, what is your home improvement goal? Decide, |
| Energy Related Stipends | | | | then go for it! |