There are several reasons why you should renovate your home. However, you may not know how you can finance the home remodeling process. Keep in mind that home renovations are a great way to breathe new life into an old setting.

Remember that a new bathroom or kitchen can add value to a home and upgrade your life. If you want to add beauty to your home, you can include a new roof, have a paint job or do some deck repairs. All these things can protect your most expensive investment. If you want to save money every month, you can put in energy efficient windows and doors and install a new HVAC system.

Most folks find these things cost prohibitive, which is why many folks look to a home improvement loan to help them out. Before you get all excited about getting a home improvement loan, you need to understand right now that there is no such thing as a home improvement loan. The term is overused and generally describes the various loans that one can put toward a home improvement project.

Four Popular Home Improvement Loans To Check Out For Your Next Home Improvement Project

1 – Home Equity Loan

This kind of loan means the borrower uses the home’s equity for collateral, which is the loan amount in which you’ve paid off and can call your own. These loans are looked at as second mortgages since they’re taking out on top of the first mortgage. They’re also paid off in a shorter amount of time than the main mortgage loan. The loan comes to the borrower as a lump payment and is paid off in a fixed rate setting at regular times.

2 – Home Equity Line Of Credit

This is very similar to the home equity loan in regards to borrowing equity in your home. Rather than a lump sum, the money is giving in waves like a credit card. You qualify for a certain amount based on the home’s equity. You can take amounts out up to the limit and then as you pay on the principal loan, you can take out more “credit”. The reason this is so popular is that you borrow only the amount you need.

Something To Consider – Of course, both loans have a negative aspect to them, which is that you’re using your home as collateral. If you default on it, you could lose the home. Most people use the loans for home improvements, although some folks use it for other expenses such as a new vehicle or college.

3 – Energy Efficient Mortgages

There are times that home improvements are not about getting new kitchen or bathroom cabinets but rather up-keeping the home and lowering the monthly utility bills. This may mean replacing the HVAC system, which can save you money in the long run on your utility bills. The Energy Efficient Mortgage is similar to a second mortgage and can be rolled into the main mortgage. It can also be given when you first get the initial mortgage… for a new home. You can use this loan for an existing home by having it added during the refinance process. If you receive funds, then you’ll have to use it for the purpose asked for.

4 – Cash Out Refinance

This type of mortgage refinance is done when you refinance your home for over the outstanding balance on the loan you already have. This strategy is used when properties have boosted in value. Say you purchased your home for $200,000 about 10 years ago. You’ve paid on it $90,000 and owe $110,000 on the loan. The home’s value has doubled since purchasing it and it’s now worth about $400,000. You can opt for a cash-out refinance for $250,000 and use the money to pay off the outstanding loan of $110,000 and use the remaining amount for the home renovations.

If you want to make some home improvements and don’t think you can afford it, it’s time you look into a home improvement loan. Don’t forget that the above four are just some of the money options you have at your disposal to make those home improvements you’ve always wanted to do but never thought you could.