Did you know that aside from buying or building a new home, veterans can actually use VA loans for home improvements? Everybody knows that updating a home can cost a lot of money but if you're a veteran who is eligible for a VA loan can borrow as much as 90% of your home equity and use it for home improvements. This is something a veteran should take advantage of because of the VA loan's advantages. But just like a typical VA loan application, one has to submit the necessary requirements and prove eligibility.
So why should you consider a home improvement?
For one, it increases your home equity. Of course it also adds comfort and value to your home. Now what types of home improvement projects can you work on? Here's a quick checklist of what you can do.
o Roof Repairs - This is probably one of the best ways to use your VA loan since large improvements like roof repairs cost a lot of money. Installation of shingles or replacement of old ones cost somewhere from $2-$4 per square foot while flashing around the chimney costs about $300-$500.
o Flooring repairs - Another great way to spend your VA home improvement loan is by installing or repairing your home's flooring. With your loan you can have your floors sanded and finished or you can install a ceramic or vinyl floor or install a wall-to-wall carpet. The costs usually range from $1.50 to as much as $22 per square foot for the services mentioned above.
o Heating and Air Conditioning installations - Replacing the heating and air conditioning system costs somewhere from $1,500 to $4000 but if you are only going to install a humidifier or an air cleaner, it's priced at $300-$700.
o Bathroom remodeling - Statistics show that bathroom remodeling adds more value to a home. A typical bathroom remodeling ranges from $7,000 to as much as $16,000. Why is it so expensive? Though the bathroom is not the biggest room in the house, when it comes to renovation you have to call different people to remodel it - plumbers, electricians, tile contractors, sheet rock contractors, etc.
o Kitchen remodeling - Based on annual realtor group polls, it was found that kitchen remodeling adds the most value to your home. (Yes, it beats the bathroom remodeling numbers.) This type of remodeling starts from $8,000. You can update your countertops, the sink, cabinets, range, oven, the dishwasher, fridge, and microwave.
It is still more cost-efficient to repair and update your home than move into a new one. Better get started and apply for a VA home loan so you can enjoy the benefits of a newly improved home.
http://nobsvaloans.com/2009/08/va-home-improvement-loans/
