We’re not a lender, but we’ve done the homework. Every major loan option, a calculator to run your numbers, and direct access to RenoFi, our trusted partner.
Our lending partner
Loans built for renovations: lenders qualify you on what your home will be worth after the work — not just the equity you have today.
11×
more borrowing power on average vs. a traditional HELOC
$1.5B+ in funded renovation loans
Keep your existing mortgage rate
Longest terms, lowest renovation rates
No draws, no inspections
10× easier than a construction loan
Compare Options
Financing options, side by side.
Every major way homeowners fund a renovation. Open any row for rates, pros, and cons.
Best For
Equity-light homeowners or recent buyers who need more borrowing power than a traditional HELOC allows
Typical Rate
Varies by credit union lender. Ask a RenoFi advisor.
Loan Amount
Up to 90% of after-renovation value, max ~$750,000
Repayment
10, 15, or 20 year terms depending on lender
Pros
11x more borrowing power on average vs traditional HELOC
No refinance required, so you keep your existing mortgage rate
Borrow up to 90% of your home's after-renovation value
Works for recent buyers with limited current equity
Renovation-specific advisors who know contractor projects
10x easier than a construction loan, with no draws or inspections
Cons
Requires renovation plans to apply
Longer approval process than a personal loan
Must use funds specifically for home renovation
Best For
Ongoing or phased renovations where costs are spread over time
Typical Rate
Variable, often Prime + 0-2%
Loan Amount
Up to 85% of home value minus your mortgage balance
Repayment
10-year draw period, then 10-20 year repayment
Pros
Only pay interest on what you draw
Reusable credit line
Interest may be tax-deductible
Cons
Variable rate means payments can rise
Requires sufficient home equity
Risk of losing home if you default
Best For
Single large projects with a defined budget
Typical Rate
Fixed, typically 6-9%
Loan Amount
Up to 85% of home equity
Repayment
5-30 year terms
Pros
Predictable monthly payments
Lower rates than personal loans
Large amounts available
Cons
Home is used as collateral
Closing costs apply
Full amount disbursed upfront
Best For
Homeowners who can secure a lower rate than their current mortgage
Typical Rate
Mortgage rates (currently ~6-7%)
Loan Amount
Up to 80% of home value
Repayment
15 or 30-year mortgage terms
Pros
Lowest interest rates available
Single monthly payment
Large amounts possible
Cons
Resets your mortgage term
Closing costs of 2-5%
Must qualify for new mortgage
Best For
Smaller projects or homeowners without sufficient equity
Typical Rate
7-20% depending on credit score
Loan Amount
$5,000-$100,000
Repayment
2-7 year terms
Pros
No home equity required
Fast approval (sometimes same day)
No risk to your home
Cons
Higher interest rates
Smaller loan limits
Shorter repayment periods
Best For
Buyers purchasing a fixer-upper or homeowners with lower credit scores
Typical Rate
FHA mortgage rates (~6-7%)
Loan Amount
Up to FHA loan limits for your county
Down Payment
As low as 3.5%
Pros
Low down payment
Accessible to lower credit scores (580+)
Covers purchase + renovation
Cons
Requires FHA-approved lender
Complex approval process
Mortgage insurance required
Best For
Homeowners who want a simple, one-stop solution
Typical Rate
Varies widely: sometimes a 0% promo, sometimes 15%+
Loan Amount
Tied to project cost
Repayment
Varies by program
Pros
Easy to apply at point of sale
Sometimes promotional 0% APR offers
No separate bank required
Cons
Rates can be high after promo period
Limited to that contractor
Always compare to other options first
Calculator
How much can you borrow?
Pick a loan type to see your max borrowing power and estimated minimum monthly payment — the same math RenoFi uses, including borrowing against your home’s after-renovation value.
Step 2 · Your max borrowing power
$1,200,000
$100,000$4,000,000
$900,000
$100,000$4,000,000
$400,000
$0$3,000,000
Max cash for your renovation
$500,000
Based on your home’s after-renovation value — the RenoFi difference, up to $500,000.
Step 3 · Your estimated monthly payment
$150,000
$0$500,000
7.25%
4%15%
Estimated minimum monthly paymentInterest only
$906/mo
10-year draw, then up to 20-year repayment
Illustrative and for educational purposes only, using typical rates and loan-to-value limits for each product. Actual rates, loan amounts, and terms are set by lenders based on your credit, income, and property.
That’s the ballpark.
Project Financing
Ready for your real numbers?
The calculator above is math you run yourself — nothing leaves the page. This is the real thing: your details go securely to RenoFi, and they build you a personalized financing dashboard with actual loan options, delivered to your email in minutes.
1 · Tell us about your projectYour home, your budget — 60 seconds
2 · RenoFi runs your numbersReal loan options from their credit union lenders
3 · Your dashboard arrives by emailNo credit impact, no obligation
FAQ
Common questions.
Everything homeowners ask before deciding how to fund a renovation.
The best option depends on how much equity you have in your home, your credit score, the size of your project, and how quickly you need funds. As a general rule: if you have strong equity and can qualify, a HELOC or home equity loan offers the best rates. If you need speed or lack equity, a personal loan works well for smaller projects.
We are not a lender, but our team can connect you with trusted lending partners and help you understand your options as part of our project planning process. Just mention financing when you speak with your matchmaker.
It can. Personal loans can be approved within days, while home equity loans or refinances may take 3-6 weeks. Plan accordingly so your funds are ready before contractor work begins.
Interest on home equity loans, HELOCs, and mortgage products used specifically to improve your home may be tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Talk to RenoFi
Book a free call with our lending partner.
We connect homeowners with contractors. We don’t do financing. But getting funding sorted first makes everything smoother. RenoFi advisors will walk you through your options, run your real numbers, and connect you to the right credit union lender.
No credit impact to check your rate
Serving homeowners across California
Specialists in renovation loans
10× easier than a construction loan
Free · No credit impact · No obligation
Ready to see your real numbers?
RenoFi advisors will review your project, run your actual borrowing power, and connect you to the right credit union lender, usually in one 20-minute call.
Renovation Bridge is a contractor matching service, not a lender or mortgage broker. We do not offer, arrange, or provide financing of any kind. Financing information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All financing is arranged independently through RenoFi’s network of partner credit unions. Loan availability, rates, and terms vary by lender, credit score, and property. Checking your rate with RenoFi does not constitute a loan application and does not impact your credit score. RenoFi NMLS #1802847. CA: Renovation Technologies Holdings Inc., CA DRE #02195141. Not available in NY.
Ready to start your renovation?
Free for homeowners · matched with a vetted contractor
