A renovation loan is a mortgage that allows you to finance both the home purchase (or refinance) and the cost of improvements in one loan.
Instead of paying out of pocket for repairs or upgrades, the renovation costs are built directly into your mortgage.
This can be a smart solution if you’re buying a home that needs updates or improving the home you already own.
With a renovation loan, the projected cost of improvements is included in your total loan amount.
Here’s how it typically works:
• You identify the repairs or upgrades needed
• Contractor estimates are reviewed and approved
• Funds for renovation are held in escrow
• Contractors are paid as work is completed
The goal is to simplify the process: one loan, one closing, one monthly payment.
Depending on your situation, renovation options may be available through FHA, conventional, or other specialized programs.
Core Features
• Finance both purchase and improvements together
• One mortgage and one monthly payment
• Available for primary residences
• Can increase property value after improvements
• Structured based on future appraised value
What That Means for You
• Buy a home that needs work without large upfront cash
• Customize a property to fit your needs
• Potentially build equity through improvements
• Avoid separate personal loans or high-interest credit cards
Renovation loans can turn a “not quite right” property into the right one.
A renovation loan may be a strong fit if you:
• Found a home you love that needs updates
• Want to modernize an outdated property
• Are refinancing and planning improvements
• Prefer financing upgrades into your mortgage
• See potential in a property others might overlook
In competitive markets, renovation financing can also give buyers more flexibility by expanding the types of homes they can consider.
Yes. Many programs allow improvements such as kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, roofing, and more.
Yes. Licensed contractor bids are typically required before closing.
No. Funds are held in escrow and paid to contractors as work is completed.
They involve more documentation than standard mortgages, but when structured properly, the process remains organized and manageable.

Sean Goudreau
NMLS# 326155
465 Waverley Oaks Rd
Suite 200
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 202-9056
* Ranked Top 1% by Mortgage Executive Magazine
Rate is a private corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, the US Department of Agriculture, or any other government agency. No compensation can be received for advising or assisting another person with a matter relating to veterans’ benefits except as authorized under Title 38 of the United States Code.
Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.
All information provided in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only, and in no way is any of the content contained herein to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice or instruction. Rate does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error-free. Some information in the publication may have been provided by third parties and has not necessarily been verified by Rate. Rate, its affiliates, and subsidiaries do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary, or other damages whatsoever and howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or in reliance on the information, including any personal or pecuniary loss, whether the action is in contract, tort (including negligence) or other tortious action.
This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage loan applications for properties located in New York will be accepted through this site.

Operating as Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in New York.
Guaranteed Rate, Inc. D/B/A Rate; NMLS #2611; Rate.com; 3940 N Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60613; 866-934-7283. For licensing information visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Housing Lender. Conditions may apply. • GA: Residential Mortgage Licensee #20973 • MA: Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License #MC2611 • ME: Supervised Lender License #SLM11302 • NH: Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department, Lic #13931-MB • NJ: Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance • NY: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NYS Department of Financial Services, 750 Lexington Ave. Suite 2010, New York, New York 10022 • OH: MB 804160 • RI: Rhode Island Licensed Lender