Funding Your Access Built Home: A Guide to Affordable Accessible Design
Creating an accessible home is more than just a renovation project; it's about ensuring comfort, safety, and independence for everyone, including those with mobility challenges. However, the costs associated with making your home access built can be significant. Thankfully, there are various funding options available to help you transform your living space into one that is both accessible and accommodating. Here's a guide to navigate through the funding opportunities for making your home access built.
1. Government Grants and Programs
Federal Grants
The U.S. government offers several grants specifically aimed at making homes accessible:
The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: This grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps veterans with service-related disabilities to build or modify a home to meet their needs.
The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant: Also from the VA, this grant assists disabled veterans in modifying an existing home.
The Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program: Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this program provides loans and grants for very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their dwellings, including making them accessible.
State and Local Programs
Many states and municipalities offer grants and low-interest loans to help residents make accessibility modifications. Check with your state’s housing finance agency or local government offices to explore available programs.
2. Non-Profit Organizations
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is a national non-profit organization that provides critical repairs and modifications to low-income homeowners, particularly focusing on the elderly and those with disabilities.
Habitat for Humanity
While Habitat for Humanity is primarily known for building homes, however they also have programs dedicated to home repairs and modifications to improve accessibility.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
The NAHB has a program called "Ramp It Up for Accessibility" which offers financial assistance for the construction of wheelchair ramps and other accessibility modifications.
3. Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services
Vocational Rehabilitation programs, available in every state, are designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals. These programs often provide financial assistance for home modifications necessary for employment purposes. For example, if you need a home office setup that accommodates your disability, VR services may help fund the necessary renovations.
Services Provided by VR Programs
Home Modifications: VR programs can cover the cost of modifications that make your home accessible and suitable for work, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, and modifying workspaces.
Assistive Technology: VR services may fund assistive devices and technologies that enable you to work from home effectively.
Workplace Accommodations: If your home serves as your primary workplace, VR programs can assist with ensuring it meets the necessary accessibility standards.
To access these services, contact your state’s Vocational Rehabilitation agency and inquire about their specific programs and eligibility requirements.
4. Tax Credits and Deductions
Medical Expense Deduction
The IRS allows you to deduct certain medical expenses, including home modifications for accessibility, from your taxes. These expenses can include the installation of ramps, widening doorways, installing lifts, and modifying bathrooms.
Disabled Access Credit
Small businesses can receive a tax credit for making their facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities. This can include expenses related to barrier removal and the installation of accessible features.
5. Private Financing
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit
Homeowners with significant equity in their homes can consider home equity loans or lines of credit. These options often offer lower interest rates than personal loans and can provide the necessary funds for extensive modifications.
Personal Loans
For those who do not have significant home equity or prefer not to use it, personal loans can be a viable option. Shop around for the best interest rates and terms to ensure you get a loan that fits your financial situation.
6. Crowdfunding
Online Fundraising
Platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter can be effective for raising money for home modifications. Share your story and needs with your network, and encourage friends and family to spread the word. Crowdfunding can help you reach a broader audience who may be willing to contribute to your cause.
Community Fundraising
Engage with your local community by hosting fundraising events or reaching out to local businesses for sponsorships. Community members are often willing to support a good cause, especially when it directly benefits someone they know
Access Built is a universal design build platform dedicated to connecting residential and commercial property owners with resources they need to create more accessible spaces. For more information or to schedule your FREE consultation, click here.
