Home Repair & Improvements

If you own an affordable deed-restricted home, you may need to apply ahead of time for home projects to be added to the value of your home. Please ask your home monitoring agent. If you're not sure who your monitoring agent is, please call our office. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) defines capital improvement as a necessary maintenance improvement, not covered by a condo or homeowner association fee, that if not done would compromise the structural integrity of the property. Examples include a new roof, exterior painting due to deterioration, and repair of structural deficiencies caused by termite damage, water damage, etc.

Town Assistance for Home Repairs

Some towns offer financial assistance for repairs and alterations that ensure that homes remain safe and healthy. Each town has their own process:

• The Acton Community Housing Corporation administers a Capital Improvement Program.
• The Bedford Municipal Affordable Housing Trust administers a Small Grants Program.
• The Concord Housing Development Corporation administers a Small Grants Program.
• The Sudbury Housing Trust administers a Small Grants Program.

Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair Program

Each program is slightly different but none are for quick repairs because the waiting list is long.

• Acton & Maynard - Habitat for Humanity of North Central Massachusetts
• Bedford & Concord - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell
• Sudbury & Wayland - Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Boston does not have a home repair program - Lexington, Lincoln, Weston

Loan Program for Adapting Homes for Disabilities

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission's Home Modification Loan Program provides 0% or 3% interest loans up to $30,000 to modify mobile homes and up to $50,000 to modify other homes for elders and people with disabilities. Some low incomes qualify for 0% interest and no payments until the sale of the home. Projects include things like ramps and lifts, bathroom adaptations, fencing, sensory integration rooms, and the creation of additional living space, including accessory dwelling units or in-law apartments. 

Home Improvement Loan Program

MassHousing's Home Improvement Loan Program is available to income-qualified homeowners in Massachusetts to make general, non-luxury improvements to properties. All loans pay 5% interest; amounts from $7,500 to $50,000; repayment over 5 to 15 years. These loans are through banks in the HILP program.