Home improvement loans are designed to help borrowers make improvements on their homes. It can be used for such things as adding a new room, remodeling a kitchen, building a pool, or re-carpeting the entire house. As a secured loan, collateral is required – current equity in the home. To qualify for possible tax deductions, the improvements must be on the borrower’s primary residence, not rental property, second home, or vacation home.
The interest rate on the home improvement loan is typically lower than other secured loans because it is less risky, plus it tends to enhance the borrower’s home. Borrower’s must own their home or be making payments on their home to be eligible for a home improvement loan.