10 Spring Home Improvement Projects for the 203k

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A lot of minor home improvements you can do yourself. A little painting, replacing old door handles or kitchen cabinet hardware, freshening up the bathroom with new decorations and putting up new shelving in the garage are all DIY-weekend-worthy projects. However, sometimes your home needs a bit more work. And sometimes the house needs the touch of a professional. That's where the 203k home improvement loan comes into play.

As a homeowner, you can refinance and remodel with the FHA 203k. This mortgage option (for a new purchase or a refinance) can help you finance all kinds of home improvements directly into the mortgage. This list of 10 upgrades you can finance with the 203k is an excerpt from our eBook "The Complete Guide to Spring Home Improvement Financing."

1. New windows. Maybe you noticed over the winter that it was drafty in the house. Find a contractor to help replace old windows with new, better-insulated windows.
2. Roof repair/replacement. Winter can be hard on a roof. Ice dams, snow melt and freezing winds can all create serious problems. Consider hiring a professional to fix that roof.
3. Plumbing problems. Maybe your pipes froze or you noticed your pipes are just old. Replace the plumbing and roll the cost into an FHA 203k refinance.
4. Replace old doors. While you can replace door handles (see above) fairly easily, replacing doors with better, newer models may take a bit more work.
5. Kitchen renovation. New cabinets/counters and new appliances can really go far in making your home feel like new. Roll these costs into one mortgage (it's not a HELOC or second mortgage) with the FHA 203k.
6. Add a bathroom. Maybe your family has outgrown the 1-or-2-bathroom design of the home. Adding a bathroom is best left to the work of a professional.
7. New deck construction. From design to the construction, a new deck can add great value and better experience to your house. If you can find the time and skills to do it yourself, go for it. But a contractor may have better tools and more time to get it done faster and better so you can enjoy that deck.
8. Basement waterproofing. Eradicate mold (or the possibility of mold) and keep it away with a waterproof basement. Plus once it’s waterproofed, you can finish it and turn it into that man-cave (or woman-cave) you’ve always wanted!
9. New siding. Upgrade from old, cracked and peeling wood siding to something more modern. You can also have the home insulated a little better during this process. Imagine changing the entire look of your home with a new color and look!
10. Electrical upgrades. From the junction box to new plugs, upgrading an electrical system can help save you money on the bill and help make your house feel like new. Maybe you want ceiling fixtures with wall switches. Hire a professional electrician and avoid the shocking results of doing it yourself.

Learn more about home improvements and the 203k with "The FHA 203k Survival Guide." The free guide takes you through this home upgrade option, and the best part is, it's free. Get your copy at the button below.

(painting bedroom: Flickr user Alice Hardman)