Renovation Mortgages

Renovation Financing

Compare purchase-plus-improvement mortgages, refinancing, and HELOC options for a planned renovation.

Overview

Review renovation financing options, qualification requirements, costs, and funding conditions

A planned renovation may be financed through a purchase-plus-improvement product, refinancing, or a home equity line of credit where the borrower, property, and project qualify. Availability, rates, fees, repayment terms, and required documents vary.

Purchase-plus-improvement products can include eligible improvement costs within the purchase financing, subject to program limits, quotes, valuation, lender approval, completion deadlines, inspections, and holdback or advance rules. The borrower remains responsible for contractors, permits, cost overruns, and work completion.

For existing homeowners, refinancing or a HELOC may provide access to available equity for renovations. We compare the current mortgage, penalty, rates, fees, repayment structure, qualification requirements, and renovation budget. Renovation cost and any effect on future property value are uncertain and should be assessed for the specific project.

Key Features

Purchase Plus Improvement: Review eligible costs, program limits, quotes, holdbacks, and completion rules
HELOC Review: Compare available limits, rates, fees, repayment terms, and qualification rules
Funding Conditions: Confirm any holdback, advance, inspection, and completion requirements
Valuation Review: Understand that renovation cost and future property value are not guaranteed
Contractor Coordination: Help structuring quotes and timelines for lender approval

How It Works

Step 1

Initial Consultation

We discuss your goals, review your financial situation, and outline mortgage paths that may suit your needs.

Step 2

Compare Suitable Options

I compare available rates, terms, features, fees, and qualification requirements, then guide you through the application and closing.

Fee Disclosure

On many standard lender-paid files, you may not pay a direct broker fee. Private or alternative financing can involve lender and broker fees, which are disclosed before you commit.

Book a Free Consultation
Common Questions

Renovation Financing — Common Questions

Get answers to common questions about this mortgage service.

What is a purchase-plus-improvement mortgage?
It is purchase financing that may include lender-approved improvement costs. Limits, eligible work, quotes, appraisal method, borrower contribution, holdbacks, inspection, completion deadlines, and release conditions vary by lender and insurer. Do not commit to work until the written financing conditions are understood.
Can I finance a secondary suite addition?
A legal-suite project may be considered if the borrower, property, plans, permits, budget, and work meet the lender's program. Any rental income used for qualification is subject to lender policy, and neither approval nor a value increase is guaranteed.
How much can I borrow for renovations through refinancing?
For many owner-occupied refinances, aggregate borrowing secured against the home is generally limited to 80% of the accepted value. Available new funds must account for all existing secured balances and remain subject to qualification, valuation, lender policy, and costs.
Is a HELOC or refinance better for funding renovations?
A HELOC can offer flexible access to funds, while refinancing may provide a lump sum but can involve penalties, legal work, appraisal, and a new mortgage term. Compare the total cost, payment risk, and project timeline before choosing.
Do I need contractor quotes before getting renovation financing?
Purchase-plus-improvement programs generally require quotes and a scope of work, but the format and supporting documents vary. A refinance or HELOC lender may also request cost, purpose, permit, appraisal, or other evidence. Confirm the exact documentation before relying on financing.
Service Area

Serving Port Coquitlam & Surrounding Communities

Whether you're in the heart of Port Coquitlam or the wider Coquitlam region, I'm here to help with your mortgage needs.

Discuss renovation financing

Talk with Milka about suitable mortgage options, their costs, and the conditions that may apply.

Book a Free Consultation