Many homeowners assume they need a home equity loan or HELOC to pay for a remodel. You don’t. Here’s how financing a renovation works without tapping your home’s equity, and what to compare before you choose.
Your main options
| Option | Uses home equity? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor-arranged financing | No | Applied for through your contractor; often has promotional plans; no appraisal or closing. |
| Personal loan from a bank or credit union | No | Fixed payments; rate depends on your credit. |
| Home equity loan or HELOC | Yes | Can have lower rates but uses your home as collateral and usually takes longer to close. |
| Credit card | No | Fine for small purchases; usually high interest on balances. |
How our financing works
Smiley Home Improvement offers financing through the GreenSky® consumer loan program. Here’s what that means for you:
- $0 down to get your project started
- No home equity or collateral required
- Quick application with a fast credit decision
- Checking your options won’t affect your credit score
- No prepayment penalty
- Plan types may include reduced or deferred interest promotions, same-as-cash plans, and fixed monthly payments
Financing is subject to credit approval, and terms vary by applicant. GreenSky® loans are provided by Equal Opportunity Lenders.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What happens when a promotion ends? With deferred-interest plans, interest may be charged back to the start if the balance isn’t paid in full by the deadline.
- What is the monthly payment after the promo period?
- Is there a prepayment penalty? Ours has none.
- Does the price change if I finance? It shouldn’t. Get your written estimate first.
Stack it with 20% off
Homeowners 60+, active military and veterans get 20% off first, then finance the lower amount.
Get started
Get your free written estimate, then decide whether to pay cash or finance. Call (770) 896-1828, request an estimate online, or see financing details on our Pricing page.