What Grants Are Available in Ohio for Remodeling Your Home?

Apr 30

Renovating your home can be one of the best investments you’ll make—but it doesn’t have to drain your savings. If you live in Ohio, there are a number of grants, loans, and funding programs designed to support homeowners making improvements, especially those related to energy efficiency, accessibility, or health and safety.

At EHR Contracting, we’ve worked with many homeowners who didn’t realize they qualified for assistance until they began exploring their options. In this post, we’re sharing some of the most well-known grants and renovation assistance programs available in Ohio to help make your dream renovation a reality.

1. Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) Home Repair and Improvement Programs

OHFA offers multiple programs to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners with necessary repairs and improvements.

Available Options:

Home Repair Assistance – Funding for critical repairs such as roofing, heating systems, or structural issues.
Accessibility Modification Grants – Support for making homes more accessible, such as adding ramps or bathroom modifications.
Lead-Safe Home Fund – Grants to help remove lead hazards in older homes, particularly for families with young children.

Eligibility:
Varies by program but generally targets low-to-moderate income households, elderly homeowners, or those with disabilities.

Why It Matters:
These programs help homeowners address urgent health and safety concerns without the full financial burden.

2. City and County-Specific Grant Programs

Many cities and counties throughout Ohio offer their own home renovation grants, particularly in revitalization zones or underserved areas. These grants often cover exterior repairs, energy-efficient upgrades, or neighborhood improvement projects.

Examples Include:

Cleveland’s Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP)
Toledo’s Home Rescue Program
Columbus’ Healthy Homes Program
Cincinnati's Owner-Occupied Rehab Program

Eligibility:
Requirements vary by municipality but may include income limits, location within specific neighborhoods, or homeownership duration.

Why It Matters:
These grants can be substantial and are often underutilized. They’re a great fit for essential repairs or energy improvements.

3. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 203(k) Rehab Mortgage Insurance

Although technically not a grant, the FHA 203(k) loan is a valuable federal program that combines the cost of home purchase (or refinance) with renovation costs in a single mortgage.

Key Features:

Can be used for both minor and major renovations
Requires working with FHA-approved lenders and contractors
Often includes favorable interest rates for qualified applicants

Eligibility:
Applicants must meet FHA mortgage guidelines. Properties must meet certain condition requirements.

Why It Matters:
This option offers financial flexibility for both buyers and current homeowners seeking to upgrade or restore their homes.

4. The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

Offered by the Ohio Department of Development, HWAP provides free energy efficiency services to low-income households. These improvements can lower utility bills and improve overall comfort and safety.

Improvements May Include:

Insulation
Furnace repair or replacement
Weather stripping and sealing
Energy-efficient lighting or appliances

Eligibility:
Based on household income (typically at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines). Priority is given to elderly residents, those with disabilities, and families with children.

Why It Matters:
Energy savings add up quickly, and this program makes high-impact upgrades accessible to those who need them most.

5. Veterans’ Home Renovation Assistance

Veterans living in Ohio may qualify for federal or nonprofit-funded renovation grants, especially for modifications related to mobility or injury-related needs.

Programs Include:

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant
VA Renovation Loans

Eligibility:
Varies depending on service history and medical qualifications. Typically supports accessibility upgrades such as widened doorways or walk-in showers.

Why It Matters:
These programs offer essential support to help veterans live more comfortably and safely in their homes.

6. Nonprofit & Community Development Resources

Nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity and local community development corporations (CDCs) often offer grants or low-cost loans to assist with home improvements in specific neighborhoods.

Types of Support:

Emergency repair grants
Matching grant programs
Deferred loans (paid back only when home is sold)

Eligibility:
Must live within a specific geographic area or meet income and homeownership criteria.

Why It Matters:
These organizations are deeply connected to local communities and can help with everything from small repairs to full renovations.

Final Thoughts: Grants Can Make Renovation More Accessible

If the cost of remodeling your home has been holding you back, you may have more options than you think. From energy efficiency upgrades to accessibility renovations, grant programs throughout Ohio are designed to help homeowners like you maintain, improve, and enjoy their properties without shouldering the entire financial burden.

At EHR Contracting, we understand how confusing it can be to navigate grant applications and eligibility. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve worked with a wide variety of clients—some of whom didn’t know they qualified for assistance until we helped them explore their options.

Looking to renovate your home this year? Let’s talk. We’ll help you plan your project, stay within budget, and explore every resource available to you.

Brock Malinowski