Your budget has a significant impact on what you can do when planning a successful renovation. While you may have adequate money set aside for your brilliant concept, damage or ageing infrastructure concealed beneath the floors or behind drywall may force you to reconsider your plans. You can check into renovation rebates to assist pay or offset costs if you are seeking solutions to fix what needs to be fixed while still having enough money to undertake the enhancements you want.
The Alberta and Canadian governments both offer refunds and subsidies that might help you stretch your budget. If you are qualified for rebates, it is well worth your time and effort to apply. Thousands of dollars in grants go unclaimed every year; if you can, take advantage of these rebates and incentives. It can be difficult to understand eligibility, property qualifying, and any upfront costs not covered by the rebate. This will help you grasp the terms of the most popular rebate programmes so that you can take advantage of them. It takes some effort, but taking advantage of renovation rebates to save money is always worthwhile.
Below is a list of the most popular home improvement grants that you can look into if you are planning to do any sorts of home improvements in Alberta.
Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP)
The SHARP rebate programme is divided into two parts. It provides low-interest home equity loans to qualifying seniors to fund a variety of house adaptations and modifications to help them stay in their homes longer, or it aids low-income senior homeowners who do not qualify for a SHARP loan but may be eligible for a SHARP grant. The goal of SHARP is to help seniors stay in their homes, increase their safety, and adapt and adjust their houses’ accessibility and mobility. Grants from the Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) may be provided to qualifying low-income senior homeowners who do not qualify for a SHARP loan to aid with specified home renovations. To be eligible for a grant, you must submit a completed SHARP application.
Eligibility
If you and your spouse/partner (if applicable) meet the following criteria, you may be eligible for a grant:
- SHARP loans are not available to you.
- 65 years of age and above (only one spouse or partner needs to be 65)
- citizens of Canada or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in Canada
- Seniors with income below the SHARP grant income levels receive or have applied for all other eligible seniors’ financial assistance who are Alberta residents and have lived in Alberta for at least three months.
- The award does not require you to have full replacement value home insurance.
Property Qualifications
If your home is your principal residence, you may be eligible for a grant (where you normally reside). Summer houses, rented properties, and commercial properties do not qualify as second homes.
One of the following ownership interests is required:
a settlement member who is a holder of a Metis title in line with the Metis Settlements Act fee simple owner on non-owned land registered life estate (and not eligible for a SHARP loan)
Income Requirements
If you are one of the following, you may be eligible for a grant:
- a single senior with a total annual income of no more than $29,285
- a senior couple with a combined annual income of less than $47,545
Consider the following deductions from total income:
- Pension Income Splitting Adjustments
- Alberta Seniors and Housing would identify and deduct the Registered Disability Savings Plan Income Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit Supplementary Accommodation Benefit – a supplement paid to seniors in long-term care or designated assisted living.
Contact
Connect with the Alberta Supports Contact Centre: Hours: 7:30 am to 8:00 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed on statutory holidays)
Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
Address:
Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP)
PO Box 1050 STN Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2M1
Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP)
The Residential Access Modification Program, or RAMP for short, provides funds to help low-income Alberta residents with mobility issues alter their houses so that they can easily enter and exit them.
RAMP recipients can receive up to $7,500 every year and up to $15,000 over the course of a 10-year benefit period. All wheelchair users who match programme criteria, regardless of age, are eligible. This grant application has various requirements, including income limitations, house improvement demands, and priority candidates. As a result, if you believe you are eligible and are interested in applying, you should conduct extensive research at RAMP.
Funding
Low-income Albertans can apply for a RAMP grant for:
- up to $7,500 per person each benefit year (April 1 to March 31)
- up to $15,000 per person within ten years
Eligibility
For more information on eligibility for RAMP, please refer to the RAMP Guidelines and Criteria (PDF, 964 KB).
RAMP Grant Income Requirements
Because different criteria are taken into account, the income criterion fluctuates. A single adult with no children has a total income of $36,900, while a couple with five children has a total income of $94,000.
Eligible property modifications: allow you to enter and move about your own living area; be permanent – RAMP will consider requests for temporary modifications on a case-by-case basis; be made to Alberta properties; and be completed within 90 days of approval, unless RAMP authorizes otherwise. Visit RAMP for additional information on how to apply and which portions of your home are eligible.
The Greener Homes Grant
The Canadian government launched the Canada Greener Homes Grant in the spring of 2021 to assist homeowners in making their homes more energy-efficient. Up to 700,000 $5,000 subsidies are available to help homeowners make energy-efficient home improvements. The award also includes EnerGuide evaluations before and after the retrofits and expert guidance to help homeowners plan their projects more effectively.
Keep in mind that this is a reimbursement programme, which means you must pay your contractor first and then submit your expenses for approval.
Eligibility
- The project is open to all eligible homeowners in Canada, regardless of where they live.
- Only one homeowner per household is allowed to register.
- Your property tax bill number must be provided as proof of ownership (find this number on your municipal property documents)
- A driver’s licence or government-issued ID must be used to prove that the property is your primary residence (with address)
Contact Us
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Grant inquiries:
Phone: 1-833-674-8282
TTY: 1-800-465-7735
Email: nrcan[email protected]
Home Energy Accelerator Program
The programme gives incentives for upgrades and helps you understand your home’s energy efficiency. Rebates are provided for insulation, windows, water, and space heating equipment, with incentives available for larger renovations. The Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator in Edmonton is a programme that teaches you about your home’s energy efficiency and offers refunds for renovations. Rebates are provided for insulation, windows, water, and space heating equipment, with incentives available for larger renovations.
An expert comes to your home and does an EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluation to begin the process. Your energy advisor will provide you with expert recommendations on how to make your home more energy-efficient. Canada’s Greener Homes Grant programme offers rebates to assist cover the expenses of an EnerGuide badge and subsequent house modifications. To a maximum of 100% of the total investment, rebate stacking is allowed with other energy efficiency incentive programmes, such as Canada’s Greener Homes Grant programme.
Contact
City of Edmonton
(780) 442-5311Web address: https://homes.changeforclimate.ca/hera/
Solar Rebate Program
The Solar Rebate Program in Edmonton offers $0.40 per watt towards the cost of the system, covering roughly 15% of the costs of going solar! A $0.30/watt incentive from the City of Edmonton is also available for newly constructed residences and residential structures.
A $0.30/watt incentive from the City of Edmonton is also available for newly constructed residences and residential structures. One of the most effective strategies to combat climate change is to generate local renewable energy. For a complete list of eligibility requirements, see the program’s Terms & Conditions. The programme portal is where you can submit your application.
Contact
City of Edmonton
(780) 442-5311
Web address: https://homes.changeforclimate.ca/solar-rebate-program/
Recreation Energy Conservation Program
This programme provides up to $750,000 in financing for municipally owned recreation facilities to identify energy-saving opportunities and implement energy efficiency improvements to minimize energy use and GHG emissions. The Recreation Energy Conservation Program is first-come, first-served, and is evaluated regularly to gauge interest in the programme. Applications with signed offer letters will be processed as usual. Contact our team at [email protected] if you have any questions concerning the status of your application.
For more information, contact:
Municipal Climate Change Action Centre
780-433-4431
Web address: https://mccac.ca/programs/recreation-energy-conservation-program/
Clean Energy Improvement Program
One of the most significant obstacles property owners encounter when deciding to engage in energy efficiency, and renewable energy renovations are obtaining reasonable financing. Individuals may not have the funds to cover the charges upfront or are concerned about losing their investment if they sell their homes.
The Clean Energy Improvement Program is a property-based clean energy programme that helps property owners solve these challenges. Receive assistance in developing property-based renewable energy financing alternatives for your municipality’s residential and commercial property owners.
Contact
Municipal Climate Change Action Centre
780-433-4431
Web address: https://mccac.ca/programs/clean-energy-improvement-program/
Existing Homes Incentive Program
To be eligible for the Existing Homes Incentive Program, property owners must first complete an EnerGuide Home Evaluation (pre-evaluation). The applicable terms and conditions, as well as the determined eligibility sections below, provide more information.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you can fill out a reserve funds application for all of the upgrades you want to do before December 31, 2022. After you’ve completed all of your retrofits for the year, you can submit a rebate request. Multiple application forms are not required using this method.
Because funds are limited, submit your reserve funds application as soon as possible. Follow the procedure outlined. Only homeowners, not contractors, should submit applications.
Contact
City of Medicine Hat
(403) 502-8799
Web address: https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/home-property-and-utilities/existing-homes.aspx
To Conclude
Family renovations can be stressful. To minimize unwanted surprises, meticulous planning is required well before the work begins. Remember to include all of the ways you can save money when planning your renovation budget and grants are the best way to move forward.
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