You've pictured the kitchen. You've pictured the primary bath, or the extra room your family actually needs. The one question that stalls almost every homeowner before they pick up the phone isn't design — it's “how do we pay for this?”
You're not alone in asking. It's one of the first questions our clients raise, and it deserves a straight, practical answer — not a sales pitch. Here's how homeowners in our area typically finance a remodel, so you can walk into your consultation already knowing your options.
We're Not a Lender — We're a Guide
ALC Design has spent over 20 years building kitchens, baths, additions, and whole-home remodels across southern NH and northern MA communities. Part of that process — Communication, Expectation, and Documentation — means helping you understand every piece of the project before it starts, including how homeowners typically fund work like this.
We don't issue loans, and we don't point you toward any one option. What follows is a plain-language rundown of how our clients most often finance their projects, so you can walk into your consultation with a clearer picture of what's realistic for your budget.
How to Finance a Remodel: 3 Paths to Consider
1. Home Equity (HELOC or Home Equity Loan)
If you've owned your home for a while, a home equity line of credit or home equity loan through your bank or credit union is often the lowest-cost option, since it's secured by the equity you've already built. This is a common route for larger projects like additions or whole-home remodels. Your bank or credit union can tell you what you qualify for.
2. Renovation-Specific Loans
Renovation loans are built specifically for remodeling, and some — like those offered through RenoFi — let you borrow against your home's after-renovation value rather than its current value. That can mean more borrowing power for homeowners who haven't built up much equity yet but are planning a significant project.
3. Point-of-Sale Contractor Financing
Marketplaces like Hearth connect homeowners with multiple lenders for a single project, often with a fast pre-qualification process that shows monthly payment estimates before you commit. This route can work well for kitchen and bath projects where you want to compare offers quickly.
Informational only: ALC Design has no financial or referral relationship with RenoFi or Hearth. We're not a lender, mortgage broker, or financial advisor, and this page isn't a recommendation or guarantee of approval, rate, or terms. Confirm current rates, terms, and eligibility directly with any lender, and talk to your financial advisor before making a decision.
Putting a Financing Plan Together
Most homeowners don't fund a remodel with a single check from savings — they combine one of these options with what they've already set aside. Understanding your financing path early lets us design to a budget you're actually comfortable with, instead of falling in love with a plan and working backward from there. That's a big part of how we keep projects on budget and on schedule from day one.
Let's Talk Numbers Before We Talk Design
Every project starts with a free in-home consultation. We'll walk your space, talk through what you're hoping to achieve, and give you a realistic sense of investment — so financing conversations with your bank or lender of choice are grounded in real numbers, not guesses.
Call 603-404-2907 or request your free consultation online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ALC Design offer financing directly?
No. ALC Design is a design-build remodeling company, not a lender. We share general information about common financing paths so you can make an informed decision, and we encourage you to compare offers from your own bank, credit union, or a lender marketplace.
How much does a kitchen or bathroom remodel cost in southern NH or northern MA?
Costs vary widely based on scope, materials, and the condition of your existing space. A free in-home consultation is the fastest way to get a realistic number for your specific project — call 603-404-2907 to schedule one.
Should I get financing approved before or after design?
Many homeowners start the conversation with a lender early — even a rough pre-qualification — so the design phase can work within a real budget from the start. We're happy to talk through where financing typically fits into our eight-step design-build process during your consultation.
Do you serve my town?
We work throughout southern New Hampshire — including Londonderry, Derry, Salem, Windham, Nashua, Manchester, Bedford, and Hudson — and northern Massachusetts, including Andover, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill. See our full service area for the complete list.