Pasadena, a vibrant city in California, offers a range of incentives and programs for residential homeowners looking to remodel or enhance their homes. These initiatives aim to support homeowners in making necessary repairs, increasing energy efficiency, and ensuring the safety and livability of their homes. This article delves into the details of these programs, providing homeowners with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Home Enhancement Loan Program (HELP)

The Home Enhancement Loan Program (HELP) is a federally-funded initiative through the HOME Investment Partnership ACT (HOME). It is designed to assist low-income single-family owner-occupied households. The program offers loans for necessary repairs and rehabilitation to bring homes up to code, eliminate critical health and safety concerns, and enhance efficiency and accessibility. Qualified homeowners can avail loans up to $100,000 at a simple % interest rate of 3% with a 20-year term. Additionally, the program offers deferred payments, ensuring that homeowners can enhance the livability and preservation of their homes without immediate financial strain. (https://www.cityofpasadena.net/housing/home-enhancement-loan-program-help/)

Under One Roof Program

The Under One Roof program is an initiative by the City of Pasadena that consolidates all the low-income resident programs offered by key community agencies and various City departments, including Housing & Career Services and MASH. 

This program is designed to provide money-saving opportunities, offering a variety of services such as:

• Bill Assistance: PWP Bill Assistance offers monthly credits and fee waivers for low-income and senior customers.
• FREE Central AC Tune-Up: Regular tune-ups can help recover lost efficiency, operate more safely, increase the overall lifespan of the unit, improve comfort, and reduce operating expenses.
• FREE Energy Star® Room AC Replacement: Enhance home comfort while saving energy with an Energy Star® certified room AC.
• FREE LED Lights, Smart Power Strips, and Low-Flow Shower Heads: These additions can significantly decrease energy and water consumption.
• FREE Duct Sealing Service: Approximately 20-30% of the air moving through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. PWP offers a free service to seal air ducts properly.
• Double Home Energy Rebates: Receive DOUBLE the rebate for energy-efficient appliances from the Residential Rebates list.
• Home Enhancement Loan Program (HELP): In collaboration with the Neighborhood Housing Services of LA County and the City of Pasadena, this program offers low- or no-interest loans for home revitalization and improvement, affordable fixed-rate loans for first-time homebuyers, and affordable fixed-rate refinance loans and counseling for homeowners struggling with mortgage payments.

The process of availing these services is straightforward. Residents can select the free services they want, schedule an appointment with the Under One Roof Personal Concierge, and receive free installation of the chosen services.

Those interested in the program can contact the Under One Roof Program at 626.744.7311. Source: [https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/underoneroof/]

Maintenance Assistance and Services to Homeowners (MASH)

The Maintenance Assistance and Services to Homeowners (MASH) program is tailored for low-income senior or disabled homeowners who face challenges in performing deferred maintenance on their owner-occupied, single-family homes. The program encompasses a range of services, including:

– Exterior painting, trim work, and minor repairs

– Weed abatement

– Addressing code violation issues such as broken glass and screens and rat-proofing

– Installation of wheelchair ramps

Those interested in availing the services of the MASH program can contact the MASH program at the City of Pasadena at (626) 744-7620. (https://www.cityofpasadena.net/housing/mash/)

Solar Incentives and Rebates

The Home Improvement Program in Pasadena offers various services to homeowners, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable practices. One of the notable services provided under this program is solar panel installation. This service is particularly beneficial for homeowners looking to harness solar energy, reduce their carbon footprint, and potentially save on electricity bills.

Here’s a brief overview of the solar-related service offered:

• Solar Panel Installation: Homeowners can avail of solar panel installation services as part of the Home Improvement Program. This contributes to a greener environment and offers long-term savings on energy bills. The program emphasizes the importance of renewable energy sources and encourages residents to adopt solar technology.

It’s worth noting that the MASH waitlist for solar panel installation is currently closed. However, MASH continues to accept requests for other services like wheelchair ramp construction.

For homeowners interested in solar panel installation or any other services under the Home Improvement Program, they can reach out to the program at 626.788.9838 (https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/homeimprovement/)

Tax Deductible Renovations

The Home Improvement Program in Pasadena is designed to help homeowners make energy-efficient and water-saving home upgrades. While the program primarily provides services and installations to promote resource conservation, specific home improvements can also offer tax benefits. 

Here’s an overview of the services provided under the program that may have tax implications:

• Water & Energy Use Evaluation: An in-depth assessment of your home’s water and energy consumption patterns can identify areas for improvement. Implementing these recommendations can lead to potential tax deductions.
• No-Cost Product Installation: The program offers the installation of various energy and water-saving products, including:
  • LED Light bulbs
  • Advanced Power Strips
  • Low Flow Showerhead
  • Bathroom and Kitchen Aerators
  • Toilet Replacement
  • Attic Insulation (Blown Cellulose)
  • Attic Plane Sealing
  • Air Sealing
  • Duct Sealing
  • Weather Stripping
  • Central AC Tune-Up
• No-Cost Efficiency Tests: Comprehensive tests like the Blower Door Test and Combustion Safety Tests are conducted to ensure the home’s energy efficiency.

While the program provides these services at no cost, homeowners should consult with a tax professional to determine which improvements qualify for tax deductions. Tax benefits can vary based on the type of improvement, the total cost, and other factors.

It’s essential to keep all receipts and documentation related to the home improvements, as they may be required when claiming tax deductions.

Homeowners interested in the Home Improvement Program and potential tax benefits can contact the program at 626.788.9838.

California Incentive For Home Renovation

If you’re a homeowner in California planning to remodel your home, there are numerous incentives and programs available to you. While some of these programs are geared towards energy efficiency and renewable energy, others can be used for any home renovation project. 

Here are a few examples:

1. California Housing Finance Authority (CalHFA) offers financing options for purchasing or refinance a home in need of repair [https://www.hud.gov/states/california/homeownership/homerepairs].
2. Community contacts can help you determine if your community offers home repair assistance[https://www.hud.gov/states/california/homeownership/homerepairs].
3. The USDA Rural Development Office provides home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas[https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/ca].
4. The California Emergency Solutions and Housing Program (CASH) offers five-year grants to eligible applicants for various housing-related projects[https://grantsforhomeowners.com/grants/ca/].
5. Some utility companies in California, such as SMUD, PG&E, and SCE, offer rebates and incentives for certain energy efficiency upgrades, which can sometimes be applied to general home improvements[https://www.cleanenergyconnection.org/article/california-clean-energy-rebates-and-incentives].

While these programs may not be specifically designed for general home remodeling, they can still financially assist homeowners looking to improve their properties. It’s essential to research each program’s eligibility requirements and application process to determine if they can be applied to your specific remodeling project.

Conclusion

Pasadena offers many incentives and programs for residential homeowners, aiming to enhance the quality of living and promote sustainable practices. Whether you’re a senior citizen, a person with disabilities, or a homeowner looking to make energy-efficient upgrades, the City has something to offer. It’s a golden opportunity for residents to leverage these programs, save money, and ensure the safety and enhancement of their homes.

Note: For more comprehensive details on each program, homeowners are encouraged to visit the official City of Pasadena website or contact the respective departments directly.