Finding "Sweat Equity" Programs with Remodeling Contractors in Bend, Oregon

While the economy in Bend is fairly stable, it can be difficult for desert families to be able to afford remodeling costs. While it may be necessary for a family to add on a bathroom or to remodel their un-working kitchen, many simply cannot afford the extra costs in their monthly budget. Thus, to make things a little more affordable, some contractors offer "Sweat Equity" programs. There are a multitude of benefits in these programs.

While not all areas offer programs such as these, Bend certainly has a few available. They can be a challenge to get accepted into. However, if one is accepted they are well worth the effort and time they require.

What to look for: "Sweat Equity" programs with remodeling contractors can allow families to participate in their own home remodel. They are a direct alternative to cash outlays, allowing families to get the remodel in return for their labor. Many of these programs are funded by local or national corporations.

Benefits of "Sweat Equity" programs:

1. Homeowners see a reduction in construction costs. Contractors often work these programs in cases where home rehabilitation is necessary. By allowing the family or other community members to do the labor of the project, construction costs are reduced greatly. In fact, a large part of any remodel project is labor costs. With people volunteering their labor, projects can be completed with less overall cost. Many times the materials are donated by local or national businesses as well, allowing the project to be virtually free to the homeowner.

2. Training is invaluable. The training families and volunteers receive when they are willing to help out is invaluable. They can get construction and home repair training and learn techniques they can use throughout their lives. This gives them job skills and overall community involvement satisfaction. This is especially important for those families who are being helped out through the "Sweat Equity" program.

3. Programs give community strength. These programs are great ways to bring the community together and empower them to take responsibility for their environment and their neighborhood.

4. Community clean-up can occur. Many "Sweat Equity" programs focus not on homes but on areas of the neighborhood. For instance, many will work to reconstruct a faulty playground, clean up a vacant lot or even build a community center. This allows the community to come together to make small towns like Bend look as beautiful as they once did. It can help keep crime off of the streets and give children places to run, play and congregate.