Three Places Lowcountry Homeowners Can Ask for Help With Home Improvements

A home repair can become necessary before it fits comfortably into the budget. For homeowners in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, these three programs are practical places to ask about assistance. Eligibility depends on the household, the property, and available funding.

For a home that is difficult to heat or cool, start with South Carolina's Weatherization Assistance Program. It helps income-qualified households improve their homes' energy efficiency. The work is based on an assessment of the home and may include improvements such as insulation or air sealing. Learn more and find the agency serving your area at https://oeo.sc.gov/managedsites/prd/oeo/weatherization.html. oeo.sc.gov

For a repair that affects health or safety in a rural area, ask USDA about its Section 504 Home Repair program. It offers repair loans to eligible very-low-income homeowners. Eligible homeowners age 62 or older may qualify for a grant to remove health and safety hazards. USDA can tell you whether your property and household qualify: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants. www.rd.usda.gov

For an energy-related replacement, check with your electric provider before buying equipment. Dominion Energy South Carolina lists rebates for qualifying heating and cooling equipment and heat pump water heaters at https://www.dominionenergy.com/en/South-Carolina/Save-Energy. Berkeley Electric Cooperative offers financing for approved energy improvements through its HomeAdvantage program at https://www.berkeleyelectric.coop/homeadvantage-loan-program. That program is a loan, so repayment and credit approval matter. www.dominionenergy.com

Before signing a contract, identify the repair you need and ask the program or utility what qualifies, whether funds are available, and which steps must happen first. A short conversation now could prevent an avoidable expense later.

Bonnie Wicks, licensed as Bonnie Jean Wicks Bertalot, is an Associate Broker with Carolina One Real Estate serving Mount Pleasant, Charleston, and surrounding Lowcountry communities. Learn more at bonniewicks.com or call 843.754.0754.

To learn more about other local programs also read this:
https://www.bonniewicks.com/coastal-living/2026/06/25/before-you-spend-thousands-on-home-repairs-see-if-someone-else-will-help-pay?lang=eng