How to Finance a Bathroom Safety Remodel: Options for Seniors and Homeowners
Straight answers from a Conway, AR remodeling team: 20 years of experience, in business since 2014, 500+ remodels, licensed, insured and workers' comp covered.
Quick Answer
Most homeowners pay for a bathroom safety remodel with a mix of sources: contractor financing for predictable monthly payments, grants such as USDA Section 504 or VA HISA if they qualify, an FHA Title I or home equity loan, and possibly a medical-expense tax deduction. Keeping the scope focused on the shower or tub area also keeps the total down.
By the All-Star Renovations team · 11 Arnett Ln, Conway, AR 72032 · Published October 25, 2026
What Is a Bathroom Safety Remodel?
Focused on fall hazards
A bathroom safety remodel removes the hazards that cause most bathroom falls: stepping over a high tub wall, slick floors, and nothing solid to hold. Typical projects are tub-to-shower conversions, low-threshold walk-in showers, walk-in tubs, grab bars set into solid blocking, and built-in or fold-down seating.
Different from a cosmetic remodel
A cosmetic remodel changes how the room looks. A safety remodel changes how the room is used. Many projects can stay focused on the wet area, which keeps the scope, the timeline and the cost smaller than a full gut renovation. Most shower installs take 1-2 days; timing varies by project and is confirmed in your written quote.
Example: a focused scope
A Conway homeowner who struggles to step into a 60-inch tub may only need that tub replaced with a low-threshold shower, a grab bar and a seat. The vanity, toilet and flooring can stay. That is a much smaller project to finance than a full remodel.
Option 1: Contractor Financing
How it works
All-Star Renovations offers financing through Acorn Finance, HFS Financial and RenoFi. You apply with the lender, and rates, terms and approval are set by each lender. Pre-qualifying with a soft credit check does not affect your score. See the financing page for each lender's details.
Who it suits
Contractor financing suits homeowners who want fixed monthly payments instead of one large withdrawal from savings or a retirement account. Pulling a large lump sum from a retirement account can raise your taxable income for that year, so ask your tax professional before you do.
Example: matching payments to a budget
A retired couple on a fixed income can request a written quote, then compare the monthly payment each lender offers against their monthly budget before they sign anything. Flexible payment and financing options are reviewed with you at the free in-home quote.
Option 2: Federal and Veteran Grants
USDA Section 504 Home Repair
USDA Rural Development offers Section 504 grants of up to $10,000 to very-low-income homeowners age 62 or older in eligible rural areas, to remove health and safety hazards. Loans of up to $40,000 are also available to eligible homeowners. Many areas outside city limits in Central Arkansas may qualify; check your address with USDA.
VA HISA grants
The VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant can help veterans make their home accessible, including bathroom changes. The lifetime limit is up to $6,800 for a service-connected condition and up to $2,000 for a non-service-connected condition. A VA provider must prescribe the modification.
Example: a veteran's shower conversion
A veteran enrolled in VA health care asks their VA provider about a walk-in shower. The provider prescribes it, the veteran applies for HISA, and the written, itemized quote from the contractor goes with the application. Approval comes before work begins.
Option 3: Government-Insured and Equity Loans
FHA Title I property improvement loans
FHA Title I loans are made by private lenders and insured by HUD. They can be up to $25,000 for a single-family home, and loans under $7,500 are generally unsecured, so they do not require home equity. Ask HUD-approved lenders whether they offer them.
Home equity loans and HELOCs
If you have equity in your home, a home equity loan or line of credit may offer a lower rate than unsecured financing. Your home secures the loan, so compare the terms carefully.
Reverse mortgages (HECM)
Homeowners age 62 and older may be able to use a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage. These are complex, so speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor before you apply.
Option 4: Health Plans, Medicaid Waivers and Taxes
Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare generally does not pay for bathroom remodeling. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra home-safety benefits, so call your plan and ask what is covered.
Arkansas Medicaid waiver programs
Arkansas Medicaid waiver programs, such as ARChoices in Homecare, may help eligible adults with home accessibility changes. Eligibility and coverage vary, so contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services to ask.
The IRS medical-expense rule
Under IRS Publication 502, medical expenses you itemize can be deducted to the extent they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Some accessibility changes made for a medical reason, such as grab bars or modified bathrooms, may count. Keep your receipts and a doctor's note, and ask a tax professional.
How to Prepare
Programs change and eligibility varies, so confirm the current amounts, rules and deadlines with each agency or lender before you apply. Most programs ask for a written, itemized quote, and some require approval before any work starts, so do not schedule demolition until your funding is confirmed.
For context on our own pricing, All-Star Shower System packages fall into three tiers: Premier $5,000–$7,499, Signature $7,500–$9,999 and Designer $10,000–$12,500+, with the final price confirmed at your free in-home quote. Read more about financing options, aging-in-place bathroom remodeling and tub-to-shower conversions. Next, read our guide to budgeting your remodel. More remodeling guides.
Questions
Does Medicare pay for a walk-in shower?
Who qualifies for a USDA Section 504 grant?
Can veterans get help paying for a bathroom remodel?
Do I need a written quote to apply for a grant or loan?
Ready for a free in-home quote?
Request a free in-home quote online or call (501) 504-3398. Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–5:00 PM, Sat 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, Sun 9:00 AM–3:00 PM.
Free download
Tub-to-Shower & Walk-In Shower Planning Checklist
A printable 2-page checklist: measurements, safety features, budget questions and what to ask any contractor.
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