How to Pay for a New Roof in Coastal North Carolina — Grants, Financing, Insurance & Military Rebates
Replacing a roof in Coastal Carolina or the surrounding counties doesn’t have to break the bank. Homeowners in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick may qualify for grants, low-interest loans, nonprofit repair programs, or insurance-covered upgrades. With the right support, you can protect your home and your budget at the same time
How Coastal Carolina & Lower Cape Fear Homeowners Can Pay for a New Roof
If you’re facing a $10,000+ roofing bill in Wilmington, Pender County, or Brunswick County, there are multiple ways to cover the cost—without draining your savings. From city loans to federal grants to nonprofit support, here’s where to start:
1. 🚧 Wilmington (New Hanover County) – Rehab Loans
Wilmington’s Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program offers:
- Up to $10,000 for minor repairs (e.g., patch or partial roof),
- Up to $90,000 for major rehabs,
- Up to $115,000 fully-amortized loans at 2% interest.
⚠️ Forgivable or deferred for eligible homeowners in city limits.
🔗 Learn more: City of Wilmington Home Rehab Program
2. 🌾 USDA Section 504 Grants & Loans – Rural Pender & Brunswick
Living in a rural part of Pender or Brunswick? You may qualify for:
- Up to $10,000 in grants (must be 62+),
- Up to $40,000 in low-interest (1%) loans,
- Combined aid up to $50,000
🔗 See eligibility & details: USDA Single Family Repair Loans & Grants.
3. 🏛️ Statewide Assistance – NC Housing Finance & DHHS
- NCHFA Urgent Repair Program: Forgivable loans (~$3,000/year) for seniors/disabled with low income.
🔗 Learn more: NCHFA Repair Your Home. - NC DHHS Home Improvement Grants: Up to $7,000/year for homeowners aged 60+ needing safety-related repairs.
🔗 Details: NC DHHS Housing & Home Improvement Assistance.
4. 🏗️ Nonprofit Support – WARM NC & Cape Fear Habitat
- WARM NC: Free roofs and urgent safety repairs for low-income homeowners in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick.
🔗 Apply now: WARM NC Services & Application. - Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity: Free major repairs including roofing for eligible homeowners.
🔗 Apply here: Cape Fear Habitat Home Repair.
5. 🌀 Coastal Roof Grants – FORTIFIED Roof Program
The Strengthen Your Coastal Roof pilot program through NCIUA provides grants up to $8,000–10,000 to upgrade to a hurricane-ready FORTIFIED Roof.
🛡️ Applies to coastal homes in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick.
🔗 Check eligibility & apply: Strengthen Your Roof Grant Program.
6. 💵 Contractor Financing & Insurance Claims
- Contractor Financing: Many local roofers partner with lenders offering 0% APR or affordable monthly plans.
- Insurance Claims: If your roof suffered wind/storm damage, your insurance may cover replacements—and investing a bit more could allow for upgrades to a stronger, longer-lasting roof (like FORTIFIED), improving future protection and savings.
Comparison Table
Next Steps for Homeowners
- Identify your area (city limits vs. rural county).
- Review income & age eligibility for each program.
- Click a link above to apply directly online or get program details.
- Request contractor quotes early—mention any grants you're applying for.
- File a storm-damage insurance claim if applicable, and ask about using saved funds for-strengthening upgrades.
- Explore 0% APR financing options through roofing contractors—especially if grant funds don’t fully cover your project.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to fund your roof replacement alone. Wilmington and surrounding counties offer loans, grants, free repairs, and pilot programs to ease the financial burden. Whether eligible for a forgivable rehab loan, USDA grant, nonprofit help, or a coastal FORTIFIED roof grant, there’s a solid pathway to a safer, stronger home.