Helpful Resources
Homeowner resources. Helpful resources.
From weatherization grants, to tool sharing, and everything in between, here are some helpful homeowner resources.
Consumer Finance Information
- National Consumer Law Center: Information on surviving debt, predatory lending, identity theft and credit card rights.
- Office of the Attorney General: File a consumer complaint, learn about scam alerts, lemon law and just about anything related to you as a consumer.
- Better Business Bureau: Research a contractor or business before you hire so you will know whether they have a good reputation for their work.
- Washington CPA Society: Find financial literacy resources including understanding your taxes and guidance on personal finances.
- Mint.com: Helpful information on making a budget and keeping track of your spending through a free, easy-to-use money management program.
- BankOn: A Seattle and King County partnership of banks and credit unions offering free or low costs accounts, financial education and classes for managing money.
- StartZone: Highland Community College offers free tax preparation and advice to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- United Way of King County: Check this site during tax season for free tax preparation for individuals.
Home Repair Services and Rebate Programs
- HomeWise: Weatherization services through the City of Seattle.
- Office of Housing: Home repair loans from the City of Seattle.
- Housing and Community Development: Home repair loans from King County.
- King County Housing Authority: Weatherization services through King County.
- Rebuilding Together Seattle: Offers free home repairs to qualifying low income homeowners who are elderly, disabled, families with children or veterans.
- Community Power Works: Program to help Seattle residents make energy-efficient improvements to their homes through rebates and low interest loans.
- Seattle City Light: Energy conservation tips, discounts on lighting, appliance rebates, shower-head discounts and more.
- Seattle City Light: Tips on how to reduce your electric bill.
- Seattle City Light: Learn how to take advantage of a $1,500 rebate from the City of Seattle to upgrade your heating system to a more efficient ductless heat pump.
- Seattle City Light: Information about how a solar energy system can work in your home.
Improving Your Home
- Habitat Outlet Seattle and Bellevue: The Seattle store carries recycled home improvement materials and the Bellevue store focuses on home decor resales.
- Second Use: Reusable building materials.
- Re-Store: Non-profit store that features recycled building materials.
- Earthwise Building Salvage: Vintage architectural salvage.
- DSIRE: Database of state incentives and resources including rebates for energy efficiency.
- Phinney Neighborhood Association: The PNA has a tool lending library, referrals for contractors or tradespeople, how-to manuals and reference books and WellHome classes.
- NE Seattle Tool Library: Features "pay what you can" access to tools, training and advice.
- West Seattle Tool Library: Located at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
Improving Your Yard
- Washington Native Plant Society: Use this site for ideas on how to make your green yard even greener with native plants.
- King County Soil: Learn how to compost in your own backyard.
- Garden Hotline: Offers free Savvy Gardner classes to learn natural yard care.
- Go Native: Landscaping ideas and how-to articles.
- Washington State University Master Gardener Information: Large library of articles about gardening and green living.
- Organicasm: Reduce your water consumption, green living tips, green shopping and green lifestyle information.
- Saving Water Partnership: Rebates and tips on saving water while having a green yard.
Health and Safety
- EPA: Learn how to reduce lead hazards when remodeling your home.
- Local Hazardous Waste Management Program: Information on how to dispose of used paint, medications and other toxic substances around your home.
- Home Maintenance Guide: Basic tips to help you simplify your home maintenance year round.
- Seattle Emergency Management: Instructions on how to build a family disaster kit.
- Public Health of Seattle and King County: Lots of resources on a variety of public health issues covering everything from lake safety to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Southwest Youth and Family Services: Offers parenting classes, sewing groups, GED education, counseling and support groups.
- Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Centers: Medical and dental care in Seattle for low income and uninsured families and individuals.
Community Resources
- City of Seattle Consumer Information Guide: Find contact information for important services and resources in Seattle governmental departments.
- Seattle Office for Civil Rights
- King County Office of Civil Rights
- Washington State Human Rights Commission: For questions about discrimination.
- King County Library
- Habitat for Humanity
Information on Community Land Trusts
