Tis the season for bargain shopping, you know that now is the time to buy everything from new cars to new clothes. Hordes of people line up at four o’clock in the morning on Black Friday and online retailers entice Internet shoppers with “unbelievable price breaks” on Cyber Monday but what about Green Tuesday. Did you know that building suppliers and contractors are reducing prices as well? Off -season home and office repair and remodeling are often overlooked bargains. During the winter months when business is slow, especially during a struggling economy, contractors and wholesale suppliers are willing to offer 10, 25 even 50% off many projects and materials. These discounts can add up to significant savings. Whether you have a vacation home in Santa Barbara, Ventura or Laguna or perhaps the family residence or office in Goleta, Montecito or Thousand Oaks now is the time to benefit from off-season deals.The notion that “home improvement increases value” is a verifiable. In fact, home improvement is the smartest way to increase property value. Here are some of the samples of returns for some of the well-known home improvement projects: minor kitchen remodeling provides a 98% return on investment and a bathroom addition 96%; these statistics support the claim that home improvement increases value is compiled from various published surveys. me improvement increase value are compiled from various published surveys.me improvement increase value are compiled from various published surveys.me improvement increase value are compiled from various published surveys.If you have been thinking about sprucing up your home or office, now is the time to act. Increase the value of your property and get nearly 100% returns on investment on jobs like kitchen remodeling and bathroom additions.If you need financing, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can help. HUD insures private lenders against loss on property improvement loans. Loans on single-family homes may qualify for up to $25,000.00 toward alterations, repairs and site improvements. The maximum loan term on a single-family home is 20 years and interest rates are a fixed rate based on the market rate in your area. Right now, market rates are at their lowest point in recent history. Act now for what may be the lowest interest rate for your renovation.Some communities may offer safe and smart ways of finding home improvement loans. Check with your local Department of Housing and Community Affairs for loans in your area. Interest rates are often reasonable with low monthly payments spread across 20 years. These loans allow for roofing, furnace replacement, plumbing repairs, and many more home improvements.A good general contractor is the best source for finding off-season discounts whether it is that granite counter top for your newly remodeled kitchen or the high-tech steam shower for your new bathroom addition. A general contractor will select the best subcontractors for a project and know the best sources for materials and supplies. A general contractor is responsible for the means and methods to be used in the execution of the project in accordance with the contract. An experienced and reputable contractor will ensure your renovation is completed on schedule, within budget and with the highest quality craftsmanship. Whether your project is in Santa Barbara, Ventura or Laguna a good general contractor is key to finding discounted materials, plumbers, carpenters and electricians. While you are away on your winter hiatus consider letting your general contractor handle those much needed and valuable renovations to your home or office.