Plano Now

If you’ve ever looked around your Plano home and thought it was time for a makeover but got a little sticker shock at the idea, there’s exciting news just for you. The City of Plano’s Great Update Rebate is here to help homeowners breathe new life into their properties, without breaking the bank. If you own a home that’s been standing for three decades or more, you could get up to $5000 back when you upgrade or repair your home.

Let’s break down how this program works, who it’s for, and how you can snag your share of the rebate pie.

Give Your Old Home a New Chance

Plano cares deeply about its neighborhoods, especially those lined with older homes brimming with character. The Great Update Rebate is all about helping homeowners who want to keep their property in top shape while offsetting some of those daunting renovation costs. If you’re thinking “too good to be true,” think again. This is a legit, city-funded program designed to keep Plano’s housing stock strong and beautiful.

Who Should Pay Attention

First, check if your address and situation make you eligible. Here’s the quick checklist:

• Your property has to be in Plano.

• The structure must be at least 30 years old (so, if it was built before 1995, you’re in luck).

• Eligible property types: single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, or condominiums.

• No rentals here – only properties where the owner lives on-site qualify.

• Stay current on your property taxes and insurance.

• Your home’s value (according to the Collin County Appraisal District) must be no more than 85% of the FHA mortgage limit for Collin County. This keeps the focus on homes that need the boost most.

If your home meets these boxes, you’re on track for some serious help.

Upgrades That Qualify (and the Ones That Don’t)

The Great Update Rebate wants your home to be safer, prettier, more functional, and a better fit for you. The city covers a wide list of improvements, such as:

• Exterior sprucing up (paints, siding, roofs, windows)

• Making your house easier to get around (like widening doorways or installing ramps for mobility)

• Smart landscaping (as long as you follow the City’s approved plan)

• Essential repairs in condos (if your HOA won’t cover it)

• Major work that transforms space into a livable, safe area: think kitchens, bathrooms, floors, smoke alarms, or updating appliances

Some things are off-limits. Save the idea of a new pool, hot tub, or massive fountain for another time. Non-native landscaping or anything breaking Plano’s water rules? That’s also a no-go. Detached buildings, turning your garage into a spare room, or anything that an HOA should pay for aren’t covered either.

How the Money Works

To get the maximum rebate of $5000, you’ll need to invest at least $20,000 into qualified projects. This is a purposeful nudge to tackle those bigger, soul-soothing renovations you might’ve been putting off.

You can get up to $5000 back per property, every 12 months. Note that you’ve got four months to finish your upgrades after receiving the green light (the city’s Notice-to-Proceed).

Partial rebates aren’t given, so to qualify, you need to finish every improvement on your submitted plan.

The (Easy) Step-by-Step Process

The program is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Fill Out the Application Packet
   Get your paperwork in order: the application, a residential agreement, disclosure forms (for lead paint if needed), and a detailed project estimate. You’ll need your latest property valuation, proof that taxes and insurance are paid up, and photo IDs for all owners.

2. City Review & Inspection
   The Program Coordinator checks that you’re eligible, and a Project Estimator visits. Don’t start work yet! Early birds, in this case, miss the worm.

3. Notice-to-Proceed
   Once approved, you’ll get an official go-ahead. Make sure to pull any required permits and use a contractor registered with Plano’s Building Inspection Department for those jobs.

4. Wrap Up Work and Final Inspection
   When everything’s done, schedule a final walk-through with the city.

5. Collect Your Cash
   Submit the Rebate Request Form, receipts, and a W-9. Within a month, you’ll see your rebate check and an award letter in your mailbox.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

You’ll need detailed receipts and contractor estimates (DIY is OK for some jobs). Rebates count as taxable income, so expect a 1099 form at tax time. The city acts strictly as the rebate provider—they won’t referee issues between you and your contractor.

Funds aren’t unlimited. The program keeps going until allocated dollars run out, with at least 30 days’ notice if that day comes.

Get Started

Questions or ready to get rolling? Reach out to Plano’s Neighborhood Services Department at 972-208-8150 or greatupdaterebate@plano.gov. Visit their office at 777 15th Street for in-person help.

This is your chance to make your Plano home safer, more efficient, and more beautiful, and the city is ready to help with real dollars. If you (or someone you know) live in a home that’s seen a few decades, check out the Great Update Rebate—it’s Plano’s way of making it easier to love where you live.