Getting that loan for home improvement can be a challenge. If you have a need that requires a loan you will have to get an appraisal of the home to assure the lender that the loan is justified. If you are upside down on the value of your home a home improvement loan will not happen. You will have to seek a different kind of loan. A personal loan will cost you and the interest will be higher. If your income is high enough you can get a personal load. The real question is do you really want to spend money on a home that is undervalued. Jody Rookstool need to hunt for another option.