Loan for Home Renovation?

[Hariharan Elavarasan]

I just bought a duplex that I’m going to househack. I plan on doing smaller jobs like cleaning and painting by myself in the unit I’ll be living in. There is a kitchen that needs redone and an attic that I could finish for a 3rd bedroom. I don’t think Ill be able to save and spend enough for all these tasks over the year I plan on living there. To set the scene: 

I have a tenant in the bottom unit, renting for $800. My mortgage is $800. With other expenses like maint, cap ex, vacancy, i estimate $1300 in monthly costs. After my savings and what I’ll pay myself, Ill have $1000 to put towards the property per month. I’m starting with $9000. So hopefully I’m working with $21,000 over the course of a year.

What are my options? Has anyone taken an additional loan on top of mortgage to do home renovations? Ive heard about zero interest credit cards for 18 months, but concerned that id rack up a big bill. Any suggestions?