Best steps for obtaining a HELOC on a primary residence?

[Michael Perez]

Hey everyone! I am new to Real Estate and was told the Biggerpockets forum is the place to be for everything Real Estate related. Can anyone give tips on the best way to get a HELOC for renovations? The house belongs to my mother. I want to set everything up for her to lessen the overwhelm.

The loan will be for home renovations and hopefully (if anything leftover) she can use the rest for a down payment on a new home.  

Should the home be appraised before and after renovations? 

Is it cheaper to go with a general contractor who takes care of everything or should I find independent contractors? (plumber, electrician, carpenter).  

[Chris Berry]

I just got 2 helocs in the past year from td bank.  They also did a desktop appraisal that was dead on with what zillow zestimate told me.  It was 10 yr interest only loan, and after that have to pay back at fixed rate.  They rolled the closing costs into the loan, which was 1900 and nothing at of pocket.