Help! I have started a home renovation and realized I will actually need to get a home equity loan. I should’ve done that in the beginning, but I really thought I could manage it on my own. Speaking with the mortgage lender, everything is kosher except he explained that I would need a home appraisal. That’s not going to fly because I’ve already gutted the kitchen and one of the bathrooms, and I’m in the process of having the air conditioner replaced. So clearly I’m not going to pass inspection. Have any of you dealt with lenders who do not require an appraisal? Is that usually based on the amount of the loan? Not sure how to proceed. I would go ahead with a personal loan, but the interest is so much higher. Recommendations? Ideas?