Sugar Land has officially expanded its Great Homes Program in 2026 making it easier for homeowners to receive financial reimbursement for exterior home improvements. With the city now offering up to 50% reimbursement (max $10,000), thousands of local homeowners can significantly improve their homes while reducing out-of-pocket costs.

This updated guide breaks down:

• How the program works
• Who qualifies
• What projects are eligible
• The 10% roof reimbursement rule
• Real calculation examples
• How to apply
• How home upgrades affect your HO3 / DP3 insurance
• When to review your insurance before renovating

As an insurance agency serving homeowners across Fort Bend County and Sugar Land, Aqua Tree Insurance helps many families upgrade their coverage after improving their roofs, siding, windows, and more.

What Is the Sugar Land Great Homes Program?

The Sugar Land Great Homes Program is an incentive designed to encourage reinvestment in aging neighborhoods. The city provides 50% reimbursement for qualifying exterior improvements, up to $10,000 per household.

In 2026, the program expanded to include:

• Lower minimum project cost: from $4,000 → now $500
• Higher accessibility for older homes
• More flexibility with project types
• Updated roof reimbursement rules

You can view the official program page here:
➡️ https://sugarlandecodev.com/redevelopment/great-homes

Who Qualifies for the Program?

To qualify, a homeowner must meet all of the following:

1. The home must fall within the bottom 3% of property values in Sugar Land

The city determines eligibility based on subdivision-level value analysis.
This requirement ensures funds support neighborhoods that need revitalization.

2. The property must be owner-occupied

Investment homes, rentals, and Airbnb/short-term rentals do not qualify.

3. The project must be exterior and cost at least $500

Eligible projects include roofs, siding, painting, windows, driveways, landscaping, and more.

4. The homeowner must apply BEFORE starting the project

If work starts early → no reimbursement.

5. HOA approval required (if applicable)

The city will not reimburse work that violates HOA restrictions.

6. Licensed contractors & proper permits

DIY projects are generally not eligible.

What Projects Are Eligible?

Qualifying exterior improvements include:

• Roof replacement
• Exterior painting
• Siding replacement
• Window and door upgrades
• Driveway repairs
• Landscaping
• Garage doors
• Exterior structural repairs
• Soffit, fascia, and trim
• Fences (on a case-by-case basis)

Understanding the Roof Reimbursement Rule (Very Important)

The 2026 update includes a major rule:

Only 10% of your roof replacement cost counts toward your reimbursable project cost.

This prevents roof-only applications.

Example: Roof Replacement Cost = $20,000

• Program counts 10% only → $2,000
• Even though you spend $20,000, the program will only treat it as $2,000 toward reimbursement.

Requirement: You MUST add another qualifying project

The counted roof amount cannot exceed the cost of the second project.

So if your counted roof amount is $2,000, your other project must cost $2,000 or more.

Simple Explanation

✔ Roof: $20,000
✔ Program counts: $2,000
✔ Other project: at least $2,000
✔ Total eligible cost: $4,000
✔ Reimbursement: 50% → $2,000

If you do roof only, you receive $0 reimbursement.

More Calculation Examples

Example 1 — Small Roof + Siding Project

• Roof: $12,000 → 10% = $1,200 counted
• Siding: $2,000
• Total eligible: $3,200
• Reimbursement: $1,600

Example 2 — Large Roof + Window Upgrade

• Roof: $25,000 → 10% = $2,500 counted
• Windows: $8,000
• Total eligible: $10,500
• Reimbursement capped at $10,000 (program max)

Example 3 — Non-roof project only

• Exterior paint: $6,000
• Reimbursement: $3,000

(Full 50% applies since no roof rule is triggered.)

How to Apply for the Sugar Land Great Homes Program

Step 1 — Verify Eligibility

Contact Sugar Land Economic Development or check the Great Homes page.

Step 2 — Submit Application Before Work Begins

Include:

• Photos of your home
• Contractor estimates
• HOA approval (if required)
• Project descriptions

Step 3 — Wait for Approval

Do not start the project early.

Step 4 — Complete the Work & Submit Receipts

Step 5 — City Review → Receive Reimbursement

How Home Improvements Affect Your Home Insurance

Upgrading your home is not just cosmetic, it affects your HO3 or DP3 policy.

Here’s what Sugar Land homeowners should know:

1. Roof Replacement and RCV Coverage

If you replace your roof:

• You may qualify for lower wind/hail deductibles
• You may become eligible for RCV (Replacement Cost Value) instead of ACV
• Your carrier may require updated photos or receipts

If you switch to a Class 4 impact-resistant roof, some companies offer premium discounts.

2. DP3/Landlord Policies for Rental Homes

If you upgrade:

• aging roofs
• old siding
• outdated windows

Your DP3 may need:

• updated dwelling coverage
• revised roof schedule
• new underwriting photos

This is extremely important if you convert the home to:

• long-term rental
• hybrid rental
• Airbnb/STR (may require special policy)

3. Increased Rebuild Cost (Coverage A)

Exterior improvements increase the home’s replacement cost.

If Coverage A stays too low:

• you risk underinsurance
• claims may be partially denied under the 80% rule
• mortgage lenders may flag insufficient coverage

A review is strongly recommended after any large upgrade.

4. Wind & Hail Deductible Review

Sugar Land is a high wind/hail exposure area.

After improvements, ask:

• Should I lower my wind/hail deductible?
• Should I switch from % deductible to flat deductible (if allowed)?

When Should You Review Your Insurance?

You should review your HO3/DP3 policy when:

✔ Replacing the roof
✔ Repainting or upgrading siding
✔ Installing new windows or doors
✔ Renovating exterior structure
✔ Converting the home to a rental
✔ Refinancing or closing a mortgage
✔ Switching to an impact-resistant roof

Why Aqua Tree Insurance?

At Aqua Tree Insurance, we:

• Compare multiple carriers in Texas
• Make sure your improvements are properly insured
• Help verify roof classification & RCV eligibility
• Provide guidance when lenders require updates
• Explain deductibles clearly
• Look for bundle discounts (Auto + Home) when available

If you plan to use the Sugar Land Great Homes Program, let us review your coverage before you start your project.

Call-to-Action

Planning to upgrade your home in Sugar Land?
Contact Aqua Tree Insurance for a quick, free insurance review before you begin your project.

📞 832-699-6838
🌐 https://aquatreeinsurance.com
📧 support@aquatreeinsurance.com

FAQs About the Sugar Land Great Homes Program

1. Can I apply for roof-only reimbursement?

No. Only 10% of the roof cost counts, and you must add another qualifying project.

2. What is the max reimbursement?

$10,000.

3. What is the minimum project cost?

$500.

4. Do I need HOA approval?

Yes, if your neighborhood requires it.

5. Do I need to use licensed contractors?

Yes.

6. Can rental homes apply?

No. Only owner-occupied homes qualify.

7. Does the city reimburse interior upgrades?

No. Exterior projects only.

8. What if my home is not in the bottom 3% property value?

You likely won’t qualify, but you can contact the city to confirm.

9. Does the reimbursement affect my insurance?

No, but improvements may change your coverage needs.

10. Should I update insurance before or after the upgrades?

Before major upgrades (like a roof), and again after they are completed.