I'm interested in the responses you get because I've been looking at something similar, although on a larger scale. In my case, I have enough savings to pay off my mortgage but I also want to do some major improvements and additions. So I'm torn between using the cash for the project instead of paying off the mortgage, paying off the mortgage and then taking out a second mortgage since interest rates are low, refinancing the mortgage and using the using the cash for the project, taking out a HELOC, or taking out a construction loan. It seems there are many ways to go!
How long would it take you pay back the $30K with your existing debts and budget? If you could do it in 12-18 months, you could even use a 0% APR card with BT option. Do any of your current cards offer anything like that?
If you don't have enough equity for the project, a construction loan or personal loan would probably be my next suggestion, but the interest rate might be a little higher than a 0% card option, a HELOC, or a cash-out refinance. But it would probably give you the longer and easier repayment terms. Who do you bank with and do you have a relationship with any good credit unions?
@cakkd wrote:Aim High -- Unless you are close to retirement and want stability, I wouldn't pay your mortgage off early. Virtually anything you do with your money will pay more than the effective rate you are paying for a mortgage over the mid-to-long term.
Thanks, @cakkd. Actually, I could be around 5 to 10 years away from retiring, so paying off the house is a consideration for me. I'd at least like to have a chunk of money in a dedicated account so that I can pay it off immediately if I were to need to do so. Having a rent-free roof over your head is a huge peace-of-mind! 
That's one reason I hesitate to get into more debt over a big renovation.
@glendazamot What CB do they pull and what score would get you the best rate? My mom is looking to redo bathroom as has been trying to look at options and this is actually a really good one.
