Can I get a loan for more than just the mortgage (for home improvements)?

I think I may be the only person to actaully answer your question and not try to scam you! Yes, it is possible to get a loan to fix up the house after you buy it. Keep in mind, however, that it might be the neighborhood and a lot of other things wrong with the house other than bad layout and crappy looks. You would be getting a different type of loan, in addition to the home loan (mortgage). It's much harder than it looks, but if nice looking homes in the neighborhood are selling, it might be worth it for you to try. Be sure to have a thorough inspection of the property before you buy. Even if the bank says they won't fix anything, it's better to know if your're getting a house with major structural or mechanical problems (which you wouldn't want to try to flip).