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Backyard Projects on a Budget: Financing Your Upcoming Fall Home Improvements

Smart Ways to Refresh Your Outdoor Space Without Breaking the Bank

As the summer heat begins to give way to cooler evenings and colorful leaves, many homeowners start turning their attention to fall home improvement projects. Whether it’s finally building that fire pit, updating your patio, or adding cozy landscaping features, fall is a great time to invest in your outdoor space.

But home updates don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. At Casey State Bank, we’re here to help you stretch your dollars and explore financing options that make your dream backyard more affordable.

1. Start with a Budget—and Stick to It

Before you pick up a hammer or start digging, map out your project and set a realistic budget. Make a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves so you can prioritize where to spend and where to save.

Tip: Prices for materials like lumber and outdoor furniture can vary seasonally. Shop late-summer clearance sales to save on patio sets, grills, and garden accessories.

2. Think Big—But Start Small

If your vision includes several updates, consider breaking it into phases. For example:

Phase 1: Install a fire pit and seating area this fall
Phase 2: Add landscaping or a pergola next spring
Phase 3: Upgrade lighting or fencing later in the year

Spreading out costs makes your goals more manageable—and may give you time to save or apply for financing as needed.

3. Budget-Friendly Backyard Ideas

Here are a few impactful yet cost-conscious fall projects:

DIY fire pit: Stone kits can be found for under $300 and provide years of cozy gatherings.
String lights or solar lighting: Add ambiance for under $100.
Mulch and seasonal plants: Refresh landscaping without a full overhaul.
Gravel pathways or stepping stones: Create charm and function on a tight budget.
Refinish or repaint deck furniture: A little elbow grease can give old pieces new life.

4. Explore Financing Options

For larger projects—or if you’d rather preserve your savings—financing can be a smart solution. At Casey State Bank, we offer a variety of lending options to fit your plans and budget:

Personal Loans: Great for smaller-scale upgrades with predictable monthly payments.
Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit (HELOCs): Ideal if you’ve built up equity and want to take on bigger renovations over time.

We’ll help you find the right solution that works for your project timeline and your finances.