Something about fall just makes you want to get your house in order, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s the crisp air rolling in off the St. Croix River, the sound of football games on Sunday afternoons, or the way the Minnesota and Wisconsin leaves seem to set the world on fire with color. Whatever the reason, autumn has a way of nudging homeowners to finally tackle those projects we’ve been side-eyeing all summer.
And honestly? It’s a great time to do it.
The Fall Sweet Spot for Renovations
Think about it—summer is chaos. Family vacations, kids running in and out, weekends at the lake, and humidity that makes painting a nightmare. Winter, especially in Minnesota and Wisconsin, is… well, let’s just say the opposite of ideal. Who wants contractors tracking in slush or trying to cut lumber when it’s below zero?
Fall hits that sweet spot. The weather is mild, contractors often have more availability after the summer rush, and materials sometimes dip in price as the busy season slows. Plus, finishing projects now means you get to enjoy your upgrades all winter long—cozy new family room, anyone?
Popular Fall Projects
Homeowners around the Twin Cities, Hudson, Eau Claire, and beyond tend to focus on a few key updates before winter sets in:
- Energy efficiency boosts — swapping out drafty windows, beefing up insulation, and sealing leaks can make a huge difference when the first polar vortex hits.
- Exterior TLC — roof repairs, siding upgrades, and painting before the snow flies means no springtime surprises.
- Basement finishing — imagine game nights or a new home office when it’s too cold to go anywhere.
- Kitchen & bath refreshes — nothing makes hunkering down for the holidays better than a space you actually love being in.
It’s all about making your home more functional and comfortable while adding value.
Funding Without Draining Your Savings
Here’s the part a lot of homeowners get stuck on—paying for it. The good news? If you’ve built up equity in your Minnesota or Wisconsin home, you might already have the funds without realizing it.
One of the most popular ways to fund renovations is through a cash-out refinance. Essentially, you replace your current mortgage with a new one, often at a better interest rate or term, and take out some of the equity you’ve built as cash. That cash can go straight into your remodel.
Another option is a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a home equity loan—great for projects happening in stages or if you want fixed payments for a one-time update. Not sure what’s best for you? That’s where a good mortgage advisor comes in (hi, that’s us!).
Why Timing Matters
Here’s a pro tip: lenders tend to have a little more breathing room in the fall, too. You might find quicker turnaround times and more personalized service compared to the summer buying rush. Plus, if you start the refinance process now, you can lock in funds before year-end and potentially start the new year with a refreshed home and a smarter mortgage strategy.
Make This the Season You Finally Do It
If you’ve been dreaming of tackling those updates—whether it’s finishing a Hudson basement, adding energy-saving windows to your Eau Claire bungalow, or finally giving that Twin Cities kitchen the glow-up it deserves—fall is calling your name.
And you don’t have to figure it all out alone. At KPT Mortgage Advisors, we help Minnesota and Wisconsin homeowners explore smart, low-stress ways to fund their renovations. No pushy sales tactics, no one-size-fits-all advice—just clear options and straight answers.
Ready to see how your home’s equity could work for you?
Let’s talk about your renovation plans and see what’s possible this fall.