Educational Lending
Budgeting Tips for Spring Landscaping and Home Projects
April 24, 2025
Spring is the perfect time for fresh starts—and that includes your home. As the weather warms up and everything starts to bloom, many Missouri homeowners begin planning home upgrades to boost their curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, or just create more enjoyable spaces for family and friends.
But while it’s exciting to dream up new projects, it’s just as important to plan how to pay for them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best spring home improvement ideas, how to budget wisely, and smart ways to fund your projects. Let’s jump in!
Spring Projects That Add Curb Appeal and Value
Whether you want to refresh your front yard, add outdoor living space, or tackle home maintenance, spring is the time to do it. These upgrades not only make your home more enjoyable—they can also boost its resale value.
1. Landscaping Refresh
Missouri yards come back to life in the spring, so it’s a great time to:
- Add mulch to flower beds
- Plant seasonal flowers or new shrubs
- Trim trees and overgrown bushes
- Fertilize and reseed your lawn
- Install edging or decorative borders
Even small changes in landscaping can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal.
2. Exterior Improvements
Give your home a fresh look and make a great first impression with:
- Power washing siding, sidewalks, and driveways
- Repainting your front door or shutters
- Replacing or updating your mailbox
- Updating exterior lighting
These projects are affordable and often DIY-friendly, but they make a big impact.
3. Outdoor Living Upgrades
Want to enjoy more time outside? Consider:
- Building or upgrading a deck or patio
- Adding a pergola, fire pit, or outdoor seating area
- Installing fencing or privacy screens
- Creating garden paths with stone or pavers
- Setting up a raised garden bed or container garden
With the right upgrades, your backyard can feel like an extension of your home.
4. Maintenance Must-Dos
Spring is also a good time to catch up on annual maintenance. Don’t skip:
- Roof inspections and gutter cleaning
- Window replacements or resealing
- Siding repairs or repainting
- HVAC system tune-ups before summer hits
- Driveway sealing or repair
These updates not only protect your home but can save you money on energy bills and prevent costly repairs down the road.
How to Budget for Home Improvements
Having a vision is great—but turning that into a financially responsible plan is where the magic happens. Here’s how to build a solid spring renovation budget:
1. Research the Cost of Projects
Prices can vary based on the size and scope of the project. Use online calculators, ask local contractors, or browse Missouri-based pricing guides for accurate estimates.
2. Get Multiple Quotes
If you’re hiring professionals, always get at least two or three quotes. This helps you understand the average cost and ensures you’re getting a fair deal.
3. Prioritize Projects
If you can’t do it all at once, list your projects by priority. Start with items that:
- Add the most value to your home
- Are time-sensitive (like roof repair)
- Will be used the most (like a deck or new windows)
4. Plan for Hidden Costs
Even the most well-planned project can run into surprises. Budget an extra 10–15% for unexpected expenses like permit fees, additional materials, or weather delays.
5. Use a Home Improvement Budget Worksheet
Tracking everything in one place can help you stay on top of your spending. Create a spreadsheet or use a budget app.
Smart Ways to Fund Your Spring Projects
Now that you’ve built your budget, let’s talk about funding. Whether you’re planning small upgrades or major renovations, there are flexible financing options to help bring your ideas to life.
1. Use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A HELOC is one of the most popular tools for homeowners looking to borrow money for home improvements—and for good reason. Here’s why:
- Flexible Access to Funds: Borrow what you need, when you need it.
- Lower Interest Rates: Typically lower than credit cards or personal loans.
- Only Pay for What You Use: You’re not locked into a fixed loan amount.
- Great for Ongoing Projects: Ideal if you plan to tackle upgrades in phases.
Example: Let’s say you want to build a new patio this spring and install a privacy fence next fall. A HELOC lets you pay for the patio now, and borrow again later for the fence—without reapplying.
At Peoples Savings Bank, our team can walk you through your equity options and help you choose the best HELOC for your budget.
Thinking Bigger? Consider a Construction Loan
Sometimes spring inspires more than just a new garden—it sparks a whole new vision. If you’re considering building a new home or doing a major renovation, a construction loan may be the better fit.
What is a Construction Loan?
A construction loan is a short-term loan that provides the funds needed to build or renovate a home. It’s typically disbursed in stages as construction progresses and can convert into a permanent mortgage once the build is complete.
Why Use a Construction Loan?
- Tailored for Large Projects: Best for new builds or major additions.
- Structured Payments: Funds are released in phases to match your builder’s timeline.
- Local Expertise: Peoples Savings Bank understands Missouri building timelines and seasonal construction considerations.
Whether you’re expanding your current space or designing your dream home from the ground up, we can help you make it happen—with local service every step of the way.
Why Work with Peoples Savings Bank?
At PSB, we’ve been serving Missouri homeowners for generations. We know the local landscape—and we know that home improvements are more than just cosmetic upgrades. They’re investments in your future.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Friendly, Local Experts: We live and work in your community.
- Quick Decisions: No waiting for approval from out-of-state offices.
- Tailored Solutions: Whether it’s a HELOC for your deck project or a construction loan for your forever home, we’ve got options.
Ready to Spring Into Action?
This spring, invest in your home with confidence. From fresh landscaping to full-blown renovations, the right improvements can make your space more comfortable—and more valuable.
Not sure where to start? Visit ourpsb.com, stop by your nearest branch, or give us a call. We’re here to help you plan, budget, and fund your next project with personalized support and local expertise.
Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.