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Fall is the season for winding down garden tasks, and it's also the ideal opportunity to tackle home improvement projects before temperatures drop. Smart homeowners wait out the summer rush and then invest when demand is lower in important projects like energy efficiency updates, new roofs, improved insulation and HVAC systems, and other pre-winter renovations.
Need cash to fund your project? Foothill Credit Union offers a range of home improvement loans, including home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, and Energy Saver Loans so you can access the money you need to make your fall upgrade plans a reality.
Read on to learn more about some common ways of getting your house ready for winter, and how you can fund your projects using financing from Foothill Credit Union.
With the hectic pace of summer behind you and winter not yet here, fall is the perfect period to prepare your home for colder weather and make longer-term improvements. Here’s why:
With summer’s heat on the wane and the cold weather yet to arrive, September and October are prime times to get stuff done in attics, crawlspaces, roofs, and any other place that normally is too hot or too cold to work comfortably.
Time it right and you could benefit from lower demand for installation and repair service during the shoulder season. This is particularly true of HVAC companies, which see spikes in calls during extreme heat and cold events, and much lower demand during fall and spring. You’ll get quicker turnarounds and possibly better pricing for work during the “off” season.
Fall is optimal for getting your home ready for winter, especially if you live in an area that sees heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. It’s a good chance to insulate exposed pipes, have your HVAC system serviced, and take on roof repairs.
It’s also a great time to get serious about the energy efficiency of your home. Taking action now will lower your winter heating bills during the winter while still keeping your family warm and toasty. You may even qualify for rebates from local authorities or service providers.
There are many reasons why tackling projects makes sense, but what should be your priority tasks during this pre-winter maintenance window? Here are some of the projects smart homeowners are prioritizing:
From replacing broken shingles or tiles to fixing leaks to full roof replacements, fall is the ideal time to get up there and do the work. Your roof is a critical part of your home’s weatherproofing, even in areas with milder winter conditions. Just be sure to have the work wrapped up before the cold weather sets in!
Clearing out soggy leaves and pine needles from your gutters is no homeowner’s favorite task, but it needs to be done, and fall is the season for it. It’s also a great opportunity to assess the state of your gutters, perform necessary repairs, and replace worn-out sections. This is particularly important in areas like California, where winter rains can be torrential.
Cut energy costs by harnessing Southern California’s abundant sunshine with solar panels on your roof. Affordable and ever-more efficient, solar panels let you generate your own electricity and can significantly improve the buyer appeal of your home.
Cut heating and cooling costs while improving comfort by enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. Smart upgrades include caulking cracks and gaps, replacing doors and windows with energy-efficient models, and upgrading your heat pump or furnace.
Looking to replace or repair siding or add or maintain a deck? Fall is best for tackling these outdoor tasks. It’s much more pleasant to work outside, and you might find materials and labor costs less than during peak demand periods.
Save money and help protect California’s precious water resources by rolling out drought-resistant landscaping in your yard. With summer heat on the wane, it’s the perfect chance to spend time outdoors redoing your yard or to hire professionals to do it for you.
With the holidays looming and less work to do in the yard, fall is also great for interior improvements to your home. Add storage space (always a winner!), upgrade your bathroom, or rearrange things for holiday guests and celebrations. It will make a magical season that much brighter and cozier!
While winters in Southern California are typically mild, fall is still the perfect time for home maintenance, upgrades, or projects like installing solar panels.
If you need funding for major repairs and upgrades or simply want to cover ongoing maintenance costs, you’re in the right place! At Foothill Credit Union, we’ve got you covered with our tailored financing options. Choose from our range of flexible, affordable home improvement loans:
Home equity loans let you tap the equity you’ve already built in your home to fund further upgrades and improvements. Ideal for larger projects or renovations, they offer a smart way to add value to your property. Our Home Equity Loans offer:
A single lump sum payment to use as you wish
Fixed interest rates keep your monthly payments stable
The ability to borrow up to 80% of the equity you have in your home
No prepayment penalties
Interest payments may be deductible depending on how your loan is used. Consult your tax advisor for details.
A home equity line of credit gives you flexible access to your home's equity, allowing you to borrow only what you need when you need it. This can be ideal for projects that require funding in stages, with the option to borrow and repay as your needs evolve. Our Home Equity Lines of Credit offer:
Access to a revolving credit line
Low 3-month introductory rate
Borrow as you wish for 10 years, then you have 15 years to repay any outstanding balance.
Interest-only payment option available
Easy access to money via checks, online banking, and at Foothill Credit Union branches.
Making upgrades for a more energy-efficient home isn’t just good for the environment, it's good for your budget too. Whatever eco-friendly route you take, Foothill can help you get there with loan options that cover a wide variety of upgrades, including:
Solar panels
Cool roof
Heating and air conditioning
Weatherproofing, insulation, duct, and air sealing
Drought tolerant landscaping
Windows and doors
Water heaters
Energy Star-qualified appliances, such as washers and dryers
Not sure if your upgrade is covered by an Energy Saver Loan? Speak to one of our representatives at (626) 445-0950, option 1 today.
Applying for a Foothill Credit Union home improvement loan is easy. Just follow these simple steps to gain access to the funding you need:
Gather your documents: You’ll need to show proof of identity, address, details about your employment, income, and debts, plus a social security number.
Complete an application: You can apply online, over the phone, or in person at one of our branches.
Get approved for your loan: We’ll give you a decision quickly, often within a day or two.
Receive your money: It’s time to get started on your home improvement project!
Ready to make the most of the fall home improvement window? Foothill Credit Union is your winterization home base. We have home equity products that allow you to invest in your property and the funding you need to make your home more energy-efficient than ever!
What are you waiting for?
