This blog is for educational purposes only, not an offer of credit or advertisement for current loan terms. It does not provide legal advice. Refer to our loan web pages or consult professional advisors for specific information.
Summer in Florida is the perfect time to take action on the summer home improvement projects you’ve been putting off.
This season opens a practical window for many homeowners to take on long-awaited upgrade plans or home renovation projects.
- Updating an outdated kitchen?
- Renovating a bathroom?
- Finishing an attic or garage?
- Enhancing overall energy efficiency?
Many common home improvement projects could be a smart seasonal choice for many households. But let’s talk about the part that often holds people back: cost.
Tapping into your home equity can offer an affordable, predictable way to finance summer home improvement without emptying your hard-earned savings or relying on high-interest credit cards.
Let’s look at why summer can be the perfect time for upgrades and why equity might be your best financing tool.
Let MIDFLORIDA Credit Union turn your summer projects into reality using home equity.
Why summer is the best time for home improvement projects
Florida’s summer season aligns with smoother scheduling, better daylight, and fewer household disruptions.
Contractors have more working hours, materials ship more reliably, and weather delays are less frequent than unpredictable fall.
Summer also gives families more flexibility. With school out and vacation time easier to coordinate, routines can be adjusted or even relocated temporarily if a project gets loud or messy.
A remodel now means finishing in time for the new school year, the holidays, or even a fall real estate listing.
Popular summer home improvement projects for Florida homeowners
Florida homeowners are using summer to take on impactful, value-adding renovations:
- Kitchen remodels: New cabinets, counters, lighting, and layouts
- Bathroom updates: Walk-in showers, modern vanities, fresh tilework
- Flooring: Swapping carpet for hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl
- Interior painting: Brightening up high-traffic areas
- Room conversions: Turning unused space into offices, guest rooms, or playrooms
- Energy-efficient upgrades: New windows, HVAC systems, insulation
- Outdoor improvements: Patios, kitchens, and backyard spaces that boost curb appeal and livability
Remodels like these improve comfort and utility, and many increase home value, but they aren’t cheap.
How to afford summer projects without depleting savings
Depending on your project, a summer remodel could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. Rising labor and material costs can also push up budgets.
Homeowners should be cautious about using emergency savings or relying on credit cards. That caution makes sense since high-interest debt can linger long after the renovation. Instead, home equity can give you access to lower rates, structured repayment, and enough funding to do the job right.
The advantages of using home equity to remodel
If you’ve owned your home for a few years or your local market has appreciated, you may have more borrowing power than you realize.
That equity can be put to work to fund meaningful upgrades.
Some of the benefits of using home equity for summer home improvement include the following.
Lower interest rates
Because your home secures the loan, you can usually get lower rates than unsecured loans or credit cards.
Fixed monthly payments
A predictable schedule makes it easier to budget for the long term.
Larger loan amounts
Borrowing limits often exceed what personal loans offer, helping you fund complete projects.
Possible tax advantages
Interest may be tax-deductible when used for qualifying home improvements.*
This combination makes a home equity loan the clearest path to a well-executed summer remodel for many homeowners.
When is the right time to use home equity?
Even if you’ve never borrowed against your home before, now can be an ideal time to consider it.
Equity builds steadily through mortgage payments and rising home values. If you've owned your home for five years or more, there's a strong chance you've built meaningful equity, especially in appreciating Florida markets.
Using that equity now can offer more than financial leverage. It lets you improve your quality of life sooner and enjoy the benefits of your remodel while you're still living in the home.
Projects done today can also boost resale value years down the line.
How a home equity loan compares to other financing methods
- Personal loans: These may be easier to qualify for quickly, but personal loans usually come with higher interest rates, smaller loan amounts, and shorter repayment terms.
- Credit cards: Offer flexibility but charge high variable rates. Carrying a balance during a remodel can quickly become expensive.
- HELOCs: Home Equity Lines of Credit are flexible and work well for phased projects, but the variable rate can create long-term uncertainty.
If you know your remodeling budget and want up-front funding and fixed payments, a traditional home equity loan offers structure, simplicity, and stability.
Steps to use your home equity for summer improvements with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Getting started is simple. Here's how to move from the planning stage of your home project to action.
Estimate your equity
Subtract your mortgage balance from your home’s market value. Most lenders allow you to borrow as much as 80% of that value minus what you still owe.
Not sure of your current value?
Online tools and recent neighborhood sales can offer a starting point. A local agent can also help estimate the market price.
Connect with a loan officer
Connecting with a knowledgeable representative can help you explore your options.
Apply for a home equity loan
Submit your documentation online or in person.
Appraisal (if needed)
A valuation may be required depending on the loan details.
Receive your funds
Once approved, funds are delivered as a lump sum so your project can begin right away.
With competitive rates and fast, local decision-making, MIDFLORIDA helps you take advantage of the season without delay.
Make this summer count: Improve your home using home equity
Summer home improvement is about more than just timing; it's about opportunity. This season gives you the space to invest in your home and shape how you want to live day-to-day and long-term.
Using equity to remodel is more than a smart financial move. It’s a tool for building value, improving comfort, and future-proofing your space.
If you’re upgrading the kitchen or converting unused space into something more functional, a home equity loan can help you achieve those goals.
Apply with MIDFLORIDA today and let your home’s value work for you.
*Consult a tax advisor regarding eligibility for deductions
