Using Your Home Equity to Unlock the Backyard You’ve Been Dreaming Of.

For many homeowners, the dream of a bigger deck, a shaded pergola, or even a backyard Sport Court feels just out of reach, not because the vision isn’t clear, but because the financing feels complicated. We hear it all the time: “I’d love to upgrade, but I’m not sure how to pay for it.” The misconception is that backyard improvements require stacks of cash up front. They don’t.

So here’s the real question: What if the value already built into your home could help pay for the upgrades you want? After 37 years helping homeowners and builders across ND/MN, we’ve seen how smart use of home equity can be the key to creating the outdoor space you actually want, without unnecessary financial strain.

What Home Equity Actually Is (and Why It Matters)

Home equity is simply the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on it. Most homeowners we talk with underestimate how much equity they’ve built.

Here’s what most homeowners don’t realize:

- Your home’s equity is an asset you can leverage strategically.

- Do you know your current mortgage balance?

- Do you know your home’s approximate market value?

- Have you checked your equity in the last 18 months?

Why Backyard Upgrades Are One of the Smartest Uses of Equity

We’ve seen dozens of projects where homeowners used equity to finance upgrades that improved their home’s function, resale value, or daily enjoyment. Insights from ND/MN projects:- Decks and railings improve everyday livability.- Pergolas extend usable outdoor months.- Sport Courts offer long-term, multi-generational value. Try This at Home: Stand in your backyard and ask, “What’s the one upgrade that would change how we actually use this space?”

How Home Equity Loans & HELOCs Actually Work

Home Equity Loan: Lump sum- Fixed rate- Best for defined projects

HELOC: Works like a credit line- Variable rate- Ideal for phased or evolving projects

When Leveraging Equity Doesn’t Make Sense

Equity financing isn’t always the right answer:- If the project adds more maintenance than value- If you plan to sell within a year- If short-term debt is already overwhelming.

Ask yourself: “Will we use this space for at least two full seasons before moving?”

Designing a Project That Maximizes Long-Term Value

Lessons from years in ND/MN:- Durability matters most in our climate- Composite boards outperform wood every winter- Freeze-thaw cycles determine railing longevity- Future-proof your space

Checklist:

□ Long-term needs?

□ Climate-appropriate materials?

□ Room for future upgrades?

How to Start the Financing Conversation with Confidence

The easiest way to begin:1. Ask your lender for your current equity.2. Get prequalified.3. Bring that estimate to us to design a realistic plan.

Real Project Example - Fargo, ND Deck + Pergola Upgrade

The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance deck and covered grilling space. They assumed they needed to save for years. Instead, a small equity loan allowed them to complete both the deck and pergola at once.

Final Solution:

- Composite deck from Trex

- Aluminum railing from Westbury

- Aluminum Pergola Kit from Great Plains Pergolas

- Privacy panel

Summary - Key Takeaways

Home equity is an affordable way to fund meaningful upgrades.- Decks, pergolas, and sport courts hold strong long-term value.

HELOCs and home equity loans each offer benefits.- Smart design protects your investment.

Send us a photo!

Send us a photo of your backyard and we’ll help you explore realistic, smart options, with no pressure, just guidance from 37 years of industry experience in the North Dakota and Minnesota region.