Does Your Home's Exterior Need A Makeover?

When it comes to your home, first impressions count. If you’re thinking of selling your home, then you know that curb appeal plays a major role in the a buyer's decision making process. Owning a home that appears neglected, unloved or just plain dated can have a big impact on your asking price. Unless you're specifically selling a fixer-upper, most buyers will avoid properties that need a lot of renovations.  However, with just a few tweaks here and there, you could get your home's exterior looking attractive once again.

Does Your Home's Exterior Need A Makeover?

Add A New Front Door

Upgrade Your Garage

The entrance to your home is one of its main focal points, and updating the look of your front door will have a big impact on your home's overall curb appeal.  Purchasing a new front door is relatively inexpensive and not only will it give a stylish new look to your entry, but it can add extra security as well.   

The benefit of having a home with an attached or detached garage (or even a driveway with a carport) is insurmountable when it comes to off-street parking.  Make sure your garage is neat, tidy and organized, and that your garage doors are in good working order.  If they are old and / or damaged, replace them.

Review Your Roofline

Revive Your Driveway

Each spring, you should do yourself a solid and check your attic for leaks and your roof for any signs of damage.  Even a loose or missing tile could spell trouble down the road, and it would make more financial sense to repair a simple tile now than your entire roof later.  Check out our blog post on everything you need to know about roof maintenance to learn more.

Depending on the type of material your driveway is made out of, it's probably the one part of your home's exterior that ages the quickest.  Asphalt and cement, two of the most popular driveway materials, will crack and stain and will need to be resealed at least every two years.  Make sure that you maintain your driveway according to the type of material it's made out of and if it's showing signs of staining and damage, call a reputable pro to repair and reseal. 

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Invest In New Windows

Create A Porch Area

New windows can be a significant investment, but they are imperative when it comes to a whole home renovation.  Old windows can be drafty and inefficient, and cause energy bills to skyrocket.   Look for double or triple glazed windows with the Energy Star rating.  Energy Star certified windows come in a variety of framing materials, like vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum and wood.  If you're in the UK, look for UPVC windows.  UPVC windows are 3 times more effective than other windows in keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

If you have the time, money and desire, how about adding a porch to your home?  You can add a wrap around porch, an extended front porch, or even a three season porch!  There's many affordable options out there, including DIY sun porch kits, and prices start around $1,750 for a no-frills 8 x 10 space.  The return on investment for a three season porch is somewhere between 75-85%, which makes it a big selling feature should you ever decide to put your home on the market.

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Whether you decide to add small touches to your home's exterior or take on a larger project like a new roof or new windows, be sure to keep your budget in mind.  If you choose to hire a professional to help with  your project, obtain at least three estimates, get referrals and recommendations and check online reviews before signing on the dotted line. 

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