First impressions are usually the last impressions, and this also holds true for houses. After all, no one wants to enter a house that looks shabby on the outside. And a dirty exterior can quickly transpire into a dirty interior.
Today’s competitive housing market favors prepared sellers. Making the right changes to your home’s exterior boosts its resale value and helps you get a good return on investment. Here are some ideas that can help you improve your home’s curb appeal:
Remodel the deck
Typically, a deck is a covered and extended structure outside the house. It offers a great outdoor space for relaxation or entertainment and can also be used as a transition between indoors and outdoors. Since the space is commonly located at the back, front, or side of the house, it is made of various materials, including concrete, wood, brick, or stone. Homeowners may use this space for activities like lounging, reading, or entertaining guests.
So, if you, too, have a deck and want to create an outdoor oasis, build a new deck or go for deck replacement. Personalize the space using the many customization options available in the market. For instance, you can choose outdoor kitchens with decorative inlays and build one that fits your style and budget. You can also add a pergola, built-in seating, or a fire pit to make the space more inviting.
Upgrading and keeping this area well-maintained can significantly improve your house’s curb appeal. Moreover, it is a worthwhile investment and adds value to your property.
Replace the front door
While most homeowners fail to realize this but replacing the front door is an investment that is worth your time and money.
Moreover, considering how old your front door is, it may already need replacement. Replacing the front door is an upgrade with many benefits. Since it is the most prominent part of your home’s façade, having an aesthetically-appealing door or one that perfectly fits in with the neighborhood and your house’s exterior can significantly increase your home’s value by making it appear way more appealing from the outside.
If you are willing to sell your property, buyers who inspect the house will walk through your new front door, creating a good impression. Also, considering it is an entryway into the home, maintaining or replacing the front door using energy-efficient options like a fiberglass front door is an excellent option to add charm to your house’s exterior while saving money on utility bills.
Install new windows
Replacing old or worn-out windows with new energy-efficient ones helps prevent high utility costs sooner or later. Also, updated window frames and glass can help boost your home’s capability to keep the climate out and withstand tough weather conditions. Your best bet is to upgrade the windows when you replace the front door. This way, you can ensure both features match each other.
However, consider the government’s minimum energy-efficiency standards before upgrading your windows. Remember, the standard may vary according to the climate zone nationwide.
Upgrade your driveway
Your house’s driveway is a short road or paved area that leads to spaces like a garage of the house from the main street. It often comes in many sizes and shapes and depends on the available design and space of the house. Therefore, upgrading the driveway is another worthwhile investment to improve your house’s curb appeal. Having a well-maintained driveway is a surefire way to improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the house.
Also, by upgrading the driveway, you can improve its functionality which makes it easier to use and maintain in the future. For instance, a smooth driveway is safer for people and cars. Thus, always invest in high-quality materials for your driveway, like stamped concrete or pavers. This will help save you a good amount on repairs and maintenance, let alone help you to sell fast and at a higher selling price.
Pruning and trimming trees
The first time people notice the exterior of your home is when they walk or drive by. Thus, if you have oddly overgrown trees or even if the landscaping is frowzy, it can negatively impact the overall appeal of your house.
Also, if you live in a city with a variable climate having large, overgrown trees with weak or decaying branches can turn out to be a big safety hazard. However, always hire certified professionals to deal with tree-related issues like trimming, pruning, removal, stump grinding, and more. While many homeowners do not pay much attention to this home upgrade, keeping well-maintained trees can leave a strong first impression and lead to a higher perceived value of your house.
Conclusion
Houses that take care of the curb appeal are more comfortable and functional. They tend to sell faster than other improperly maintained houses with poor aesthetics. However, before renovating your home’s exterior, remember to be mindful. Not all upgrades lead to the best return on investment. Therefore, always plan the renovation and make an informed decision. Take guidance from professional home reno contractors and only go with the ones that meet the style and preferences of your home.
