Exterior Home Improvements That Make Sense

Even though most people focus on the interior of their home when renovating, you shouldn’t ignore the exterior. This is the first thing people see when visiting you and what essentially forms their first impression. That’s why exterior renovations are something you should consider as well.

Still, picking the right renovation is the key, because not all renovating projects are equally effective or have the same return on investment. When choosing what to do, you need to think about the budget, but also about how practical, specific projects are.

If you manage to do that, you’ll be able to boost the value of your property, and that’s something we all want. There will come a time when you want to sell, right? Therefore, here are some of the most cost-effective exterior improvements that go a long way.

Exterior Improvements That Are Worth DoingClean and de-clutter your yard

A messy front yard is something people are going to notice when approaching your home, so focus on that first. What’s great about this project is that it doesn’t require too much time or energy, but it’s efficient.

De-cluttering your entire outdoor area sounds like a lot of work, but it’s easy if you get adequately organized. Figure out what you do and don’t need and keep only the absolutely essential items. This way, your exterior area will look more beautiful, cleaner, and more welcoming, and you won’t have to spend too much money on it.

Maintain your lawn

Once your front and back yard are de-cluttered and organized, it’s time to take things to the next level. Spicing up your landscape is probably not your most favorite thing in the world, but you still have to do that. Even though they’re tedious and tiring, these projects are easy to handle and almost entirely free.

All you need to invest is your time and your energy. Start by mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges, and removing all the weeds that are ruining the aesthetic appeal of your landscape. After that, just add some flowers and plants that will make your exterior look fantastic, and you’re done!

If you have a small yard, there are some great tips for making your landscape look spectacular.

Clean your gutters

This is another essential part of your exterior, but very few homeowners give their gutters enough attention. But, if remember to clean them regularly, your home will start looking amazing straight away.

You need to get them checked at least once a year, preferably by an expert. This is particularly important for people living in old homes with ancient gutters. Doing this shouldn’t be too hard, but it will boost the value of your home and make your life much easier.

If you live in a cold-weather climate, clogged gutters can also make it easier for ice dams to form – something you certainly don’t want!

Inspect your roof

Once your gutters are clean, it’s time to focus on the roof. This is an issue lots of homeowners ignore, believing everything is all right. However, the fact is that roofs could easily cause you a ton of problems.

Whether they’re leaking or merely old, they can lead to numerous issues and a lot of damage. Still, doing this on your own might not be such a great idea.

You could get hurt or end up doing a lousy job, causing more problems than before. That’s why you should rely on professionals with proper skills. When you’re choosing a roofing contractor, be sure to find someone who has all the right tools and lots of experience. These people will check your roof and make sure it’s spotless, and that’s something you can’t put a price on.

Spice up your front door

Here is another simple yet highly effective project that doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Whether it’s your guests or your family – the first thing they notice when approaching your home is the front door. This is why it needs to be as beautiful as possible.

Spicing it up from time to time is a must, even if that means merely repainting it. Another thing you could do is install a new handle. This will give your door a unique accent and make it more intriguing than before. Both of these ideas are cheap but effective, so try them out as soon as possible.

Install a new garage door

Speaking of doors, this is another project you should take into consideration. Having a garage is a great asset in this day and age, but garages with outdated or ineffective doors are practically worthless.

However, you can always install new doors without spending too much money, and thus take your home safety to a new level. In addition to that, you’ll raise the value of your home, and make it look much more beautiful. So, start thinking about this idea right now, and pick the best garage door you can find.

There are also some really cool garage technologies worth checking out as well. You’ll be the envy of everyone on your block.

Repaint the facade

This is a project that sounds like a ton of work, but it doesn’t have to be. The thing about facades is that they usually require nothing else but love and care, especially if you live in an old house.

Luckily, repaint the facade is another do it yourself project you can handle by yourself. Just find the right color, ask a few friends to help you out, and you’ll be done before you know it.

Still, don’t forget to add some exterior insulation as well. Handling these two projects at the same time makes a lot of sense and will add a tone of value to your property. Interior and exterior painting are almost always worth doing if they need it.

Build a deck

If you love spending time in the open, having a deck is one of those things your home simply has to have. Again, you can do quite a lot without spending a ton of cash, especially if you’re not afraid to handle the project on your own.

Building a deck sounds like a lot of work, but anyone can do it as long as they know what they’re doing. Explore some designs, find the right materials, think about the colors, and start building your new deck. Do, however, make sure you avoid some of the common deck-building mistakes that plague homeowners.

Once that’s done, think about the finishing touches such as the outdoor furniture, the décor, and even an outdoor kitchen. Do a little research and pick things that are in style. Doing so will go a long way in making your place the trendy hangout that everyone likes to congregate at.

Final thoughts

As you can see, updating your exterior isn’t hard at all. Most of these things are cheap or even free, so find the ideas you like the most and start turning them into reality. Put a little bit extra time and energy into your projects to make sure you get the return you expect when it comes time to sell.

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Lillian ConnorsAbout the author: The above article on cost-effective exterior improvements was written by Lillian Connors.

If one thing is real about Lillian Connors, her mind is utterly curious. That’s why she can’t resist the urge to embark on a myriad of home improvement/DIY projects and spread the word about them.
She’s also genuinely into green practices, cherishing the notion that sustainable housing and gardening will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit and what we eat, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on.