Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay
When it comes to improving the exterior of your home, it might be hard to know where to start. Many small details combine to create a home’s first impression and affect potential resale value. With so many different features potentially needing an upgrade, there are some that might not seem obvious at first but can make a big difference in curb appeal. Some of these projects may also be dismissed as too difficult or expensive to take on. Luckily, there are many options for upgrading and refreshing these important features that won’t take all of your time or go over budget.
Here are some commonly overlooked exterior features to consider in your upgrade:
Don’t forget your garage. The space inside can serve many different purposes (or remain unused and unfinished) but the outside of the garage will always matter when it comes to curb appeal. Depending on the style and layout of your home, there’s a good chance your garage door accounts for a significant percentage of the frontal view. It’s simple to make this space work in your favor and improve the overall look of your home by either painting or replacing the door. Bold accent colors are a popular choice for garage doors, as are doors constructed of natural wood. Consider upgrading to a door with large windows to add depth and a modern feel. Even a fresh coat of paint in the existing color can work wonders for a first impression. An added bonus: there are more advanced technology options and accesibility features available now compared to what may have come standard with your home build.
Windows are another key feature often overlooked when refurbishing an exterior. A thorough cleaning will make sure windows look their best from the outside, as will simple touch ups to frames or other fixtures. If you aren’t going to replace the windows entirely, consider painting the outside frames to add visual appeal. If you have wooden window frames, keep them looking and working their best with a new surface treatment. For larger projects, consider increasing the size or changing the shapes of your windows. You can also add accent shutters to add charm and transform the entire look of the window. Use the overall style and aesthetics of the home as a guide to keep it cohesive, and you will increase your curb appeal and benefit the home value. No matter the style choice, opt for modern, energy-efficient windows to add major value to your home as well as save you money on heating and cooling.
Make sure to consider the journey to your front door. While the front porch is an obvious exterior feature to update, stairs or walkways connecting it are often overlooked. Safety is key: ensure that concrete and stone are free of cracks or chips that could be tripping hazards. For wooden stairs, check for mold or other damage that could affect both the appearance and the stability of the surface. If your path or walkway crosses through a lawn or other vegetation, carefully prune the edges of weeds and overgrowth. Add low-wattage lighting for additional safety and ambiance, or enhance the visual appeal of path edges with brick or other materials. At the very least, consider power washing the surfaces to make that journey to your door clean and inviting.
Updating your home’s exterior may seem like one large project, but it is actually multiple small projects. Because there are so many details to consider, some projects can be easily forgotten despite how much they can improve your curb appeal. Make sure not to forget your garage door, windows, stairs and walkways when planning your exterior upgrades.
