Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see when they come to visit. It should be as welcoming and inviting as the interior. Thoughtfully chosen home improvement projects are a good return on your investment, increase the value of your property, and improve your curb appeal. Ways to add value to your home’s exterior include replacing your windows, creating a relaxing outdoor living space, and upgrading the garage and driveway.
Install a New Gutter System
Many homeowners underestimate the overall impact gutters can have on a home’s curb appeal. They stretch across a home’s exterior and unfortunately, catches the eye of a visitor or neighbour passing by if the gutter system isn’t in the best shape. Consider installing new gutters if they are made of vinyl; made of aluminum and are noticeably dented; or older than 15 years and look it.
Replacement gutters that will create visual interest and increase your home’s value include:
- Seamless aluminum gutters – fewer seams than sectional gutters
- Haft-round copper gutters – high-end appearance
- A gutter system made from aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel with hidden brackets
- A Custom gutter profile unique to your home
Replace Your Windows and/or Entry Door
Especially if the house s between 50 and 75 years old, and the windows are still single pane, installing high-performance windows will make your home’s exterior and interior more energy-efficient.
If the windows don’t open or close easily, a window replacement can minimize the security risk of not being able to exit quickly in an emergency.
Your front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior. Replace the old front door with one that has upgraded security features and glass panes the will bring more light into the foyer.
When an entry door replacement is not an option, repaint the door in a bold colour.
For extra curb appeal brownie points keep windows clean and sparkling; periodically wash the entry door and polish its hardware.
Bring Your Front Yard to Life
Inexpensive landscaping ideas to make your front yard beautiful and increase the value of your property include, container gardens in oversized pots, a crushed stone path leading to your entry door instead of a cement walkway, or a strategic landscape plan such as replacing annuals with low-maintenance perennials and native plants.
A neatly mowed lawn, fresh mulch, hanging baskets, and decorative edging are other budget-friendly projects that add great curb appeal to your home’s exterior.
Add colour to your landscaping by selecting flowering plants, shrubs, and tree that will bloom in different seasons.
Create an Outdoor Living Space
People love relaxing and entertaining outside on the deck or a patio. Creating an outdoor living space where you can spend quality time with family and friends increases your home’s value.
If you already have a porch but it’s underutilized or currently provides extra storage, transform it into an outdoor living room – add comfortable chairs and multipurpose outdoor furniture that provides a welcoming place to gather.
Makeover for the Driveway and Garage
Especially when the driveway and garage are at the front of the house, a pitted and stained driveway paired with old, tired garage doors can really detract from your curb appeal (and impact the value of your home).
If thoroughly cleaning the driveway doesn’t do the trick, consider resurfacing or replacing it.
Some simple upgrades for a garage makeover include:
- Replacing the siding or repainting
- Painting the trim in a contrasting colour
- Replacing the garage doors with more stylish or modern ones
- Installing new hardware
- Updating outdoor light fixtures
- Adding window boxes or a flowerbed
