=====Homeowners often focus on the interior when tackling home improvement projects and forget about the importance of exterior upgrades that mak...
Homeowners often focus on the interior when tackling home improvement projects and forget about the importance of exterior upgrades that make the outside stand out. Whether you're thinking about selling your home now or in the future, improving your curb appeal helps your property retain its value and may even increase it. Many smaller projects improve your exterior with just a small investment, but larger projects like a new asphalt driveway, a wood deck, a patio and lights, and exterior siding really make a splash, and the expense usually pays off in the long run.
No matter what type of exterior upgrades you have in mind, ImproveNet can help connect you to the right contractor for the job. Get four free quotes from home improvement pros in your area today.
Asphalt Driveways Increase Property Value
If you currently have a gravel driveway or no driveway at all, adding a sleek paved driveway increases the value of your home and could help you sell it faster. Gravel and dirt driveways are messy and create dust when you drive on them, especially in drier months. This dust can coat your vehicle and your home's exterior, making everything look shabby and dragging down your curb appeal.
Many homeowners initially think about concrete for paved driveways because this material tends to last longer. However, asphalt can last nearly as long when properly maintained. Asphalt driveways are often more durable, especially in winter weather when concrete may crack. The cost for an asphalt driveway is also much lower than one made of concrete — sometimes as little as half the price.
Deck It Out With Wood
For many homeowners and home buyers, outdoor living is what it's all about. Having an inviting place for outdoor entertaining is made even more appealing with an expanded living space you can enjoy every day. If you live somewhere with a mild climate, your wood deck can be used year-round and provides an excellent location for grilling, chilling, or adding that hot tub you've always wanted.
When it comes to wood deck cost, location, size, built-ins, railings, and whether you want it built by a decking professional all impact your final price. Most of the cost of adding a wood deck can be recouped when you sell your house, and the memories you'll make on your deck are priceless.
Perked-Up Patio Appeal
If a wood deck doesn't appeal to you, consider adding a patio instead. Installing a patio is another exterior upgrade that expands and enhances your outdoor living space while increasing your home's value. If you're pouring an asphalt driveway, consider asphalt for a new patio as well. Asphalt provides a durable yet highly versatile option compared to other material choices, and it can cut down your patio costs.
An asphalt patio can be poured nearly anywhere and formed to any shape, but if you're worried about ending up with an ugly black patio, don't panic. Asphalt can be colorful, with several appealing shades available, including pale terracotta, chocolate brown, red rose, smoky gray, and pure white. Increase your return on investment further by adding patio lights that enhance safety, create ambiance, and really amp up your home's curb appeal.
Insulating Exterior Siding
Exterior siding provides a vital outer shell to your home that protects it from the elements and adds to your home's curb appeal. New siding is also one of the best ways to improve your home's value while offering a better return on investment than many other exterior projects. Two of the most common exterior siding options are vinyl and fiber-cement. Modern vinyl siding maintains its integrity in all types of weather and requires minimal maintenance. Fiber-cement siding is an increasingly popular option because it holds up even better and resists weather, insects, and even fire.
If your home currently has siding but it's damaged or unsightly, the cost to repair it may make re-siding it more cost-effective in the long run. Replacing existing siding also gives your contractor a chance to look for structural damage and replace or upgrade insulation. On the flip side, a home currently without siding means you've likely been repainting it every few years. You'll cover part of the cost of installing exterior siding by eliminating the need to paint. Plus, siding assists in insulating your home, helping to improve your energy costs and making your investment even more cost-effective.
A Beautiful Home Exterior
Your home's exterior is the first chance for you to make a good impression. Other popular exterior upgrades that add value to your home include exterior painting, replacing garage and front entry doors, roof replacement, new gutters, and revamped landscaping.
You can also tackle low-cost projects that may not necessarily add value but will increase your curb appeal. Consider power washing your asphalt driveway and walkways, trimming and mulching trees and shrubs, professionally cleaning windows, and replacing old, cracked house numbers with stylish new ones.
