When we look at houses, the exterior is, of course, what makes the first impression. The way it looks plays a significant role in improving the overall curb appeal. And not only that but making the right changes to your home’s exterior also helps boost its resale value so you can get a good return on investment.
For instance, considering the competitive housing market in Arlington Heights at the time of writing, the average house sells for about 2% above the list price, and hot homes sell for about 6% above the sell price. This shows that today’s housing market favors prepared sellers.
For the same reason, many homeowners now go for simple yet effective home exterior upgrades like replacing roofs, decks, or front doors. But before you make these changes, remember that not all home upgrades are worth your time and money.
To help you with that, we will explore the five improvements that will improve your house’s curb appeal and increase home value in this article.
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Your roof is one of the largest features of the home and plays a significant part in improving the curb appeal and making a great first impression on visitors. With a sturdy roof, you can reduce energy bills, regulate the inside temperature, and protect the house from water damage.
This is particularly true if you live in a variable climate like Arlington Heights as used in our example earlier, with cool winters and humid summers. However, before undertaking the remodeling project, only hire a BBB-accredited roofing company in Arlington Heights.
Since a well-maintained roof increases the resale value of your house, it is also important to consider the roofing material that complements the overall style of your house, like metal sheets or shingles. You can also look for options like clay tiles, known for their gorgeous color and texture.
Remodel the deck
A deck offers excellent outdoor space for relaxation or entertainment and can also be used as a transition between your home’s interior and exterior. The space is commonly located at the back, front, or side of the house and is made of various materials, including concrete, wood, brick, or stone. Homeowners may use this space for 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 even more inviting.
Upgrade the front door
While most homeowners fail to realize this, replacing the front door is an investment that is worth your time and money. 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 exterior can increase your home’s value by making it appear way more appealing from the curb.
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
Having aesthetically appealing and well-maintained windows with good insulation is good for your property. In fact, it is another investment that can significantly improve your house’s curb appeal without spending a fortune.
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. Therefore, install or replace new windows simultaneously as you replace the front door. It is especially important if you haven’t updated your windows for a long time.
However, consider the government’s minimum energy-efficiency standards before upgrading your windows. The standard may vary according to the climate zone nationwide.
Upgrade the driveway
Your house’s driveway is a short road or paved area that leads to spaces like a garage 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 and believe it or not, a simple way to increase home value.
By upgrading the driveway, you can improve its functionality, which makes it easier to use and maintain in the future. You can add a U-turn or widen the driveway, which would help make maneuvering or parking heavy vehicles easier.
Similarly, a smooth driveway is safer for pedestrians or even vehicles. Thus, always invest in high-quality materials for your driveway. 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.
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, 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 the above-discussed tips and only go with the ones that meet the style and preferences of your home. This is a great way to quickly increase home value.
