Let’s think of the times we have fallen in love with a house at first sight. Now let’s think of why we have not used the same principle in our own homes. Sprucing up your home’s exterior guarantees a first good impression. They don’t have to break the bank, neither should they become a bucket list of items you never get around to doing. These exterior improvements to increase home value are much simpler than you imagine.

Curb Appeal

Real estate agents will tell you this is a game-changer. Flaking paint and overgrown bushes do little to convince potential buyers of your home’s true worth. A stunning water feature, a paved garden path, a fresh coat of paint, or a polished front door can drastically change the tone of the exterior.

Renovations to the roof

Homebuyers do not want to deal with broken shingles or hanging gutters. They would much rather pay for a house with a stable roof or happily pay for one that looks new. Replace old shingles with new and modern ones. Opt for darker shingles rather than lighter coloured ones that can discolour easily. Rusted, dented, sagging, and damaged gutters are a sign of problem roof drainage. Materials like copper and stainless steel add a premium look. Replacing the roof is one of the most effective home improvements you can make. It has the potential to boost your home value by 63%. The average lifespan of a new roof is 20 years, which is something buyers are aware of when they are looking at homes. Always hire a professional for large-scale transformations.

Landscaping

A mowed lawn, trimmed trees & hedges, flowery shrubs, and rose bushes warrant a second look and can even make visitors stop to gaze admiringly. Potted plants around the door add inviting elegance. An unkempt garden with overgrown bushes and overhanging branches can obscure natural light into the house.

Front Deck

If the entryway to your home does not have steps leading to the front door and looks a bit plain, add a front deck. It is usually a wooden addition and easy to install. If you want this selling point improved, add more space to the deck for a veranda look with some rattan or wicker seating.

Adding a backyard patio

A backyard oasis where al fresco dining, lounging poolside, and soaking up the sun in warm weather are possible is a plus that attracts attention. Wood, sandstone, limestone, bluestone, concrete, marble, porcelain, terracotta, mosaic tiles, and natural stone add a classy, upscale look for a patio. Add plants, runners, and a banquette or chaise to make it a quaint outdoor retreat.

Front door and windows replacements

These home renovations instantly add value to your house. Ornate, veneered, and a chrome-handled front door is an elegant sight. If your guests or prospective buyers are greeted with a chipped, paint-peeling door with an old handle, that does not bode well for first impressions. You can always give your current door a face-lift with a fresh coat of paint, polished handle, and the addition of a fancy door knocker.

If you want something more dramatic than black, white, or brown colours, there’s always the fancy reds, royal blues, forest greens, funky teals, bright yellows, lavender, and corals. If you are replacing the door, consider arched designs, ornate details, and stained glass. Do not forget your garage door; it can use an upgrade too. New windows with double glazing or triple glazing can contribute to energy-efficiency.

Outdoor and garden lighting

Your landscaped garden and stylish home exterior flourish in daylight but come nightfall – they disappear into the darkness. If you don’t have outdoor and garden lighting, you are losing out on your home’s nighttime aesthetics. Sidelights for the front door, wall-mounted lanterns, patio lights, driveway lights, and terrace lights create an ambience that your late-night guests appreciate and make al fresco dinners a chic affair.

Building a fence around the property

A wooden fence or a stone wall around the house indicates your borders are demarcated, and children can safely play in the garden. It also secures the property from animals and trespassers.

Adding a fresh coat of paint

It might be one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the exterior of your home, but it adds to the improvements. Just make sure to paint well in advance of an open home, as the fresh paint smell can giveaway your recent home improvement attempts.

Outdoor entertainment area

Garden furniture, shady loungers, summer houses, poolhouses, and garden rooms allow more flexibility for hosting guests and making good use of a sunny day. If you already have an outdoor pool, consider an outdoor shower. A pergola with creepers can turn into your outdoor dining room. A wood burner oven in your garden can not only save money on electricity but is ideal for Italian-style cooking and dining outdoors.

Outdoor fireplace

Whether it’s a logia fireplace or a limestone fire pit, a crackling fire is a luxury in the outdoors when you want to keep your alfresco dinners going well into the year, regardless of temperature dips. Kids can toast marshmallows while you serve drinks to friends.

When you want to sell your home, you should look at every possibility to increase your home value with renovations. GS Brown Construction brings quality and superior craftsmanship to your home improvements.

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Published by GS Brown Team

A family run business building high quality new homes in Scotland, with Excellence as Standard since 1970. We have built our reputation on high quality housing and go to great lengths to ensure every one of our properties is not only a comfortable home but also a valuable investment. Our houses are planned for modern day living, with energy efficiency and quality finishings being major factors at the design stage.

Author: GS Brown Team

A family run business building high quality new homes in Scotland, with Excellence as Standard since 1970. We have built our reputation on high quality housing and go to great lengths to ensure every one of our properties is not only a comfortable home but also a valuable investment. Our houses are planned for modern day living, with energy efficiency and quality finishings being major factors at the design stage.