Remodeling the outside of your home improves your curb appeal, but it also adds real value to your home. Homes that are well developed and maintained outdoors as well as indoors retain their property value and grow in value with the market. As you consider your next home improvement project, think about your home’s exterior, your yard, and your outdoor facilities.

Replace Your Siding

Damaged, faded, or worn-out siding makes a bad impression on anyone who visits or passes by your home. What’s worse, even a few loose spots or nicks can lead to big problems underneath, such as water damage, mold, and infestations of insects. Siding that’s in poor condition also leaves your house under-insulated.

New siding will make your home more energy-efficient and help lower your utility bills. In particular, vinyl siding has many advantages. It never needs painting, costs less than other choices, and can last for decades. It’s available in a wide range of colors, styles, and textures.

Add New Doors

Repainting your exterior doors can give your home a fresh new look. It will also help protect your door from the elements. In choosing a color, you may decide to match the color of your siding for a unified look or select a contrasting color. Red front doors traditionally mean “welcome,” but blue and green doors are also becoming popular. 

If your doors are old, or you can see daylight around the door, it’s time to replace them. New doors will make your home more energy-efficient and add security. Most people purchase prehung doors that come with the door frame and sometimes, sidelight windows. To save on your budget, choose a new door the same size as your present door.

A Pool

A backyard pool will provide hours of fun and relaxation for your family and add value to your home should you ever decide to sell. The two major types of pools are above-ground and in-ground, and each has advantages and disadvantages. The above-ground pool installs quickly, in about a day, and is usually less expensive. Although they can vary in size, they are typically about four feet deep (some models are a few inches deeper) and are almost always round or oval.

In-ground pools are more expensive and can take up to 6-8 weeks to install. You must have sufficient room in your yard and the soil must be suitable. However, you will have a wide choice of sizes, styles, and shapes with in-ground pools. And, they are sturdier and will last longer than an above-ground pool.

Add a Patio

Adding a patio provides your family with more livable space and adds beauty to the exterior of your home. In planning your patio, you have a variety of materials to choose from, including a wood deck, composite deck, concrete, or stone. You may also build in some features such as benches, planters, a bar, or a barbecue grill or an outdoor kitchen.

You’ll also have a variety of patio furnishings to choose from, like wicker, metal, resin, and wood. To decide, consider your climate and how protected your patio will be from rain, wind, and sun. Metal may be subject to rust, whereas wood needs protection for direct sun. You should keep wood furniture out of the sun to prevent damage.

Get a New Roof

If you’ve noticed discoloration on your ceilings or walls, the cause is probably a leaky roof. But even if your roof isn’t leaking, it may be showing signs of wear and tear. Three signs you may need a new roof include growth of mold or algae, missing or curling shingles, or shingle granules in your gutters.

Most shingled roofs need to be replaced after about 15-20 years, depending on climate conditions. A new roof will upgrade the appearance of your home, increase insulation, and protect the underlying structures of your house.

Add a Garage

A garage is high on every home buyer’s list for obvious reasons. Vehicles kept in the garage are safer from damage, theft, and adverse weather. A garage will also provide you with additional storage space and room for hobbies. Adding a garage if your home doesn’t have one or converting a carport to a garage can add value to your home.

If you already have a garage, you may consider expanding it, if you have the room. A wider garage can accommodate a second car, a motorcycle, an ATV, or other vehicle. Making your garage longer (or deeper) can give you room for a workshop or storage of lawn equipment or hobby gear.

Replace the Windows

Window replacement, especially on older homes, is always a valuable home improvement project. Older windows and their frames can deteriorate or become damaged to the point where they are drafty or leak water. 

New windows are more energy-efficient and provide more protection from weather extremes. Your furnace and air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep your home at the desired temperature. Some windows also have reflective or tinted glass that filters UV rays. The safety and appearance of new windows will also add to their value.

Landscape

Many homeowners don’t take much notice of their lawn and garden, except for doing the necessary mowing and trimming. But a well-landscaped yard beautifies your home, adds curb appeal, and increases your home’s value. There are environmental advantages also.

Trees will shade your house, reducing the need for air conditioning. Trees also purify the air and attract desirable wildlife such as birds and butterflies. Trees, bushes, and a healthy lawn reduce noise pollution, block car headlights, and increase your privacy. 

Your home is a place where you can relax and enjoy life with family and friends. But it’s also one of the biggest financial investments you will make. To retain and increase the value of your home, it’s important to keep it well maintained and up-to-date. Carefully chosen home improvement projects, especially outside your home, can be advantageous in the long term.

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