When making home improvements, it’s always important to keep an eye on how your upgrades will affect your home’s future value. While a lot of focus in a renovation is on indoor projects like bathroom remodels and finishing basements, the exterior of your home matters quite a bit, too. You don’t want to neglect your house’s curb appeal and lose potential buyers before they even get inside the front door. Making your home look inviting and enjoyable to live in is essential when selling, and that starts on the outside. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to outdoor improvements, read on for four simple ideas to get you started.
1. Invest in quality landscaping.
Experts say quality landscaping can add up to 10 percent to the value of your home, so homeowners shouldn’t neglect it when you’re preparing to sell. Simple additions like container plants or fresh mulch can make a big difference when it comes to the look of your yard. When it comes to plants and flowers, you can choose colors based on whatever best fits the theme of your home. Flats of annuals are often inexpensive if you’re looking to keep your budget down. You don’t need to go overboard, but a little money can go a long way when it comes to the look of your lawn.
2. Upgrade your doors and windows.
You can change the look of your exterior significantly simply by switching to wood front doors or changing the color of your window frames. Of course, wood doors aren’t the only option, and fiberglass and steel doors are popular with homeowners as well. Exterior door and window upgrades are the ideal home improvement project, as they improve your home’s visual appeal while also solving a common household problem. Keeping your doors and windows well-maintained and free of cracks and crevices will keep drafts out of your home and reduce the load on your HVAC system, which can result in savings on your energy bills. They’ll also add natural light to your living space, which prospective buyers also tend to love.
3. Build an outdoor kitchen.
Especially given how much more time we’re all spending at home of late, buyers are more and more interested in outdoor amenities that are lifestyle-focused and recreational. An outdoor kitchen combines function and style and creates a new space for you to spend quality time with your friends and family. You can look for local specialists for help, by Googling a phrase like “outdoor kitchen Boulder,” or wherever you live. You’d be surprised at how stylish a custom outdoor kitchen can look, with high tech appliances, wood cabinets, and high-quality countertops. If you do plan to create a kitchen in the backyard, make sure you talk to a professional about artisan outdoor kitchen options and all the safety concerns you should be aware of before you proceed.
4. Have your roof cleaned and repaired.
You should take the time to inspect your roof often, and consider having it cleaned frequently. Not only does cleaning improve the appearance of your roof, but it’s also important to protect it. Stains and growth of algae, fungus, and moss can cause wood rot and deterioration of your shingles, which can lead to expensive repairs down the line. Any structural problems that already exist should be repaired immediately before they worsen, which could eventually necessitate replacing the roof entirely. Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your roof, which makes it more than worth the short-term investment.
No matter your budget, there are always improvements you can make when it comes to the outside of your home. Whether it’s as simple as investing in regular maintenance to increase the lifespan of fixtures like roofs and gutters or as large-scale as adding full recreational spaces like an outdoor kitchen or a pool, the most important thing is that you plan your renovation well and stay within a firm budget. If your goal is to have a profitable and easy selling experience, you don’t want to overspend and cut into your profits either. Talk to your realtor and an exterior design professional before you list your home to see what you can do to boost your curb appeal today.
