9 Simple Steps for Upgrading the Look of Your Home’s Exterior
Are you ready to make your home’s exterior look its best? A few simple upgrades can go a long way toward improving the look of your house and boosting curb appeal.
From repainting to replacing windows, there are plenty of ways to upgrade the outside of your home. Here are nine easy steps for upgrading the look of your home’s exterior.
1. Update Your Garage
Updating your garage can be one of the most effective ways to improve the exterior of your home. Not only can it add a great deal of visual appeal, but it can also help to protect your vehicles and other valuables that are kept in your garage.
When considering upgrades, think about what kind of doors you’d like. Options may include up and over doors, sectional doors, and rolling garage doors. At the same time, think about features such as insulation and windows for better energy efficiency.
2. Inspect the Paint
Because your home’s exterior is the very first thing that people see when they visit your house, you need to make sure that you pay special attention to any chipped or faded paint, regardless of its size.
If you suspect that the paint is starting to age and weaken, it may be time for a new coat of paint that can be applied by yourself or by a professional painting company. Either option is definitely worth considering.
3. Check Window Frames
Over time, window frames can start to look a bit tired. This is especially true if you have wood, vinyl or plastic frames that are exposed to the elements. Inspect each window’s frame for damage and make sure all of your windows are properly sealed.
You may need to replace caulking or weatherstripping strips around the frame’s edges to ensure proper insulation and energy efficiency. If you decide that you would like a replacement, look for more stylish options to ensure that you have the nicest house on the road.
4. Upgrade the Front Door
As well as assessing the condition of your windows, you should also take the time to inspect your front door. It is the first thing that people see when they visit your home, so it should make a lasting impression.
Consider replacing an old door with a new one in an eye-catching color and installing smart locks to add modern convenience. You could also add embellishments like decorative hardware or sidelights for additional curb appeal.
5. Install New Lighting
The exterior lighting of your property has a significant part to play in not only the appearance of your home, but the safety and security of it as well.
When the time comes to think about updating them, look for options that can give your home a fresh and modern look. They should also be weatherproof and durable, in order to minimize any potential repair costs in the future.
6. Upgrade Outdoor Features
Many people love to make the most of their outdoor living space, and if you have been blessed with a large area, you may wish to make some upgrades. Gardening is a great way to improve the exterior of your home and adding some well-placed plants can really bring your garden to life.
Other ideas for outdoor improvements include installing a patio or deck, building a pond or water feature, or investing in some comfortable seating areas so that you can enjoy your outdoor space more. Also, if you have a driveway, why not resurface it, or add some decorative tiles to make it more interesting? If you are looking for driveway paving companies, go to Google and search “driveway paving Greensboro” or replace “Greensboro” with your town.
When working on patios, it is essential to choose the right type of mortar for the job. Mortar is a mixture of sand, cement, and water used to bond bricks or stones together. The main purpose of mortar in patio construction is to provide structural integrity by holding the pavers or stones firmly in place. There are several types of mortar that can be used when working on patios.
1. Portland Cement Mortar – This type of mortar is commonly used for outdoor projects such as patios because it provides excellent durability and strength. It consists of a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water.
2. Type S Mortar – This type of mortar is specifically designed for outdoor applications where high strength is required. It contains a higher percentage of Portland cement than other types and has added bonding agents to improve adhesion.
3. Mastic Cement – This type of mortar is composed of acrylics and binders that produce a flexible, waterproof material. It is often used for roofing applications because it can be applied under a variety of conditions. It’s also great for filling cracks in masonry.
4. Lime Mortar – According to Brickwork Pointing, new cement may have stuff that harms old building materials like brick or stone. That’s why using lime mortar pointing is a good idea.
There are alternatives to traditional mortar available on the market however, such as the EASYJoint paving compound. Designed to fill the joints in between paving stones the compound works by first rinsing the patio down with a hose before sweeping and washing the compound into the gaps and allowing it to set. This makes it a typically more straightforward method of filling in joints compared to regular mortar, and you can get it here if you’re interested in trying it out.
7. Add Architectural Details
Adding architectural details to your home’s exterior can be an easy and cost-effective way to give it a stunning, unique makeover. Architectural details can range from ornamental window framing to decorative stone veneers, but whatever you choose should be reflective of your style and taste. Always be careful and use the proper equipment when doing architectural work on your home. Use an industrial ladder to prevent falls while doing extensive work. Using a traditional ladder can become dangerous and uncomfortable, especially when doing jobs where you would be balancing on a ladder for long periods of time.
When considering architectural details for your exterior, take into account the overall look and feel of your home. If you have a more traditional look, consider adding shutters to frame windows or columns to create a grand entrance. If your home is modern in style, geometric shapes such as hexagons can add visual interest.
8. Take the Time to Pressure Wash
Pressure washing is a brilliant way to improve the exterior of your home. It can help remove dirt, debris, mildew, mold, and other contaminants that can build up over time on the outside of your home. Pressure washing can also help brighten your home’s paint, giving it a more attractive look.
If you do decide to pressure wash, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. This includes goggles, gloves, and a mask so that you don’t get exposed to any of the contaminants that may be blasted away by the force of water. It is also important to read up on the proper techniques for pressure washing your home before doing so.
9. Choose Accents Wisely
Finally, when you’re ready to add a few finishing touches, choose accents that will complement your home’s color scheme and style. Place brightly colored flowers in your garden or add a few potted plants near the front door.
Hang window boxes with annuals, herbs or vegetables that will thrive in your climate. Place outdoor rugs in areas where you entertain to add color and texture.
Conclusion
Improving the exterior of your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a few simple steps, you can make small changes that will instantly add curb appeal and value to your property.
So don’t hesitate – start planning now how you can spruce up the outside of your home!
