How long has it been since your roof was replaced? Does the siding on your home look a little aged? Are there unsightly weeds and overgrown plants crowding your front lawn? Could the door use a paint job?
You have many options for upgrading your home, and exterior renovations are important for aesthetics, as well as for ensuring your home can protect your family and belongings. Here’s what you should consider when planning an exterior renovation project.
Upgrading Your Siding or Brick Façade
One of the most dramatic ways to improve the exterior of your home is by replacing the siding or repairing the brick. Your home is exposed to some significant weather and sun, so it’s not surprising that old siding might make your house look tired and faded. Broken masonry and dislodged bricks can also make your home look rather dilapidated.
HGTV shares some wisdom on upgrading or replacing your home’s siding:
“Siding gives you a great way to add color and definition to your house. There are lots of options these days to help you create the perfect façade, and you want to choose carefully. While aesthetics are always important, you also want to consider the material’s durability, ability to resist water, ease of installation and versatility.”
Options for your exterior siding replacement include:
- Brick siding
- Fiber-cement siding
- Stone siding
- Stucco siding
- Vinyl siding
- Wood siding
Your contractor is a terrific source when you have questions about what siding would suit your home best. Factors that may influence your siding choice will include the architectural style of your home and the era in which it was built, as well as the cost, maintenance requirements, and expected lifespan.
Great Exterior Renovations for Selling Your House
Your buyers will probably ask about updated kitchens, beautiful bathrooms, and other interior upgrades, but they won’t even get through the door if the exterior looks old. A roof that needs repairs or replacement, damaged siding, and unkempt lawns can doom your home sale.
According to an article published by U.S. News:
“Curb appeal, both structural and decorative, is vital to increasing homebuyer foot traffic and to closing the deal.”
Fortunately, some of the most popular upgrades to consider when listing your home for sale won’t break the bank and are easy to arrange. Other projects are a little pricier, but they may offer an appreciable increase in sale price, so the decision rests with the homeowner. When listing your home for sale, here are some of the best exterior renovations to consider:
- New exterior doors and garage doors
- Wood deck additions
- New siding (or brick replacement)
- A new roof
- Upgraded accessories (lighting)
- Professional landscaping
When upgrading the exterior, it’s also important to rid your home of lead paint. Another way to ensure a good sale and to keep your family safe while you live in your home is to make sure the paint around your home isn’t flaking off and creating a danger from lead poisoning.
According to House Logic:
“…lead paint can eat your brain, and now is banned as an environmental hazard.”
That’s definitely something you want to avoid while living in your home. Getting the lead out of your home is referred to as “lead abatement,” and your contractor can help you arrange this project.
Is Your Home Ready for an Exterior Renovation?
If you’re ready to get started on your exterior renovation project, you’ll want to download our eBook: Seven Questions to Ask When Choosing a Remodeler in the Indianapolis Area or contact us for more information on your renovation or remodeling project.
