5 Exceptional Tips for Housing Exterior Renovations

If you’re selling your home, curb appeal is a major element you should take into consideration. Not only because 97% of potential homebuyers rank it as an important factor, but it can also increase the sale price of your home by 7%. 

But even if you’re not thinking about putting your house on the market, giving your housing exterior an upgrade can be a great change. It can help boost your mood. It can also provide a great opportunity to work on a project with your spouse, partner, or family. 

These improvements can protect your home from termite and water damage, as well as make your home more secure. Sounds great, but you’re not sure where to start? Read on for a practical guide on five exterior home renovations that can make your home look brand new.

Benefits of Upgrading the Exterior of Your Home

Every homeowner would love to increase the return on investment (ROI) when it comes to their home. The greater the return, the better. Regular maintenance of your home, as well as interior and exterior renovations, can do this.

Here are some of the other benefits of upgrading the exterior of your home:

• An enhanced look for your home
• Improved safety and security
• Greater energy efficiency
• Cost savings
• Lower maintenance costs

The great thing is that there are many cost-effective renovations you can undertake to enjoy these benefits. Some of these that provide the highest ROI include painting, garage door replacement, siding, fire pits, and outdoor patios or kitchens. 

5 Helpful Tips for Renovating Your Housing Exterior 

Unfortunately, the exterior design of many homes is very similar in some communities, if not the same. If you’re ready to find ways to make your home stand out, or reflect your personality, here are a few things you can do.

1. Landscaping

Landscaping is probably the first exterior element that comes to mind when you think about improving curb appeal. It’s also one of the easier projects you can undertake. You can make simple changes or go all out. 

Even the smallest changes can make a huge difference. Plants, flowers, and shrubs can not only add color to your home, but they can also hide some eyesores that you may not be quite ready to fix.

Do your research to see which types of plants work best in your area. Don’t be afraid to get creative with color, varying heights, and adding elements. Using different materials such as wood chips, rocks, or pine can highlight your home and make it more inviting.

2. Windows

Simply giving your windows a thorough cleaning can make a difference to the look of your home. However, you should also take the opportunity to do a thorough inspection as replacement windows might be necessary. If this is indeed the case, it’s the perfect time to upgrade to higher-quality windows or even ones with a larger design.

Companies that replace windows can also provide windows with the latest energy-efficient technology. This can go a long way to reducing your cooling and heating bill. It can also give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is more secure.

You can be creative and add your own flair by adding window accents such as shutters, awnings, or window boxes. These are cost-effective additions that can add a personal, cozy touch to the facade of your home. However, if you already have any of these, give them new life with a coat of paint that provides a pop of color to your home.

3. Paint

A coat of paint can revive any weather-beaten housing exterior. Change the look of your home with a different color or highlight trim with a vibrant hue.

Choosing colors can be an exciting part of your project but make sure that the colors you choose suit the architectural style of your home. Also, consider lighting and durability. If you live in a community with a homeowners association, make sure you follow the guidelines for their exterior paint colors.

There are many new color trends. However, whatever you choose, commit to it. Trim colors can be bold yet still complement the main color of your home.  This ensures the colors you choose add dimension and life to the overall look you’ve created.

4. Roof

A roof is often a forgotten element of a home, as long as it continues to protect its occupants and the valuables inside. However, an upgrade can change the whole appearance of your home. It can be easily compared to the way a new haircut can enhance someone’s appearance. A roof replacement or upgrade can do the same for a house.

The perfect time for choosing a new type and color roofing material is after painting your home. You can choose a color that complements your new paint job. Of course, functionality is essential, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get a new roof that’s also aesthetically pleasing.  

There are many different types of roofing material to choose from. Each type may vary when it comes to maintenance and durability. Replacing a roof is a substantial investment, so ensure you choose the roofing that’s right for you.

5. Driveway

You can compare the driveway of your home to a welcome mat. It’s often the first thing a visitor sees before entering your home. Is your driveway welcoming or a turn-off? Make sure it stands out for the right reasons. 

Like your roof, it can be easily overlooked. But don’t underestimate how much it can elevate the look of your home. The same is true of your walkways.

You can use upgraded materials such as brick, concrete slabs, flagstone, or driveway pavers. These can give your home a modern look that seamlessly ties into the new look of your housing exterior.

Other Ways to Enhance Your Exterior Design

These are just some of the main ways you can upgrade the exterior of your home. Also, consider strategically placing lighting to accentuate your new landscape and paint job.

Don’t forget your front door and garage doors as well. They may need some TLC. Consider upgrading them for a modern look or use a pop of color to make them stand out. You may also add fencing or upgrade current fencing. After all, who hasn’t dreamt of living in a house with a white picket fence?

2021 Exterior Home Renovation Trends

Housing exterior trends continue to change. Here are a few of the latest ones for 2021:

Color Changes

Contrasting exterior colors have been around for years, that included lighter exteriors with darker trim. The trend has now been reversed. Homeowners are using darker hues for their exterior walls with light trim. 

Creamer and warmer whites along with browns, bronzes, and beige are also popular. So too are greens that blend easily with the flora around your home. Some other popular colors include shades of grey, pewter, sage, hunter green, earth green.

Added Texture

Homeowners are not only changing colors, they are also changing up things when it comes to exterior textures. Woods such as cedar, fir, cypress, pine, and spruce add natural exterior accents. This includes wood siding that can add dimension to your home. 

Exterior Spaces

Recently, as homeowners found themselves spending more time at home, they took the opportunity to add or upgrade outdoor entertainment spaces. These included the addition of outdoor fireplaces or fire pits. Gazebos, trellises, porches, and patios also added a nice touch to outdoor areas.

A Mix of Styles

Some homeowners were a little more adventurous, by blending different designs. You can too. Consider a touch of traditional, along with modern and farmhouse designs. They often make a pleasant contrast.

State of the Art Materials

One of the ways to ensure you get a high ROI on your renovations and that they last, is to use high-quality materials. Doing this will help increase the time between renovations. This includes using low-maintenance materials that are more efficient.

Energy-efficient materials such as solar panels can also add to the value of your home.

Changes to Revive Your Home 

There are many renovations you can do to make your home feel brand new. One of the most important ways is by reviving the exterior design of your home. Your current housing exterior may be reflecting the effect of years of exposure to the elements and decreasing the value of your home.

However, there are a few things you can do to refresh your home’s look. These can include upgrades to your landscaping, roof replacement, or even the addition of replacement windows. All can work wonders to enhancing the exterior of your home.

For additional tips on home repair and design, go to our Home Improvement News section.