Today’s guest post focuses on the outside of your home. Jennifer, a staff writer for Fortified Roofing, reviews four ways to really give the exterior of your house that “Wow!” factor. I am going to go ahead and add a fifth way to this list – outdoor lighting. No big surprise there, huh? Now back to our regularly scheduled guest post.
Having a beautiful home with a lot of curb appeal requires work! That said, approaching an exterior makeover with the right priorities will save you time, money, and a ton of stress. Let’s take a look at the best ways to improve the outside of your home:
1. Landscaping
This is the first thing someone sees when they look at your home – your only chance to make a first impression. You should mow the lawn at least once every week, and make sure not to neglect edging (creating clean lines around flowerbeds, trees, sidewalks, and fences). For the hedges we usually recommend trimming after you mow, but if they hang over the lawn, you might want to reverse the order to save yourself work. This way you can mow over the clippings. Pine needles, mulch, or rocks are all great, visually pleasing options for flower beds, but don’t forget to pull the weeds!
2. Painting and Freshening
The next tip is imperative to keep your abode looking clean and well kept. If you own a home and it’s more than five years old, then you should strongly consider painting it. The difference between a fading paint job and a new paint job is astounding. It’s also a great idea if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future. For stains on the driveway, sidewalk, walkway and patio, consider renting or buying a power washer to blast them away.
3. Roofing
Proper roof maintenance is important not just for aesthetic purposes, but safety purposes as well. If you let your roof go, then you’re jeopardizing your entire home. Big wet spots on your ceiling are one of the telltale signs that it’s time to call a roofer, but try not to wait until the situation gets that dire to make a change. Always be on the lookout for roofing deals to get the best price on an upgrade.
4. Porches, Patios, and Decks
If you really want to go the extra mile to make your home stand out, then consider adding a porch, deck, or a patio. You can set up rocking chairs, or even a swinging bench. If you have a patio in the back, then consider screening it in. This will allow you to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about annoying bugs or falling leaves. If you decide to build a deck, we’ve found that most people prefer them raised for a more luxurious, away-from-the-elements feel.
Some of these steps are affordable and others are pricey. If you’re able to accomplish all of these projects your house will definitely set the standard for the rest of your neighborhood! If you can’t, then at least consider focusing on one area. It will definitely make a difference.
Jennifer Kabouraki is a staff writer with Fortified Roofing, a leading provider of roofing services in Marlton, NJ.