The average homeowner lives in their home for about eight years, so chances are, if you are a homeowner, you will sell within the next ten years. In the meantime, improve your home to increase its value and build equity.
To get the most out of the upgrades to your home, choose the ones with the most significant value impact. These ten exterior home upgrades will give you the biggest return on your investment.
1. Add a Deck
There’s more than one way to add a deck to your home. Unlike decks of the past, which were rarely used, the decks of the future are luxurious, seamless additions to your home that increase the living space and compel you to spend more time outdoors.
You can make your dream outdoor living space a reality by contacting professional deck builders to schedule a consultation. Then, visit a showroom or gallery to see the possibilities. Deck builders can help you build pergolas, decks, patios, and more.
2. New Doors
One of the simplest things you can do to improve the look of your home is to replace your doors. Consider purchasing a luxurious steel door with fancy glass to make your entrance stand out. It makes a significant impact because it is the first thing people see.
Replacing your garage doors is another way to add value to your home without spending much money. You can change the entire look of your home just by replacing your garage doors.
3. Replace Your Roof
A new roof might not seem glamorous, but roofs are important to homebuyers. Roofs have to be replaced every 20-30 years, and if your home didn’t have a new roof when you purchased it, it could need one before you sell it.
At $10,000 to $30,000, a new roof is one of the pricier upgrades you can make to your home’s exterior, but when it comes time to sell, you will appreciate the value that a new roof adds to your home.
4. New Exterior Siding
Like the roof, exterior siding has a lifespan. If your siding is past its prime, consider replacing it. If you have wood siding, it might need to be refinished. Contact a professional to get advice and an estimate before you start.
5. Paint Your Home
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a home. If you’re putting your house on the market immediately, and it doesn’t need painting, consider doing some touch-ups. You’ll be surprised at how much better it looks when you take care of a few minor details.
6. Outdoor Firepits and Fireplaces
The right outdoor firepit can be impressive, especially with a patio and landscaping features that create the perfect atmosphere. You can choose from several different fuel types and sizes.
If you have the space and want to make an incredible impact, consider installing an outdoor fireplace. It is an excellent way to bring your family outdoors in any season, and you can combine it with a deck, patio, or pergola project to make it even more impressive.
7. Revitalize Your Lawn
If your lawn is getting harder and harder to keep green, you might need to revitalize it and give it a complete makeover. Consider resodding if it’s in very poor condition, but you might be able to save your lawn by following these steps:
- First, aerate it heavily by going over it with a core aerator a few times.
- Top it off with a ½” layer of compost.
- Apply fertilizer on top of the compost.
- Spread grass seed on top and use the back of a rake to work it in.
- Water thoroughly.
That’s a considerable investment in time and money, but it’s the easiest way to bring your lawn back to life. So give it a chance to get established before you use it.
8. Landscaping
You don’t need to have a garden wonderland in your yard, but landscaping plays a significant role in the curb appeal of a house. The proper landscaping can add value to your home and will probably take more work than money. Add hardscape features to your landscape, such as sidewalks, paths, and retaining walls, to add value to your home.
9. New Windows
The energy savings alone could pay for your new windows, but they are also a big selling point with prospective home buyers. New windows are ranked right behind roof replacements as having the biggest impact on resale values.
10. Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens have gained in popularity over the past few years, and there isn’t any sign that they will go out of style. The return on your investment with an outdoor kitchen can be up to 200%.
Outdoor kitchens make your home more attractive to prospective buyers, and they can bring your family together. In addition, they are perfect for entertaining and help keep your house cool in the summer.
Exciting Possibilities for Your Home’s Exterior
Many people focus on making upgrades to the interior of their homes, but when you focus on your home’s exterior, you can add curb appeal and make your yard more user-friendly. A new deck, an outdoor kitchen, or some hardscaped landscaping features can be exciting projects that make owning your home more enjoyable, even if you aren’t planning on selling.
