Improving the exterior of your home can not only make it more aesthetically pleasing but also increase its value. With a few simple upgrades and renovations, you can transform the outside of your property. This step-by-step guide will take you through some of the best ways to enhance your home’s exterior.
Assess What Needs Upgrading
The first step is to thoroughly assess the current state of your home’s exterior. Make a note of any areas that are damaged, worn down or simply looking dated. Pay attention to the roof, windows, doors, walls, fencing and paving. Issues like cracked render, peeling paint, rotten wood and loose tiles need addressing. Cosmetic improvements like updating door styles and repainting also help modernise the look of your home.
Install New Front and Back Doors
Replacing exterior doors is one of the most effective ways to boost your kerb appeal. For a contemporary look, stylish uPVC doors come in a wide range of colours and finishes to suit any property. uPVC is a durable, weatherproof and low-maintenance material that does not warp or rot like wood can. Make sure any new doors you install are well-insulated and secure. Click here to explore durable and stylish PVC doors in Belfast for your home renovation.
Repaint and Re-stain Woodwork
Giving woodwork like the fascia, soffits, and fencing a fresh coat of high-quality exterior paint or stain can make a big visual impact. Thoroughly prepare the surfaces by repairing any damage, removing flaking paint or varnish, cleaning dirt and dust, and then sanding. Opt for long-lasting exterior paints and stains formulated to withstand the elements. Neutral, muted tones work well for most colour schemes.
Install Low Maintenance Cladding
If your exterior walls are looking worn or you want to update the material, cladding offers an affordable and simple solution. uPVC, timber, fibre cement and composite cladding come in different styles from traditional panels to contemporary horizontal siding. Make sure to choose a breezy, waterproof material that won’t easily deteriorate or need constant upkeep. Professional fitting is advisable.
Landscape for Added Kerb Appeal
Well-designed landscaping brings any exterior alive. Adding visual interest with plants, trees, rockeries and water features along with improvements like patios, decking and fencing creates an inviting outdoor space. Pay attention to walkways too by relaying paths or paving driveways. Good lighting also highlights landscaping features at night. Extend your living area outdoors by creating segmented zones for dining, relaxing or playing.
Give Window Frames a Facelift
Outdated, worn or damaged window frames easily cheapen the look of a home’s exterior. Replacing the window frames with new uPVC frames neatly improves the appearance without the disruption and expense of changing the whole window. For painted frames, thoroughly prepare and then undercoat before applying an exterior gloss paint to give a fresh new colour. Add window flower boxes to inject some personality.
Update Outdoor Lighting Features
Outdoor lighting serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose. Modern, stylish fittings by doors and pathways help visitors navigate while adding atmosphere. Uplighters placed strategically on trees or architectural features create dramatic effects come dusk. Low-voltage LED lighting saves energy costs too. Group different lights on timers for convenience.
With attention to a few key areas, it is possible to transform the exterior of a home. New doors, cladding, painting, landscaping, window and lighting improvements along with repairs to existing features help modernise a property to increase its kerb appeal and value. Follow this guide to cleverly revitalise the outside of your house.