It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking about updating your home’s exterior because you feel it’s time for a change or because you want to raise the value of your home on the market. The way your home looks on the outside is important because it affects the first impression people will form of your home. Maintaining your home’s exterior can really be a pain in the neck, but if you’re looking for effective ways to keep it looking neat, read on:
Exterior finish
If your home was built in the 1970s or 1980s, you likely have mismatched bricks, pebbledash or stone cladding. If you want to change this a bit without removing it, simply try using different materials to cover them and get an entirely new look. Painting the exterior of your house is the simplest and cheapest way to protect it and give it a new ‘shine’. If you want to modernize it a little bit, try painting it a neutral shade which will unify different materials with ease. If you have brickwork that’s been damaged, try rendering and repainting, or perhaps even cladding it.
Replacing the roof
It doesn’t matter in what style your home’s been built, the roof is always going to be a dominant feature. Changing the color of it will be a significant change in your home’s exterior. You could also think about changing the shape or the exterior covering of your roof, especially if you’re going to be changing the exterior wall color too. Dealing with roof tiles is always risky, so make sure you stay safe. Scaffolding will allow you to reach your roof and have with you all the tools and materials you might need. If you have loft rooms and are thinking about adding roof lights, remember that it’s going to be easier to do so when you remove the weight of the tiles.
Window maintenance
In addition to regularly cleaning your windows, you should also make a thorough inspection every season if you want to make sure that the frame and the sash are in good condition. A metal probe will help you find any signs of rot which indicate that you have a moisture problem. Any worn out rubber seals should be replaced immediately while caulk and spray-foam insulation will help you seal any gaps around the window. Every three to four years you should re-paint your metal and wooden window frames because this will make them look good in addition to protecting them from the elements.
Front door
You can update your front door in two ways: by getting a new one or by refurbishing and repainting the one you already have. Fortunately, updating your front door isn’t complicated, and you can easily do it yourself over the course of one weekend. Of course, you should always try to match your front door to those of your neighbors if you live in a uniform neighborhood. You can find modern doors that are made to look like replicas of more traditional ones, so you don’t have to worry about mismatching even if you live on a period property. On the other hand, sometimes a new knob and a new welcome doormat will make all the difference, and you don’t have to spend a fortune on a new door.
An entry canopy
Another great way to bring attention to your home’s entry and combine style with practicality is to add an entry canopy right over the front door. This way, you will subtly connect your home’s interior with its exterior, and what is more, it will become a convenient space for you to welcome guests. If you live in an area with unpredictable weather, you should choose a sloped canopy or perhaps a dramatic roof pitch that will stay directly over your entry. You should clean it regularly and keep it free of leaves and debris that can stain the roof tiles and clog the gutters.
Changing the way your home looks on the outside can be a real challenge, which is why you should plan to do so carefully. If you want the best results, you should always consult professionals before you make any big changes, but keep in mind that you don’t have to build or tear down anything if you don’t want to. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint will make all the difference.