When people think of upgrading their homes, they often focus on the interior. This is understandable since this is where they spend most of their time. But your house’s exterior needs some love, as well. Several exterior upgrades can make your house the envy of the neighborhood. Here are some reasonable exterior improvement projects for you:
Replace the Front Door
The front door welcomes your guests into your home, and a faded old door may give a bad first impression. Upgrading your door to something more welcoming can be a good idea. You can have a sturdy wooden door with decorations, or you might choose something more modern. Besides looking good, your door should have ample security features. If your old door looked flimsy, then a tougher door can be better for your home. Don’t forget your garage door in this improvement project, too. You can choose to have additional features like automatic openers and security locks.
Add a Patio or Deck
If you spend time out in your backyard, then adding a patio or a simple deck is a good idea. A patio is more complex and has more furnishing, so it may cost higher to build. Laying down a simple deck and some rails might be enough. You only have to bring out the barbecue grill and some folding chairs for a nice summer hangout. Don’t forget to think about the durability of the decking, though. It’s a good idea to have water-resistant, fire-rated decking. This way, you can enjoy spending time with your family and friends in the backyard for years.
Install a Fence
Many homes don’t have a front fence anymore. But you should seriously consider the idea of adding one. Besides providing a layer of security, a fence frames the view of your house. A well-painted fence makes it look better. You can choose from a variety of fence styles, from a simple picket fence to something fancier. It will be up to you to decide what to install. If you already have a fence, spending some money to make it look brand new is a great idea.
Add Some Personal Touches
A home is supposed to reflect its occupants. If your home looks exactly like your neighbor’s house, then you need to add something that marks it as your own. You can add some window boxes or paint the house in unique colors. Try to think of something that shows your personality. For example, if you like traditional styles, then you can change your window frames and shutters to older designs. If you’re into modern and industrial designs, on the other hand, go for a stainless steel front door and add paver lights. These reflect your personality and can be eye-catching.
Exterior changes to your home are a great way to improve it. The changes are immediately seen, and they can even bump up your home’s value. If you have the money and the time, it’s a smart move to invest in exterior upgrades.