It is important to spend time and money keeping a home’s exterior in good condition. Doing so can make the home more aesthetically pleasing while also helping to protect it against the elements. The good news is that there are many ways to update or upgrade the outside of your house without going over your budget.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
One of the easiest ways to make your home’s exterior look better and protect it against the elements is to add a new coat of paint. In a matter of hours, you can transform your dull, cracked and generally lifeless siding into something that is bold, clean and vibrant.
Ideally, you will paint the outside of your home every five years or so depending on weather conditions. This can be especially important if you have wood siding as it can be vulnerable to rain or pests without the protection that paint offers. If you don’t want to do the work yourself, most contractors can handle the job with ease.
Install New Windows
Adding new windows to a home can help to better regulate the temperature throughout your property. This is because newer windows tend to use materials that make them more efficient. New windows will also look nicer because they are less prone to fogging up during rainy or humid weather. Furthermore, they are designed to be easier to clean, which helps to extend their useful life.
Generally speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $800 per window, and the cost of replacing every window in a home can be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. In many cases, window manufacturers will offer warranties or similar guarantees to protect your investment.
If your windows are still relatively new, it may be easier and cheaper to have them cleaned instead of replaced. Individuals such as Jason McLaughlan may be able to provide other solutions to help upgrade your windows or exterior in general.
Landscaping Is an Affordable Way to Make a Home Look Nice
Landscaping your entire yard could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on how much work you choose to do. In many cases, simply adding a garden or planting a couple of trees can revitalize your property. Conversely, cutting down dead trees or trimming overgrown hedges can make your yard a more comfortable and safer place to be.
If you are trying to mitigate a pest problem, you may want to consider switching from real grass to artificial turf. While the turf itself may require a significant upfront investment, you can save money on mowing and watering your lawn. Getting rid of pests can also save money on home repair costs in the future.
Install a Deck, Fence or Patio
Individuals such as Jason McLaughlan may be able to talk about the benefits of a fence, patio or deck on your property. Fences can provide privacy while you enjoy a drink or while your children play outside. Decks and patios can be the perfect spot to grill a steak or to watch the sun go down on a warm summer evening. These items may cost less than $1,000 depending on the materials used and how much of the work you do yourself.
It is important that you continually maintain and upgrade your property. Doing so can help to prevent structural or other problems that may cost even more to fix in the future. Furthermore, making improvements to a home’s exterior can make it easier to sell for top dollar when you’re ready to move on.