Whether you’re selling your home and wanting to improve its curb appeal, or just taking pride in ownership, improving the outdoor areas of your property should be high on your list of priorities. Fortunately, there are some simple outdoor upgrades that you can do to make your more appealing and even increase its value.
Take care of the lawns
It sounds simple but many homeowners neglect their lawns and that can leave them full of weeds, with bare patches, or just looking generally neglected. However, it doesn’t take much to turn this around. Plant some seed on any bare patches, use fertilizer to encourage strong growth, water when necessary, dig out any weeds, and mow at regular intervals
The cost of these is relatively low, with the physical effort being the major investment. The return is more significant because it adds life to your lawn, tidies up the appearance of your property and makes an excellent first impression for any prospective buyers.
Install a new garage door
Perhaps the most notable part of your house for anyone looking at it from the street, the garage is often overlooked by homeowners considering outdoor upgrades for their home. It adds character more than any other aspect of your home’s façade and you can help define the style of your home with the right choice of garage door. If your garage door is looking tired and in need of repair, considering replacing it with a new, updated version that can add an air of class and sophistication.
If your home is a little older, it’s possible that you don’t have a garage door opener and this is another outdoor upgrade you can make that will add to the resale value of your home. You can pick up a garage door opener for under $300 and, with the help of an experienced contractor, have it set up and working in a short space of time.
Do some landscaping
If your lawn is already in great shape or you’ve fixed it up nicely, you might want to take a look at the rest of your garden and give it some colour and structure. A properly landscaped garden with clean edges, defined pathways, and well cared for planting areas can transform a property. At the front it greatly enhances the curb appeal while at the back it creates a pleasant and enjoyable space to relax in. Aside from providing great pleasure for you as a homeowner, well-landscaped gardens will make your home more desirable in the eyes of buyers and could help you demand a higher price when it comes time to sell.
Add and maintain a deck
A deck is a very popular addition to many homes. Aside from the fact that a well-built deck looks good, in practical terms, it adds to the living space – extending your home in the warmer months. A deck gives a family somewhere to sit, play, cook on the barbecue, or even to host parties. It’s like taking your living room outdoors.
Depending on your budget, you can make your new deck as simple or extravagant you want. No matter what style you go for, the addition will add to the property’s appeal and may even increase its value when it comes time to sell. Of course, another important point is that your deck must be maintained. While a deck can add to your home; a poorly maintained deck could well have the opposite effect. Generally, on a wooden deck, the paint or varnish needs to be renewed every 3-4 years to prevent the wood from splitting or rotting. You should also consider a good power-washing first prior to a new coat of paint and varnish, especially if you have an older deck.
Freshen the paint
Next time you step outside, take a look up. If the paint on your home is peeling or looking tired, a new paint job is one of the first outdoor upgrades that you should consider for your home. All paint fades and cracks over time and it is easy to ignore areas that are hard to reach. However, it can make a huge difference to your home – brightening the outside and showing potential buyers that you have taken care of your property. In contrast, peeling paint makes a home look neglected and that impression can permeate the rest of the home in the minds of visitors and buyers.
So, pop open a can of paint and get your brushes out. It’s a job that won’t take long but can make a big difference!
Introduce some lighting
Well-placed lightning can transform both the front and back outdoor areas. For the front, you want it to be inviting; perhaps with lights leading the way along a path to the door. Around the door or porch, it needs to offer enough illumination to help you unlock the door and see what’s going on.
In the back garden, lightning can greatly extend the amount of time you can spend in the garden. String lights are often a popular choice to be hung around a backyard deck – offering a pleasant and warm glow and allowing homeowners to enjoy long summer nights and remain outside long after the sun goes down. Of course, the installation of the lights can have a big impact on the appeal of your home. If the lighting is designed well and can be controlled easily with a master switch or remote, it will only add to the appeal. With this in mind, it might be worth consulting with a professional to assess the best options for lighting your outdoor areas.
Plant trees
Gardening isn’t for everyone but trees are a great way to add life to your outdoor areas with little ongoing maintenance required. Starting with small, younger trees makes the job of planting much easier and, over time, they will grow to be major features in your outdoor spaces.
For potential buyers, trees are a popular feature. They offer shade, privacy, a pleasant look, and even a place for children to play. These are all positives that you will enjoy yourself and can help to increase the value of your home when you sell it. Remember that not all trees are equal so do some research before selecting one. Some will require more maintenance, others might grow slowly, and some may offer less in the way of colour. Think about the look it will provide and consult the staff at your local garden centre for tips and advice.
Install a new entry door
A quality entry door can change the whole look of your home. Perhaps second only to the garage door for the impact on its curb appeal, the entry door can help to define your property. For example, a door with the look of solid wood can give an elegant impression while one with more glass or a glass transom can offer a modern look.
In addition to the look, some new doors come with a variety of features that will benefit your home. They can be more secure, thus reducing the possibility of break-ins. A good quality door can also help to reduce drafts, which will help to save you money on your heating bills.
