10 Ways to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior

By: Paula Margulis

HGTV

Now that the snow has melted and seasonal debris has been wiped clean, does your sweet abode look a little worse for wear? It may be time to give your home’s exterior some TLC. Improving your home’s curb appeal can increase its value and help you enjoy the property in the warmer weather to come.

1. Landscaping
   Now’s the time to plan and plant the blooms that will flourish all season long. From seeding grass to fertilizing flowers, the sooner you get to it the sooner you can start enjoying. Don’t forget to include plants and shrubs that can dress up your home in fall and winter as well. Potted arrangements take things up a notch, adding yet another level of sophistication to your outdoor display.
   
   
2. Windows
   If you noticed drafty doors or windows this winter, now’s the time to replace them or outfit them with new and improved weather seals for better year-round efficiency. Shutters and other trims might benefit from a coat of paint or two as well.
   
   
3. The Front Door
   The front door gets its share of abuse all winter long. See if it could use a coat of paint, or maybe it’s time to replace it altogether. Upgrading the hardware, adding a knocker, replacing your house numbers or mailbox can also dress up your door.
   
   
4. Outdoor Lighting
   Aside from serving as an element of safety and security, lighting can also add great charm to your home and landscaping. Accent lights can highlight your home’s best assets and there are myriad styles on offer to help you achieve the look you want.
   
   
5. Walkways and Driveways
   Giving your driveway and walkway a facelift doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or expensive venture. In some cases, resealing or adding a simple coat of concrete paint will do. Still, if you’re willing to invest some time and elbow grease, adding new pavers can really help your property dazzle. There are many affordable, easy-to-install stone and concrete options that will add colour, texture and durability to your walk-up.
   
   
6. Porches
   Porches can be a bigger investment but are often well worth it when it comes to modernizing and enhancing your home. You might just need to repair or update, or perhaps it’s time to build again from scratch. Whatever option you’re looking at, make safety and durability your top priorities to get the most out of your investment.
   
   
7. Siding
   It may be a bigger endeavour, but updating the face of your home is the ultimate way to give it a fresh look and add to the value of your home. Whether you have siding (for example, vinyl siding, wood siding, cement fibre siding, aluminum siding) or masonry (brick veneer), inspect for maintenance and consider a good powerwash to uphold attractiveness and functional integrity.
   
   
8. Furniture
   No matter your budget, there’s a chair, loveseat or conversation set for your front porch. Adding furniture makes your entry even more inviting. Plus, who doesn’t love people-watching from the front porch on a warm summer evening?
   
   
9. Extras
   Look for outdoor-friendly accessories to truly make your porch an outdoor room. Curtains can add privacy to an open porch and cushions make furniture more comfortable. Add an outdoor rug and even artwork in durable frames or natural materials to finish your space.
   
   
10. Keep It Clean
    It sounds simple, but just maintaining a tidy property can itself add great appeal to your home. Keeping gutters and eaves clean, bushes pruned and property free of debris and rubbish will make you the envy of the block.

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