The American backyard is one of the largest in the world. The average size of backyards has reached 10,000 square feet; that’s about a quarter of an acre! Although huge averages from states like Montana highly inflate this number, most Americans still expect to get about a thousand square feet when purchasing a home. However, most of these backyards are left underdeveloped.
When it comes to home improvement projects, many people don’t focus on the interior of their homes. While making sure your home is comfortable and stylish on the inside is essential, don’t forget about the outside! There are plenty of reasons to invest in exterior home improvements this year. Here are just a few.
Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and your home’s curb appeal is often what potential buyers or guests base their initial opinion on. If you’re planning on selling your house shortly, making exterior improvements is a great way to increase its value and get top dollar. Even if you’re not selling any time soon, boosting curb appeal can make you proud of your home and give you a sense of satisfaction every time you pull into the driveway.
Save Money on Energy Bills
Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t just help the environment—it can also help your wallet! For example, sealing up cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior can prevent heat from escaping in the winter and cool air from running in the summer. This puts pressure on your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature inside, which could lead to lower energy bills each month. In addition, some exterior home improvement projects, like installing solar panels, can earn you money by providing renewable energy back to the grid.
Prevent Water Damage
Water damage is one of the homeowners’ most common (and costly) problems. Due to heavy rains or melting snow, water can seep into your home through cracks and openings in the foundation, walls, or roof. Once inside, water can cause severe damage to structural elements, drywall, flooring, and more. By waterproofing your home and ensuring all gaps are properly sealed, you can help prevent water damage before it starts—saving yourself time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road.
Safety and Security
Making sure your home is safe and secure should be one of your top priorities. Exterior home improvements like adding motion-sensor lights or a security system can deter burglars and give you peace of mind knowing that your family is protected. And if you live in an area prone to severe weather conditions like hurricanes or tornadoes, investing in impact-resistant windows or siding can help safeguard your home against high winds and flying debris.
As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to invest in some exterior home improvement projects this year! However, improving the external parts of your home can be daunting. So, if you don’t know where to start, here are the four best options.
Landscaping
One of the cheapest and most accessible options is sprucing up your lawn and garden. This can include planting flowers, adding outdoor lighting or decorations, and building a patio or deck for entertaining.
There are various benefits to doing landscaping. First, it improves curb appeal. As stated earlier, a beautiful front yard can increase the value of your house. It can also enhance air quality, as plants release oxygen and absorb pollutants. Finally, landscaping can provide relaxation and stress relief – what better way to unwind after a long day than by sitting in a beautiful garden? If you don’t want to do all the things required for landscaping, consider hiring a professional landscaping and gardening service. They can help you with design and maintenance and suggest plants that will thrive in your area.
Painting or Staining
Giving your home’s exterior a fresh coat of paint or stain can dramatically transform its appearance and boost curb appeal. Choose a color that complements the style of your home and adds personality to the outside. This is also an opportunity to patch any cracks or imperfections in your siding or trim before applying the new coat.
Replacing Windows and Doors
Old, drafty windows and doors can not only make your home less energy-efficient, but they can also make it vulnerable to break-ins. Replacing these with newer, more secure models can improve the safety and security of your home as well as its energy efficiency. In addition, it’s worth investing in high-quality materials that will last for years.
Installing a Fence
A fence not only adds privacy and security to your property, but it can also enhance the overall aesthetics of your yard. Consider what type of material you want – wood, vinyl, or metal – and the style that best suits your needs and complements the exterior design of your house. And don’t forget about the gates! They provide convenience and added security for keeping pets and children safe in the yard.
No matter what exterior home improvement projects you undertake, they can bring added value, safety, and beauty to your property. So don’t delay – start planning and making improvements now!
