Are you looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal and boost its value? Investing in outside home improvement projects is an excellent way to achieve both of these goals. With the right upgrades, your home can become the envy of the neighborhood, attracting potential buyers and increasing your property’s value.
In this blog post, we will explore nine outstanding outside home improvement projects that can significantly impact your home’s curb appeal and value. From refreshing your landscaping to adding an outdoor kitchen, these projects will not only improve your home’s appearance, but also provide you with a comfortable and functional outdoor living space. So let’s dive in and discover the top projects that will transform your home’s exterior.
Key Takeaways
- Enhance your home’s exterior to increase its value and curb appeal.
- Refresh landscaping, update the entryway, upgrade garage door & windows for a high return on investment.
- Invest in outdoor living spaces with lighting elements and shade features for improved comfort and aesthetic benefits.
Enhancing Your Home’s Exterior
Exterior home improvements are a surefire way to increase your home’s curb appeal and value. In fact, improving your home’s exterior can result in an 83% rate of return. With such a high return on investment, it’s no wonder that homeowners are eager to invest in projects that make their homes more visually appealing and inviting. Some ways to enhance your home’s exterior design include:
- Updating your entryway
- Adding fresh landscaping
- Painting the exterior
- Installing new windows or doors
- Adding outdoor lighting
- Upgrading your garage door
By making these improvements, you can transform the look of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Focusing on two pivotal features of your home’s exterior – landscaping and entryway updates – can create a lasting first impression and significantly enhance your home’s appearance and home’s curb appeal.
This Old House DIY Projects
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From kitchen renovations and bathroom makeovers to outdoor landscaping and energy-efficient upgrades, This Old House DIY Projects covers it all. With a wealth of articles, videos, and tutorials, you’ll find the information you need to plan, execute, and complete your projects with confidence. Join our community of DIY enthusiasts and embark on your journey to transform your house into the home of your dreams. Explore our extensive library of resources and get ready to roll up your sleeves for some exciting DIY adventures!
Refresh Your Landscaping
Revamping your landscaping is a fantastic way to improve your home exterior and create an inviting outdoor space. Here are some steps to transform your yard into a beautiful oasis:
- Add low-maintenance plants.
- Trim shrubs to create clean lines and a neat appearance.
- Apply fresh mulch to flower beds and around trees.
- Consider adding a seating area for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or entertaining guests.
- Regularly maintain your landscaping to keep it looking its best.
Not only will these steps enhance the overall appearance of your home, but they can also provide an ideal spot for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or keeping the neighbors happy.
The return on investment for refreshing your landscaping can be significant. According to the National Association of Realtors, a landscape upgrade can bring a 126% return on investment. So, if you’re looking for an outdoor project with a high return, refreshing your landscaping is an excellent choice.
Update Your Entryway
The front door, also known as the entry door, plays a crucial role in creating a positive first impression on prospective buyers. A significant boost in your home’s curb appeal and value can be achieved through entryway updates. This can be achieved by upgrading your front door, adding hardscaping elements, and improving the walkway.
The return on investment for a new front door is approximately 70-75%. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, an upgraded entryway can also contribute to increased energy efficiency and safety. So, if you’re looking to make a lasting impression, updating your entryway is a project worth considering.
Transform Your Garage Door
Replacing or updating your garage door is another excellent way to enhance your home’s curb appeal and value. Here are some benefits of a new garage door:
- Significant return on investment, with the National Association of Realtors®’ Remodeling Impact Report estimating a recovery of $2,000, or 95% of the expenditure, upon resale
- Enhanced energy efficiency
- Improved security
- Reduced maintenance requirements
If your garage door is in satisfactory condition, a simple refresh may suffice. Here’s how you can rejuvenate your garage door with a fresh coat.
- Rinse the door with a sprayer attachment on a garden hose.
- Apply a mild detergent and scrub the door with a soft brush.
- Rinse off the detergent with the garden hose.
- Dry the door with a clean cloth or allow it to air dry.
By following these steps, you can achieve a significant improvement in your home’s exterior and overall curb appeal through a garage door transformation, including upgrading to new garage doors or even opting for a steel door.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows
Old, drafty windows can be a significant source of energy loss in your home. Replacing them with energy-efficient windows not only enhances your home’s exterior, but also saves on energy bills. The return on investment for new windows is 63-67 percent, making it a valuable home improvement project.
In addition to the aesthetic benefits, energy-efficient windows can provide substantial savings on energy bills. Replacing single-pane windows can result in annual savings of between $101–$583. Improving your home’s exterior and benefiting from increased energy savings is possible through the investment in energy-efficient windows.
Create an Outdoor Living Space
Designing an inviting outdoor living area with a deck or patio can provide the perfect spot for entertaining and relaxation. Adding an outdoor living space can extend your home’s living area and offer an enjoyable space for gathering during the warmer months. The return on investment for constructing a deck or patio is 70-75%, making it a worthwhile project for homeowners.
When creating an outdoor living space, consider the costs involved. On average, the cost of adding a patio is $3,900, while the average cost of a 16’ x 20’ wood deck with stairs and railings is $13,333. Investing in an outdoor living space not only increases your home’s value, but also allows you to enjoy the great outdoors in style.
Upgrade Siding and Stone Veneer
Upgrading siding materials, considering a roof replacement, and adding stone veneer accents can dramatically improve your home’s appearance and value. In fact, the return on investment for siding replacement is between 655-75% for vinyl and fiber cement siding. Additionally, incorporating a manufactured stone veneer to your home’s exterior can result in a 96% return on investment.
Choosing modern siding materials and adding stone veneer accents can result in a transformed and visually appealing home exterior. Consider textured shake siding constructed from engineered wood or stone veneer for an eye-catching upgrade.
Illuminate Your Property with Outdoor Lighting
Exterior lighting is an effective way to enhance security and ambiance around your home, walkways, and landscaping. Tasteful and efficient outdoor lighting can significantly improve your home’s appearance, adding visual interest and deterring potential burglars.
The average return on investment for adding outdoor lighting to your home is 50 percent. Investing in exterior lighting not only creates a safer and more inviting atmosphere around your property, it also enhances your home’s curb appeal.
Most Popular Home Improvement Projects
When it comes to enhancing the comfort, functionality, and value of your home, embarking on the most popular home improvement projects is a wise choice. These projects not only breathe new life into your living space but also cater to the evolving needs of homeowners. From kitchen renovations that transform the heart of your home to bathroom upgrades that offer a spa-like retreat, these endeavors are sought after for good reason. Additionally, outdoor enhancements such as deck installations and landscaping projects have gained immense popularity, extending your living area into the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking to boost curb appeal, increase energy efficiency, or simply enjoy a more comfortable living environment, exploring the most popular home improvement projects can be a rewarding endeavor.
Add an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen can add value and functionality to your home, providing a perfect setting for al fresco dining and entertainment with an outdoor fire pit. Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular outdoor projects, according to the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA). Home Design Trends. Survey predicting them to be the most popular type of home improvement project in the kitchen category.
The estimated cost of an outdoor kitchen project is approximately $14,000, with a return on investment forecasted to be $10,000. Building an outdoor kitchen not only increases your home’s value, but also provides an enjoyable space for dining and entertaining outdoors.
Install a Lawn Sprinkler System
A well-maintained lawn contributes to your home’s overall curb appeal, and installing a lawn sprinkler system can help keep your lawn healthy and green. A sprinkler system not only ensures proper watering of your lawn, but it also saves time and effort compared to manual watering.
The return on investment for installing a sprinkler system is $3,000 or 86 percent. In addition to increasing your home’s curb appeal, a sprinkler system requires minimal maintenance, such as inspecting for leaks, adjusting sprinkler heads, and winterizing the system.
Investing in a lawn sprinkler system helps maintain a lush, green lawn, enhancing your home’s exterior.
Incorporate Shade Elements
Adding shade elements like pergolas, canopies, or patio covers can increase the comfort and value of your outdoor living spaces. Shade elements not only provide protection from the sun, but also add visual interest and create a cozy atmosphere for relaxation and entertaining.
Some of the most effective shade elements include:
- Patio shade umbrellas
- Backyard shade structures such as pergolas
- Fabric canopies
- Shade sails
- Awnings
- Parasols
Incorporating shade elements into your outdoor living spaces not only enhances their functionality and comfort, but also improves your home’s overall curb appeal.
Are Home Improvements Tax Deductible?
When it comes to home improvements, one common question that homeowners often ask is, “Are home improvements tax deductible?” The answer to this question is not a straightforward yes or no, as it depends on various factors. In general, most home improvements made for personal reasons, such as aesthetic upgrades or routine maintenance, are not tax-deductible. However, there are certain situations where you may be eligible for tax deductions or credits related to home improvements. For example, if you make energy-efficient improvements to your home, you might qualify for tax credits under certain government programs. Additionally, if you use a portion of your home for business purposes, you may be able to deduct a portion of the improvement costs as a business expense. It’s essential to consult with a tax professional or refer to the latest tax guidelines to determine whether your specific home improvement project qualifies for any tax benefits.
Summary
In conclusion, investing in outside home improvement projects can significantly increase your home’s curb appeal and value. By focusing on key areas such as landscaping, entryways, garage doors, energy-efficient windows, outdoor living spaces, siding and stone veneer, exterior lighting, outdoor kitchens, lawn sprinkler systems, and shade elements, you can transform your home’s exterior and create a more inviting and comfortable outdoor environment.
Remember, these projects not only improve your home’s appearance, but also offer a high return on investment, making them some of the best investments you can make as a homeowner. So, why wait? Start planning your next outdoor home improvement project today and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, functional, and valuable outdoor living space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to redo outside of house?
The cheapest way to redo the outside of your house is to paint the front door, bring in a bench, install nicer lighting, illuminate the landscape, upgrade the door mat, reseal the driveway, and pressure wash for a pristine clean.
These simple steps can make a huge difference in the look of your home, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. With a few hours of work and a few dollars, you can make your home look like new.
How can I improve the outside of my house?
To improve the outside of my house, I can replace the front door, add cladding, paint the house, put out planters, change the door, add a gate, power wash the exterior, and fix rotting wood.
These are all relatively simple projects that can be done in a weekend or two. I can start by measuring the door and ordering a new one, then move on to the cladding and painting. After that, I can add planters, a gate, and power wash the exterior. Finally, I can fix any rotting.
What exterior adds the most value?
Replacing warped siding, installing new windows, updating decking, replacing an entry door, and installing new roofing are all exterior renovations that add the most value to your home.
How to update a 70s house exterior?
Replace outdated lighting fixtures, reclaim stone elements for a natural allure, add brackets and trim for architectural detailing, and refresh the exterior with modern color contrasts and smarter fabrication techniques to update the 70s house exterior.
These changes can help bring the house up to date and make it look more modern and attractive. With the right combination of materials and techniques, you can create a beautiful and timeless exterior that will last for years to come.
What is the average return on investment for exterior home improvement projects?
Exterior home improvement projects offer an average return on investment of 83%.
This is great news for homeowners looking to increase the value of their property. Investing in exterior projects such as painting, landscaping, and replacing windows can be beneficial.
