It’s the first thing you see when you get home and what makes you feel most proud of what’s inside. Upgrading your exterior is more important than ever. It’s essential not just for curb appeal but for cosmetic changes that will last a long time. So what does it really take to give your home a facelift? Let’s show you a few things to consider.
Best Tips For Upgrading Your Exterior
The Front Door
Upgrading the front door is a simple thing that makes a massive difference to your home. Choosing high quality entry doors is not necessarily about making a big impact, but it’s about ensuring that your front door sticks to a uniform type, especially if there are many other homes on your street.
There are many modern doors that look more traditional. If you’re looking for something newer, yet with one foot in the past, there are plenty of choices available. If you live in a period property, you may want to look further and find a door that suits your style and period.
You could venture to reclamation yards and look online. There are ways to find front doors through websites like eBay if you are looking for something very particular.
Upgrading the Windows
The windows are the eyes of a property, so changing them can alter the personality of your home. Consider choosing the windows and doors that suit your overall property. If you have a period property, be careful not to outdo any authenticity your property exudes. But if you’re looking to upgrade to a more contemporary setup but lean towards a more period feel, you can opt for metal framed windows or Crittall-style window designs to create a statement look.
Upgrading Your Exterior Finishes
For many, the solution is simple: Paint the house using masonry paint in a neutral color. It helps to unify all the different materials of the property. If you want to go further, you can render the external walls and repaint them, especially if the original brickwork has damage.
There’s a variety of exterior finishes that might work for you. Fiber cement, timber, composite cladding, laminate cladding, PVCu cladding, and brick and tile are a few that you can pick from. Each material is charged per meter squared, so factor this into your overall household budget to see if you can afford the aesthetics that will upgrade the look and feel of the property.
Adding an Extension
You can consider different types of extensions for the front and back of your property. For example, rather than adding a single-story extension to the side or front, you may want to add something smaller. Consider something like a bay window or a porch.
You don’t have to consider completely expanding the back of your property. It can be expensive and take a lot of time to get right. A complete extension might be worthwhile if you plan to stay in the property forever. However, you also have to consider your lifestyle in the process and if it’s worth overhauling your life for up to 12 months or potentially longer.
Converting the Garage
One of the best ways to completely change the exterior of your property is to convert the garage. However, consider how the house will change during the renovation. When the garage is attached to the property, the joins between the old and the new components must be seamless.
You might want to hire an architect to ensure that everything is in proportion aesthetically and functionally. Switching up the garage to have a more functional home makes a significant difference to how the property feels. You may want functionality inside, but you must ensure you make the right move on this one. Weigh your options and consider if the advantages of this extra room are outweighed by having secure parking.
Final Thoughts on Upgrading Your Exterior
If you are moving out or looking to change the property, the external upgrades will make a difference. We all know the importance of curb appeal, but you’ve got to dig down into the right components. When you follow these tips, it will make the biggest difference to your property.
