Small Updates with
Big “Curb Appeal” Impact
Sooner or later, homes start to show their age. Just as there comes a time when it makes sense to replace the roof, it can also make sense to update other exterior fixtures and finishes that are no longer stylish, lack today's features, or that have simply not held up well over the years. Think of it as the "facelift" solution between simply repainting your home and doing a whole-house renovation.
What Makes Today's Exteriors Look Old?
Right now, many of the homes built in our area from the 1970s through the 1990s are in need of a freshening up. Even homes that were showcases a decade ago have started to look a little old-fashioned (and not in a good, charming way). Plus, even many large, more expensive homes, were constructed using builder-grade materials that have worn out over time.
Materials that haven't aged well can give even the nicest home a shabby appearance. Examples we frequently see include light fixtures that have begun to rust or pit, doors that have warped or sagged, faded or stained siding, and wood or vinyl windows that no longer keep out the elements.
While all types of exterior remodeling projects can make a difference in how your home looks, some can also make a difference in your home energy costs and how much time, money and effort it takes to maintain your home. Here are some ideas for giving your home a "Curb Appeal Update."
The Big Picture: Exterior Surfaces. Before you start looking at the details, step back and look at the exterior surfaces of your home overall. Painting your siding and trim freshens the look immediately. If you're looking for a solution that will reduce the time and expense of periodic maintenance, consider replacing the exterior wood with stone veneer, bricks or rot-proof, paint-free man-made materials such as fiber-cement siding. Fiber-cement siding is guaranteed for 50 years, insects can't bore into it, and it actually serves as an extra layer of insulation for your home – which can lower your heating and cooling costs.
Lighting. Exterior illumination is often thought of as a matter of safety and security. Well-place light fixtures help prevent visitors from tripping on your walkway or front steps, and prevent intruders from approaching unnoticed. Lighting can add drama to your landscaping, a welcoming warmth to your home and the ability to use your patio or deck for evening entertaining. Improved outdoor lighting can also increase the perceived value of your home by as much as 20%, according to a study by the National Association of Realtors. LED lights, which have a long life and are very energy efficient, are becoming more popular than in the past because their decreasing prices have helped them become an even better-than-ever value.
  Windows and Doors. Replacing your front door is one of the most popular ways to instantly increase curb appeal. Just step outside and notice what your visitors see as they wait for you to answer the door. Is everything as welcoming as you'd like? Today's exterior doors and frames look better, fit better and are better insulated, compared to older conventional doors. If you're replacing doors and doing other exterior updates, you also have a wonderful opportunity to replace windows and choose the latest energy-saving products for both. High-performance windows provide warmer interior surfaces during the winter and cooler interior surfaces during the summer, so your home always feels just right. Window and door updates are another example of how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home while you make it feel "new" again.
Roofing. Having a new roof certainly improves curb appeal and pays off in less worry during storms. Replacing a roof is also the perfect time for changing the roof line to add dormers, extend the roof over a patio, or create a new covered entryway. Roofing materials can include anything from terra cotta tiles and slate, to cedar shakes and standard asphalt shingles. Today's choices in shingles include all-new colors. That's important for energy costs because a hot dark roof conducts heat into the home's interior, running up your air-conditioning bill. In fact, a cool light roof may be able to save you as much as 15% on energy costs.
The Big Impact of a “Curb Appeal Update”
Many homeowners have the intention of staying in their homes for many more years and just want it to feel fresh and current again. With a Curb Appeal Update, we can update your home so it does indeed look like it's brand new. We can replace elements that are worn with new materials and finishes, add the functionality of new products, and help you decrease your energy bills. If you'd like to explore possibilities for your own exterior update, just give us a call!
Maintenance Tip: Turn Off Water to Outside Spigots
Shut off the water supply valve to your outside spigots, but leave the spigot itself open, so that if a little water leaks from the water supply valve, it will be able to drain instead of freezing in the pipe. Disconnect and drain your garden hoses and store them in a heated space for the winter to prevent them from freezing and cracking.
Thank You for the Repeat Business!
We'd like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Wells of Vienna, previous Winn Design and Remodeling clients, for asking us to do an additional project for them.
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See you next month!
Mike Winn |
