Exterior Decorating: How To Improve The Outside Of Your Home

When it comes to making our home look beautiful, most of the effort tends to go into the interior. But what about the exterior of your home? 

How your home looks from the outside can have a big impact on its curb appeal and its value. It can also affect the first impressions that guests may have. On top of this, there can be practical upgrades worth considering such as privacy, security and accessibility. 

This post delves into some of the different elements of your home’s exterior that could be worth improving, and the kinds of upgrades you can make.

Roofing

First of all, start by considering your roof. A dirty or damaged roof can immediately make your home look tired and decrepit. If there’s a build-up of moss and lichen, consider hiring a roof cleaning service to scrub it clean – this could have an immediate impact on your home’s curb appeal. If there’s damage, you’ll need to weigh up whether it’s worth repairing your roof or replacing it.

A roof replacement isn’t cheap, but could be necessary to prevent frequent leaks and issues in the future, plus it could drastically boost the value of your home. Consider whether to stick with the same roofing material or switch to another material. Some of the most common roofing materials are asphalt, steel, timber, clay, concrete and slate. A residential roofing contractor can help recommend the best roofing styles. 

Siding

‘Siding’ is the term for the exterior walls of your home. Over time, these can also get dirty and damaged and may need to be spruced up. Many types of siding are possible to clean up by jet-washing them, but others may need to be manually scrubbed. Painting over timber siding or brick may also be a way of covering up stains and blemishes.

Your home’s siding will need to be replaced if it is cracked, warped or rotten. Timber siding is more susceptible to damage if it is not well maintained, but vinyl and brickwork can also get damaged. Large cracks could be worth getting assessed by an expert to make sure there are no foundation issues. 

Guttering

Blocked gutters aren’t just unsightly – they can also prevent water drainage and result in damage to your home. If water is spilling out over the sides of the gutter, it’s likely your gutter pipes are full of leaves and debris. Consider hiring a gutter cleaning service to unclog your pipes. 

If the pipes are visibly damaged, you’ll need to consider replacing them. Guttering can be made from metal or plastic and come in various different colors. 

Windows

When it comes to the exterior of your windows, there are a lot of factors to consider. Start by considering how clean your windows are. Hiring a window cleaning service could make the outside of your home look more appealing, while improving visibility and sunlight through your windows. 

When it comes to visible window damage, repairs are often urgent. If it’s just a case of peeling paint on timber frames, repainting may be all that’s necessary. However if frames are coming away from the wall or windows won’t close properly, they could be a security risk, and you may want to consider getting them replaced. Security upgrades to consider could include opting for windows with locks, opting for reinforced frames or installing shutters. A window replacement could also be a chance to consider insulation upgrades such as switching to double pane windows or adding tinting to keep your home cooler in summer. 

Front door

The front door is one of the first things that people look at when approaching a home. To make your front door approachable, keep your entrance clean and tidy. Wiping your door down and adding ornaments around it – including welcoming signs – can help put visitors at ease. Painting your front door a bold color can meanwhile make your home’s entrance more striking and could even boost your home’s value.

A front door is the most common place that burglars target, so it needs to be in good condition in order to be secure. Consider replacing your front door if it doesn’t have a multi-point lock, has a visibly damaged frame or has loose hinges. A video doorbell could be a great security feature worth adding – alerting you when someone is at the door and allowing you to see them on camera. 

Driveway

Got a driveway? Having off-road parking can be very useful and can make your home more valuable. However, it’s important to keep your driveway in good condition to preserve this value. If there is moss or stains, consider getting your driveway jet-washed.

Your driveway may need to be repaired or replaced if there is visible damage. Asphalt driveways can be easily patched up if there are cracks or potholes. Surfaces like concrete on the other hand may benefit from being entirely replaced. Gravel driveways are a popular low maintenance option that cannot really be ‘damaged’, however you need to make sure the gravel is evenly distributed to prevent pits and grooves. 

Fencing

Fencing can help to form a clear boundary around your property. Taller fencing will help to provide privacy and security, while lower fencing may help to let more sunlight into your backyard and property. 

Certain types of fencing will need to be cleaned and repainted regularly to keep them looking good. Timber fencing can typically require a lot of maintenance and can be prone to warping and rot if not treated. If fencing is already severely damaged, consider replacing it all. This could be a chance to consider different styles of fencing (vinyl is a low maintenance option).

Lawn

Got a lawn outside your property? Keeping your lawn well maintained could be important for keeping your home looking presentable. This includes regularly mowing it and keeping it watered in summer to stop it getting dry and patchy. Some lawns may also benefit from being aerated or fed fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. 

If you don’t have the patience for lawn care but like the appearance of a lawn, artificial grass may be worth looking into. Alternatively, it may be more practical to remove your lawn entirely and opt for a larger driveway. 

Plants

Growing plants around the exterior of your property can make your home look and feel more cheerful. This could include hanging baskets of flowers either side of your doors, or potted plants around the entrance. Rose bushes can be a popular plant for growing under windows – they can not only add a pop of color, but can put off burglars from trying to break into windows. Planting trees outside the front of your property can meanwhile help to add privacy and shade.

Make sure that plants are maintained to keep them looking pretty. During summer, you’ll need to keep on top of watering – dead plants outside your entrance is not a good look. Certain plants may also need to be cut back to keep access clear. 

Lighting

Exterior lighting can help guide you and your guests to the front door at night, while also keeping away burglars. It can also make your home look more attractive at night. The most important places to add lighting are around exterior doors. Consider opting for motion-sensing lighting if you’re concerned about energy costs – these lights will only turn on when someone is nearby. Solar lighting can also be a solution. 

Make sure that batteries and bulbs are replaced once your lights stop working. Beyond this, exterior lighting shouldn’t require much maintenance. 

Feature Image Source: Pexels. CCO Licensed.