Loving your home from the second you pull up on your driveway is a magical feeling, but it’s only one you can enjoy if your home has great curb appeal. The good news is that there is more than one reason to boost the exterior of your property. Making a few key improvements can also help reduce your home’s ongoing costs.
So if you’re ready to start spending less month on month on your home, all while increasing its property value and just how much you love it, this guide is for you:
1. Replace an Old Roof
Old roofs start to look worn down and rough before they cause structural damage, but make no mistake: when your roof looks worse for wear, you need to bring in a professional. You may be able to get away with a repair, but in some cases, you will need a roof installation replacement ASAP.
The good news is that you can use the opportunity to improve your home’s curb appeal while you’re at it. Asphalt and even metal roofs come in a variety of colors and even shapes, allowing you to give your home a major facelift while protecting it from the weather. As a bonus, your new roof will be better able to protect your home against extreme weather. If you upgrade your home with a metal roof, you may even be able to reduce cooling costs in summer because the metal can reflect the harsh sunlight away.
2. Sand Down and Fill Cracks
Cracks in the paint (or even the wood or sealant) can result in water damage and damp. Both issues cause long-term ill effects, from increasing the likelihood of mold growing in your home all the way to making it more difficult to seal your home against the outside elements. That’s why the next step is to go around and note any cracks in your home.
Old sealant between your window and doors should be removed and replaced. Paint and other cracks in your wood trim should be sanded down and then filled in. Doing this will help boost your property appeal immensely and make it easier and cheaper, to keep a healthy home.
3. Created Shaded Spaces
Another easy way to reduce your reliance on air conditioning and save on costs is to create shaded spaces. You can use an awning, plants like trees, or even a pergola just outside your backyard door. This can help break up the heat effect right outside your door, allowing you to open up your home and bring in cooler air for less.
4. Install Carved Shutters
You can also use carved window shutters. Close these shutters during high heat, and allow the wind to cut through your home while blocking most of the sun. These are common in the East, and you can find them by searching for lattice shutters (Jali), ornate shutters (Mashrabiya), or louvered and carved shutters (French-style).
5. Use Evergreen Bushes and Trees Wisely
You can often find the most windy direction of your home based on where you’re located. Once you do that, you can start to break up those harsh winds, protect your home, and make it cheaper to heat or cool your property. To do this, plant evergreen bushes where the wind hits your home most often. These bushes act as a natural barrier, making your home more beautiful and lowering costs.