Our house is our castle. Our pride and joy. Our dream. But sometimes, it can turn into a nightmare. You can breathe new life into your home with many types of renovations, indoors and out. From your lawn to your roof, there are so many projects you can consider. With proper planning and budgeting, you can have the home of your dreams once again. Reinvigorate your dream home with these exterior renovations!
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Landscaping
Let’s start at the bottom: your yard. Your yard impacts your property value, but lawn care is about more than that. It’s about an outdoor escape just for you. Even apartment renters understand the blessing of a balcony full of plants.
Society has latched onto the perfectly manicured lawn. So many inches high, lawnmower marks along the grass. Matching neighbors and monochrome green. But as time has passed, we’ve learned just how unhealthy this approach can be for lawns and the critters that live there— even birds! Native, wild meadow lawns can still be beautiful and fill nature’s needs. Now, some neighborhoods have their hands tied by an HOA, but you can still work native plants into your area. Simply follow the rules for flowerbeds and displays, and make sure you don’t use anything banned in the bylaws. Working with a landscaping company that works with wild lawns can help
There’s something for every space, and decor items can dramatically change your yard. First, decide what you want your space to be: a kitchen, a garden, a place to play or soak up the sun? Smaller lawn owners can invest in a small firepit and string lights along the fence. Larger yard owners may want a pool or a gazebo. You can add a walkway of pavers or a concrete patio, a bird bath and feeders, fountains— whatever suits your style and doesn’t pose a danger. Flowers can liven up any space. Find your favorite color or look into a combination. Just make sure that any non-native or invasive plants are properly contained.
Siding
You don’t have to live with that dingy, mildewed grey siding. Breathe life— and possibly color! —into your home’s exterior with new siding. You can choose to try a new look or simply add a fresh coat of paint, whatever works best for your home and budget.
Vinyl Siding is one of the more popular choices thanks to its durability and low maintenance. All you need is the occasional power wash, and you have your choice of color and style. Want wood siding without the cost? There’s vinyl for that. Stone? Yup, there’s a vinyl mimic. Fiber cement siding is also durable, low maintenance, and in a variety of colors and styles. However, it offers a more natural look than vinyl and is more resistant to things like fire, damage, and pests.
If you want to be the fanciest house on the block, consider wood, brick, or stone veneer. These are often more expensive, and brick or stone veneer can get heavy. But they’re absolutely gorgeous in any setting. Wood is the more vulnerable option; while stunning, it’s weak to things like fire, rot, insects, etc.
Ultimately, what siding works best for your home is up to you and your contractor. A professional contractor can help you determine if your home can withstand the weight of brick or whether your area has a good climate for wood siding. They also have access to high-quality materials at reasonable prices since they contract with suppliers.
Windows and Doors
Ok, so number three is technically two things. But they work together to affect your home and often come from the same place. Not only do they massively affect your home’s appearance, they also serve purposes with energy efficiency and security. Doors made from fiberglass or steel are more energy efficient than wooden ones. And lots of modern windows are created with energy efficiency in mind, such as double-pane windows that help insulate your home and reduce noise.
You can add blinds, shades, or curtains to your windows. Pop a screen or glass door in front or your main door to let light in without letting in all the bugs. You can get your windows tinted or install privacy film that will obscure views without dampening the light.
You don’t have to get the same type of window, though changing syle may incur extra costs. You will need a contractor to reshape the window space to fit the new look. You can also change the frames around your window or door to have a new look while keeping the actual windows or door the same. You would be surprised at the difference just switching up frames can make!
Roofing
Last but certainly not least, let’s take a look at your roof. The crown of your home; its strong protector. Roofs come in more styles than even siding, and you have a plethora of materials to choose from. You can have a green roof, for instance, home to plants and mosses. You can go for slates or shingles, metal or rubber— the sky is the limit. For Pennsylvanian homeowners, the three most popular styles are asphalt shingle, metal, or slate.
Asphalt is the more popular option, as it’s affordable and easy to install. Metal is more long-lasting, with a life span of 50 years, and is often made from recycled materials. Don’t balk at the idea of metal! It actually comes in a sizeable variety of colors and styles, so you aren’t stuck with a flat grey look. As for slate, you’re venturing into fancy styles again, with a unique look and a 100-year life span— expect a cost to match.
If you still want something ‘green’ without the responsibility of maintaining plant growth, consider asking your preferred roofing contractor about what roofing materials rate the highest for energy efficiency. As always, it’s best to work with professional roofers. They’ll ensure you get high-quality materials, proper installation, and a warranty to protect your investment.
Bring Your Dream Home to Life, Without Having to Move
We only looked at the exterior in this article, but you can also freshen up your interior! From fresh paint to new hardware, change lighting fixtures or update your cabinets. Do a little DIY, and call in professionals for the big tasks like plumbing changes. Your house is your canvas— you can create your perfect space.
You’ve settled. Built a life. Perhaps had a family. You shouldn’t have to leave just because your home seems a bit stale. Instead, invest in yourself and your home with renovations that liven up your property and bring your dreams to life.
