We all need our homes to be functional, practical spaces, but it’s also great to love the look of your nest. Boosting curb appeal can make you feel good about where you live. It’s also a brilliant way to enhance saleability and add value if you choose to sell. There are many ways to make the outside of your house look great. In this guide, we’ll focus on external maintenance tips that will not only help you make your home more attractive but also increase functionality and reduce the risk of damage.
Exterior paintwork
If you have a painted house, it’s important to look after the paintwork, especially during the colder, wetter winter months. Freshening up exterior paintwork has an instant impact on the overall look of the property, but it’s crucial to lay the foundations first. Cleaning the surface, using a primer and opting for weatherproof products can help you lower the risk of fading and environmental damage while giving the new coat a pristine, smooth finish.
If you’re looking to paint the outside of your home, there are two choices. You can flex your DIY skills and buy products and tools yourself or contact local businesses. The main benefits of enlisting professional services include saving time and effort and maximizing the chances of getting the best results. You may also be able to access cutting-edge equipment and products that will enhance the lifespan of the paint as well as the look of your home. The downside is that the cost is likely to be higher. It’s worth researching online and asking friends, neighbors, and colleagues for recommendations before choosing a contractor.
Backyard maintenance
Many of us are guilty of putting all our time and energy into gardening and backyard maintenance and upkeep when spring and summer hit. There are lots of jobs that can wait until warmer climes arrive, but it’s beneficial to keep an eye on your backyard all year round. Preparing in winter can help you maximize your time in the garden during spring, summer, and fall.
Examples of essential backyard maintenance jobs include pool and hot tub cleaning, lawn care, tending to plants, shrubs, vegetables, and flowers, tidying pathways, patios, and decks, and jet-washing. The great thing about hut tubs and covered pools is that you can use them no matter the conditions. If you have a covered patio, or your hot tub is located under a pergola, gazebo or retractable awning, you can enjoy a relaxing soak come rain or shine. Hiring a professional hot tub cleaning service takes the hassle out of keeping the tub clean, safe, and hygienic. The same can be said for pool maintenance businesses. Look for local experts who have high review scores and ratings.
Lawn maintenance involves mowing your grass, removing weeds, and adding products to help the grass thrive. You may find that growth is limited during the cooler months and that dry patches develop when it’s hot and there’s not much rain. Try to cut the grass on dry days, cover every inch without going over the same areas too many times, and water the grass during dry spells.
Many of us have gardens that spring into life when it’s warm and sunny, but it’s important to tend to plants, flowers, shrubs, and vegetables throughout the year. Simple things like weeding, watering, and knowing when the best time to plant seeds and bulbs can help your outdoor space flourish later in the year. You can find amazing guides and video tutorials online, follow gardening accounts on social media, and get tips and hints from gardening magazines and TV shows.
Tidying and cleaning patios, pathways, terraces, and decks is a simple way to make your backyard look better, enhance safety and functionality, and save time. Remove debris like dead leaves and flowers, jetwash areas to eliminate mud and dirt, and keep routes clear of obstructions and trip hazards. If you’re short on time or you don’t have the right equipment, you can hire local companies or rent tools.
Roof inspections
Your roof plays a critical role in protecting your home against the elements, but it can also impact curb appeal. Loose and missing tiles, uneven roof surfaces, cracked tiles and slates, and staining caused by moss and algae can all affect the look of your home as well as the condition of the roof.
It’s wise to carry out regular roof inspections. If you notice any signs of damage, or the weather has been bad, and you’re concerned about storm damage or heavy rain, seek expert advice. It’s often much simpler and more affordable to repair minor issues. Small problems can become big issues if left untreated.
Any jobs that involve scaling heights and walking on roofs are dangerous, so it’s best to leave roofing tasks to the professionals. Take your time to read verified reviews, check insurance and warranties, compare quotes, and get recommendations from people you trust and local social media communities before choosing a roofing company.
Often, it’s possible to repair old or damaged roofs, but in some cases, it makes financial sense to replace the roof. You may be advised to consider this option if the roof is in very poor condition or you’ll end up spending more money on running repairs and temporary solutions than on a new roof. New roofs offer durability and enhanced protection and they also look smart. Talk to your contractors about all the options available to you, compare the short and long-term costs and potential savings, and take your time to decide what’s best for you. If you’re planning to move imminently, short-term solutions may be better. If you’re keen to stay in your home for many more years, long-term options may save you a lot of money and stress.
Maintaining the exterior of your home is important for protecting your property and reducing the risk of damage and wear, but it can also have an incredible impact on curb appeal. Taking good care of your home will help you keep it in good condition all year round. Examples of maintenance tasks to add to your to-do list include protecting and refreshing external paintwork, carrying out backyard maintenance and upkeep, tending to plants and flowers, clearing and cleaning pathways, patios, and decks, and inspecting your roof regularly.
