A 2020 study found that outdoor features are now a top priority for house hunters. These are among the things that they don’t want to compromise and are willing to pay the price for.
This means that having ample outdoor space is enough to make buyers want a house. However, house hunters also want properties that are ready for occupancy. That’s why you should also invest in exterior home improvements if you want to get the most value out of your abode.
On that note, we came up with this list of the top ways on how to improve the exterior of your home. Read on to discover what they are and how exactly they can add value to your property.
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Break the Wind With a Windbreak
Properly-designed, strategically-placed windbreaks offer wind and snow protection. They also maintain landscaping and provide an additional barrier from soil erosion. What’s more, these rows of shrubs or trees can help cut heating costs by 10% to 25%!
All that makes windbreaks excellent for exterior design home improvements. However, they have the added benefit of privacy, as they shield the view from the street.
That’s because you can design a windbreak to serve as part of an outdoor privacy enclosure. For this, you can use sturdy evergreens like Douglas fir, spruce, or yew.
Moreover, as windbreaks are plants, you may also get to benefit from the green space they provide. According to scientists, being in nature has relaxing effects on people. So, not only do they have environmental benefits, but they can also help you keep your stress levels down.
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A Green Space With a Shade
Another excellent DIY exterior home improvement idea is to create a green space. Even if you only have a small outdoor area, you can pretty it up with various plants. You might even want to grow your own food by going with edible or fruit-bearing plants.
Either way, urban green spaces add a touch of natural beauty to properties. For this reason, they can already bring positive physiological effects. It’s also one of the reasons today’s house hunters want more outdoor living space.
To make the most out of your urban green space, set up weather-resistant furniture near it. You should also consider setting up awnings beside the space to create a shaded area. This way, you don’t have to worry too much about the sun as you take in the beauty of nature.
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Beat the Heat With Awnings
Speaking of awnings, did you know that they can block 65% to 77% of solar heat gains? When placed strategically, this means they can keep the inside of your home comfy and cool! In doing so, they can help you cut your cooling bills and help your home become more energy-efficient.
So, consider adding window and patio awnings to your home, and not just near your green space. This can help boost your home’s resale value, as house hunters want low heating and cooling costs. More than 80% of recent homebuyers regarded these as important environmental factors.
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Get a Fence
A tall and solid fencing system can enhance a home’s safety, security, and privacy. This is especially important for families with kids and pets.
Moreover, sturdy privacy wood fence panels can add at least 50% of its cost to a home’s resale value.. The keyword here is “sturdy,” which means you should go for a decay-resistant wood species. Redwood and western red cedar are two perfect examples, as they can resist many fungi strains.
If you have an existing fence, make sure its posts, balusters, rails, and base are not sagging or full of bugs. Inspect the hinges and latches for rust, too, and replace them if there’s too much corrosion. Complete this DIY exterior home improvement by applying a waterproofing stain.
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Gate It Up
Some experts say that an initial opinion or impression takes as little as seven seconds to form. This may mean that people could already form an opinion about your home based on the first thing they see. Therefore, your home’s perimeter commands the most attention within the first crucial seconds.
For this reason, the proper installation of a well-designed gate can boost a home’s value. A gated entrance that complements your home’s architecture can be a focal point of your home. It also helps enhance property security, which nowadays is a big concern in the US.
If you already have a gate, but it’s seen much better days, have a gate repair company inspect, update, or fix it. You can also give it a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into it.
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Smart Outdoor Lighting
Turning off the lights when they’re not in use can lower your carbon dioxide emission. As humans, though, we do forget stuff, such as switching off lighting systems. So, why not invest in smart outdoor lighting that turns on and off on its own?
Some of today’s modern LED bulbs can sense the dark or the amount of present light. They then automatically turn on once the “darkness” reaches a certain level. They turn off on their own, too, once they detect sunlight.
There are also smart home LED lights that use solar power to charge their batteries.
During the day, these solar LED lights convert the sun’s energy and store it in a power reservoir. Once the sun’s gone, a device called a “photoresistor” detects the darkness. It then activates the LED light automatically.
All these features make smart outdoor lights a perfect home exterior addition.
Keep in mind that LED lights are already 90% energy-efficient. However, smart LED lights can help you save even more on your lighting costs, as they prevent energy waste. If you go with solar LED lights, you can further boost your savings as they won’t tap your electricity supply.
Invest in These Exterior Home Improvements Today
These exterior home improvements can benefit you, whether you sell your home in the future or not. They can help you enjoy the time you spend at home and even be awesome for your health and safety. However, as they add value to your home, they can help you negotiate a higher selling price once you do sell your home.
Interested in more home, health, and lifestyle tips and tricks like this? Then please feel free to browse our many other blog posts and guides!
