Stunning Exterior Renovation Projects That Boost Curb Appeal

Stunning Exterior Renovation Projects That Boost Curb Appeal

Although many contemporary home remodeling projects are geared toward increasing energy efficiency or improving functional interior space, there is no doubt that the initial value of a home is based largely on its curb appeal. As a result, carefully planned exterior renovations can be some of the most lucrative home improvement projects of all. If you plan on getting to work on your home’s exterior, consider one of the following stunning ideas as a great way to boost your property’s curb appeal.

Replace the Concrete Driveway with Permeable Gravel

Concrete driveways are a staple of suburban homes. And while there is no doubt that a freshly poured concrete driveway looks clean, they tend to break down over time. Cracks from freezing and thawing, stains from leaky car undercarriages, and collapsed sections from shifting earth are all common issues that readily plague concrete driveways.

Permeable gravel driveways are an alternative that can help your home maintain its curb appeal for years to come. Interlocking grids hold the gravel in place, allowing the driveway to maintain its uniform appearance, while the elite drainage afforded by the natural stone bed allows the gravel driveway to avoid damage from severe weather. 

Upgrade the Roof Using Synthetic Shingles

Most common roofing products, such as asphalt shingles and wood shakes, have a useful life of about 20 years. In addition to their insulative properties degrading as they reach this age, their appearance takes a major hit, with fading, cracking, and blistering all factors that make old roofing shingles look their age.

As a result, when planning your next exterior renovation, consider an upgrade to synthetic roofing shingles. Synthetic shingles are fabricated from a composite of asphalt, fiberglass, and recycled paper, giving them elite resistance to UV and weather damage. Most composite shingles are certified to last at least 50 years, locking in your home’s curb appeal for the foreseeable future.

Install a New Garage Door

The torsion springs that raise and lower a garage door typically last 7-10 years. In addition to the wear on this mechanism, it is highly likely that the garage door will receive other visible signs of damage, such as dents from cars backing in a bit too far or scratches from the kids playing in the driveway.

If your garage door is looking worse for wear, a replacement is a great way to immediately improve curb appeal. Whether your personal taste tends more toward contemporary, farmhouse, or rustic garage doors, an upgrade will not only yield the aesthetic benefits of increased curb appeal, but studies have shown that garage door replacements yield among the highest return on investment of all home renovations, making it a great value-adding project. 

Modernize the Siding

Just as a degraded roof can make a home significantly less flattering, so too will old and dilapidated siding. While homeowners will always have an affinity for natural wood products, the reality is that wood lap siding must be constantly treated and/or painted in order for it to maintain its attractive appearance. Therefore, in order to lock in curb appeal for a fraction of the upkeep hours, seriously consider the upgrade to more modern options that provide a natural wood appearance without the threat of breaking down in the face of weather, such as vinyl, fiber cement, or steel log.

Add a Pergola to Outdoor Spaces

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that it is essential to do more with the space we currently have. As a result, many homeowners have been looking for ways to get the most out of their exterior areas. One way to do this is by adding pergolas to common outdoor hangouts, such as the deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen. Not only does a pergola provide the functional element of shade and protection from the weather, but there are many creative pergola designs that can give your home an attractive European, west-coast, or beachfront vibe.

Conclusion

Outstanding curb appeal is an essential element of ensuring that your home makes a strong first impression. As a result, consider any of the aforementioned exterior renovation projects that will help boost your home’s curb appeal as much as possible.

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.