Ideas To Use To Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

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When it’s time to sell your home, the curb appeal is important. Remember that the curb appeal is your home’s first impression. Here are several projects which will help make that good first impression.

1. New siding

Remodeling Magazine put out the Cost vs. Value Report which said that replacing your siding will increase the value of your home. It can be a chunk of change, but you will recoop around 94% of what you spent.

2. Well-maintained lawn

Driving up to a home with a brown front lawn, or an unkept lawn that is overgrown is not the greatest first impression. During the warmer months when the grass grows quickly, you will need to mow the lawn at least once a week. If you have to fix some dead patches, then you can use grass seed or sode tile to patch it up good as new.

3. Clean windows and driveway

Cleaning your windows is a quick and easy project. You will enjoy the clean look on the outside as well as the inside.  A Clean window allows more natural light to come through, which will improve the look and feel of your home’s interior as well!  Pressure washing your driveway also makes your curb appeal pop. This can be done by renting a pressure washer or using your own.

4. Exterior lighting and a new front door

Low voltage lighting can be added to your landscaping that will highlight your curb appeal. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry a new front door will improve the livability of your house and its energy efficiency. The return on this investment is around 63%.

5. Energy-efficient windows and new garage door

Replacing all of your windows comes with a big price tag but can work to your advantage. New windows will update your home on the outside and the inside and it will also reduce utility costs and help with energy efficiency. Replacing the garage doors is very good to appeal to your curb appeal. According to the NARI, you will recoup 100 percent of your investment.

6. Adding a deck or patio and shuttered windows

Adding a wooden deck will not only expand your living space but will also bring a return on your investment. Shutters will increase value and add a lot to your curb appeal. They come in vinyl, wood, aluminum, composite and fiberglass.

These ideas are projects that will help your home make a great first impression and add value to your home. Remember when maintaining and keeping your exterior on your home up will not only help avoid costly bills down the road.

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Home Maintenance Tasks To Complete Before Winter

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The fall brings cooler weather, shorter days, and many fun holidays to celebrate. Before the weather gets too cold and dreary, take care of some essential home maintenance. Here is a list, from the professionals, on what to take on.

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts

During the fall the leaves change colors and then start to fall to the ground. This means that your gutters can easily become clogged with the falling leaves. Clogged gutters will cause water buildup and damage to your house’s foundation. You want to make sure to clean out all of the debris from your gutters and downspouts this fall.

2. Check the Roof

You do not have to take a ladder and climb up on your roof to inspect it. You can do a visual inspection and look for any loose or damaged shingles. Repairing the loose or damaged shingles will prevent your roof from leaking and water damage.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

The winter time is a time when it is both cold and windy. A home with cool drafts coming through cracks is not good for your comfort or your heating bill. This fall inspect the seals that are around all of your windows and doors. If the sealant looks worn and is coming off, replace and repair it.

4. Service Your Heating System

Having your heating system fail during the cold winter months is not acceptable. Before the cold kicks in, have a professional come and inspect your heating system. They will fix any issues and also perform maintenance such as replacing filters.

5. Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance

This is a serious issue because it can start fires. Make sure that your chimney and flute are clean and in working order. If your chimney is blocked, this is when a fire can happen.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The fall is a great time to test and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is very important for these to work when the power goes out to keep your family safe.

7. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses and Insulate Pipes

If the temperature drops below freezing, any water left in your hose will freeze and cause damage. Take your hoses in for the winter to extend their lifespan. You will also want to insulate any pipes that are exposed to the outdoor elements. These could freeze and burst and can cause a lot of damage.

8. Lawn Prep and Storage For Outdoor Furniture

You will want to trim back trees and any bushes that are close to your home. Any branches close to your home can cause damage during storms. It is also a good idea to clean and store your outdoor furniture. Doing this will extend your outdoor furniture’s lifespan.

Remember doing these tasks each fall will make a great difference in the safety and maintenance of your home. You want to stay proactive and not just reactive when it comes to taking care of your home during the cold winter season.

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