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Revamping the exterior of your home can give it more appeal and improve its value and saleability.
In particular, the vast majority of homes built in the three decades following the Second World War are unassuming and in need of a facelift. Regardless of your reasons for transforming the exterior of your home, sometimes a few small tweaks can make all the difference.
- Transform your windows
Windows come in a vast majority of different styles and colors. When you transform your windows, you alter the entire personality of your house.
Your options range from wooden frames with authentic period styles or you could opt for contemporary metal frames which reflect the design trends of exposed materials that are fashionable in the 21st Century.
- Add a covered entrance
Installing a small portico to the front door of your house draws attention and gives your home a welcoming feel. Covered entranceways are synonymous with cottages and the homes of artisans but are just as appealing to modern houses. Adding a porch will also keep the rain off whilst you fumble for your door keys.
- Build an extension
The most obvious means of transforming the exterior of your home is to change the shape by adding an extension. Providing any building work creates symmetry, extended the living space in your house literally adds dynamism to the exterior.
Whilst some extensions are subject to planning permission, partial demolition is not bound by building regulations so you can remove unsightly structures or features relatively easily.
- Pave the driveway
If the entranceway to your home is looking tired and worn, installing a new driveway can revitalize it. Depending on whether you have a car, block paving, cobblestones, Indian stone or patterned imprinted concrete are all eye-catching and durable options.
- Consider recladding your home
Ageing homes with ugly brickwork is easily rectified by recladding the exterior with a hardwearing material such as stone, pebbledash or mismatching bricks. Cladding the exterior of your home can also provide better protection from the weather and fix leaks.
- Spray paint your brickwork
One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways of transforming the exterior of your house is to spray paint the brickwork. The only real consideration you have to make with this option is which color to paint your house – ideally not a color that clashes with your neighbors.
- Retile the roof
The roof is a stand-out feature on a property and can completely revitalize your home. Not only do modern roof tiles have an engaging appeal, they also help to improve the energy-efficiency of your home and save money on your utility bills.
- Add Trims
Wood trims have been used to construct homes and add character to a property for thousands of years. A lot of modern buildings, however, are monochromatic and fail to accentuate the architectural features. Adding trims around the windows, door, eaves, sidings and gables are a simple home improvement project that can make a huge difference.
- Dress up the garden
Adding fresh greenery and flowers to your garden can brighten up the entire exterior of the house. You could even add a hanging basket to your home’s facade to accentuate the key visual points around the windows and entranceway.
- Hang appropriate lighting
Effective lighting can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your home – and not only when the daylight disappears. Ornamental lamps can be an enchanting addition to a facade and draw attention to the architectural features of your home.
Whatever your budget or motivation is for transforming your home always consider your neighbors and enquire with the local council as to whether you need planning permission.
