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As such, you’ll want to ensure that its appearance — from the house itself to the landscaping — is pristine and inviting. According to Realtor Magazine, homes with excellent curb appeal usually sell for 7% more than listings that need some work. Whether you’re looking to sell or just want to take more pride in your dwelling, these six upgrades can help you revamp your home exteriors.

Update the Siding

Weathering and age can make your home’s siding peel or warp. Some homeowners might be able to give their home a fresh coat of paint, while other conditions may call for drastic measures.

Installing brand new siding might be the ticket for the ultimate home exterior makeover. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report, homeowners can see a 74.7% return on investment (ROI) when they replace their vinyl siding. Additionally, fiber cement siding accrues a 77.6% ROI.

If done correctly, new siding can make an older home look like new construction. 

Enhance Outdoor Lighting

Make your home exteriors sparkle with nighttime lighting. On average, homeowners can expect to spend $2,000–$6,000 on outdoor lighting features, depending on how intricate the lighting design is and whether they install smart lighting, such as solar, motion sensors, or smartphone-operated technology. 

Outdoor lighting —and the necessary wiring and electrical components — must withstand varying weather conditions and extreme temperatures. Often, landscape lighting comes with several warranties and water-resistant specifications that might also boost the price.

Consider walkway lights, spotlights on trees or bushes, and colorful, ornamental lights for a distinctive design.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

In most cases, the garage door is the first part of a home that people see — meaning any upgrades can dramatically improve your curb appeal. 

You might want to consider replacing a garage door over 20 years old, as simple fixes might not be enough to enhance the overall appearance.

Otherwise, you could decide to paint it, add new side lighting, or install new windows to give it the modern touch you’re going for — a surefire way to increase your home’s market value and impress passersby.

Spruce up Your Landscaping

The obvious way to create a beautiful home exterior is to spruce up your landscaping. Your options are endless, from perfectly manicured lawns to stylish hardscaping and elaborate garden beds to unique yard decor. 

Although most home improvement shows make landscaping seem like a straightforward DIY project you can finish over a weekend, nothing could be further from the truth. Achieving a beautiful outdoor oasis takes time — and a budget.

Homeowners should allocate 10%-15% of their home’s value to their landscaping budget. About 65% should go toward fixing the backyard, while 35% is best spent in the front. 

Add a Water Feature

Consider adding a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, to turn your home exterior into a tranquil outdoor sanctuary while improving the look and biodiversity on your property.

Studies show that water sounds significantly affect positive mental health outcomes over other biological sounds found in nature.

Water features are ideal for creating a particular focal point for a restful, meditative atmosphere. Aside from traditional fountains, bird baths and ponds— you might choose to install a small channel for water movement, formal pools, a built waterfall, or a water sculpture.

Build a Patio, Porch, or Deck

American homeowners love a gorgeous outdoor space for spending time in nature and entertaining. According to Fixr.com, patio additions accounted for 20% of outdoor renovations in 2018, while 17% built a patio. Meanwhile, 32% of homeowners invested in both patios and porches for their homes.

Whether you prefer reading with the sounds of nature, sitting in a rocking chair, or barbecuing out back, building out these spaces is an excellent way to augment your home exteriors.

Create Beautiful Home Exteriors With a Few Upgrades

Improving your curb appeal doesn’t have to break the bank. Even simple fixes can make an enormous difference. Consider what would work best for the look you hope to achieve and your budget as you decide what to include in the changes.

We all know about the common items we have to replace around our home: Pillows, toothbrushes, and sponges are just some of them. However, what we typically forget, is that there are other significant things that should also be changed. Not only for hygienic purposes but to save money and improve safety as well. In this article, we are going to take a look at eight things around your home that might be in need of an upgrade. Want to learn more? Then keep on reading.

Your Mattress

Getting a good night’s sleep is extremely important, so if you find that you are waking up throughout the night or suffering from back pain, it might be time to invest in a new mattress. Not only will you feel better, but if you opt for something bigger, you’ll be able to sleep more comfortably next to your significant other. Take a look at this guide to buying a mattress to get yourself started. Everyone is unique, and you’ll want to choose something with the right bounce and support.

Your Carpet

Your carpet can be considered one of the dirtiest places in your home. If you live in an older house, it’s definitely worth looking into upgrading it. Not only will this improve looks, but it can contribute to a healthier environment.

If you’re not a fan of carpets, there are other different options that you can choose from too. Tiles, hardwood, vinyl, and laminate are all easier to clean and come in a range of different colors and styles. However, it’s still worth looking into the pros and cons of each before making a final decision. 

Your HVAC System

HVAC systems don’t last forever, and one that is old could actually be causing you to have an increased electricity bill. Installing something new will help you save money and allow you to cope with the changing temperatures. 

Just make sure that you do some research first. You’ll need to think about the price, quality, size, and availability when choosing a system. Something too small won’t work enough, and something too big is a waste of space and money. 

Your Lights

Alongside replacing your HVAC system, you might also want to change your lights if you want to reduce your utility bills further. Switching to LED bulbs can help protect the environment and improve your visibility at the same time. 

Alongside this, you might think about changing the color. Warm white works better in areas such as your bedroom and living room, but cool white is more practical for bathrooms and kitchens. However, at the end of the day, it’s up to your personal preference.

Your Appliances 

Cheap appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers don’t last as long and often require expensive repairs. Much like most of the other items on this list, by investing in one that is of higher quality, you are saving money, and they will work more efficiently. Just make sure you keep an eye out for their energy and water rating. If you’re going to splurge, it’s important to get something that is better for the planet.

Your Wallpaper

We might not realize it, but changing our walls can actually completely transform the atmosphere of a space. If you find that yours are looking a bit worse for wear, it might be time to give them an upgrade. Opt for removable wallpaper that is convenient and easy to install. If you don’t want the hassle, a fresh coat of paint can also improve the area. Just make sure you hire a reputable professional so that everything looks perfect.

Your WIFI

WIFI is now considered a home essential, and while your current router and plan may have been enough at first, it’s probably time to switch to something new. Not only will you get a stronger signal, but it will be faster and more reliable. Speak to your provider and see what other options are available. Trust us when we say it will all be worth it when you are streaming late-night movies. 

Your Security System

Finally, the last thing in your home that may be in need of a change is your security system. With over one million burglaries committed in the US every year, it’s important that you are protected. Instead of relying on regular locks and bars, look at investing in a smart security system. They come with many great features, including alarms, surveillance, and home automation.