Adding value to your home doesn’t always mean costly renovations or room makeovers. Sometimes it simply means updating or tidying up your home’s exterior. BHG asked exterior design expert Naomi Findlay for five ways to update your homes exterior for under 20K, and this is where she thinks you should spend your time and money.
1. Landscaping
One of the quickest and most cost effective ways to renovate your home’s exterior is to refresh the garden. Ensure the garden is mulched and well maintained to give visitors the best possible first impression, and potential buyers the understanding that the property is well taken care of. Other simple landscaping tricks include feature planting and refinishing. Adding a mature potted plan as a feature is easy and affordable, while refinishing your front footpath will transform cracked concrete and unsightly pathways.
2. Re-paint
A fresh lick of paint does wonders to any space, especially your home’s exterior. Pick one colour and stick with it over an entire space fpr consistency and fluidity. Focus on the front façade of the home and the exterior of your garage to instantly elevate street appeal. The front door is one of the most important parts of your home’s exterior. Visitors wait in front of it and touch it regularly, so they are naturally going to notice its condition. With this in mind, make sure the front door and entryway is finished to a high standard to impress guests or potential buyers. The entryway is an opportunity to showcase your style and personality with a colourful front door, potted plants and a playful or sophisticated doormat. Just remember, neutral colours are timeless, darker colours are more likely to fade and a bright white will show grime and dirt.
3. Create an outdoor destination
A valuable addition to the home is a space outdoors for relaxing and entertaining. Opt for a lounge space, fire pit, deck or shade sails. Simple additions like a hanging chair, fairy lights or lanterns will add atmosphere to the space without the large price tag. Repurposing outdoor space will add great value to the home and prove a fun weekend activity for the family.
4. Consider new technology
Take advantage of new technologies for the home, such as sustainable energy. Research reveals that solar is one of the top three mandatory features that home buyers are looking for, yet one third of Aussie home owners won’t install solar panels that can be seen from the street. I can understand the hesitation to fit bolt-on solar panels, but a new product innovation from Monier Roofing, InlineSOLAR provides an affordable and attractive option as the panels sit flush with the roofline.
5. Clean
This might sound obvious, but ensuring your property receives the love it deserves will help you in the short and long term. As a general rule, focus on high traffic areas such as the driveway and footpath. Consider power-hosing the driveway, cleaning gutters and removing stains. Taking care of it now means it’ll last longer in the future.
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