When you’re updating your property, it can quickly feel overwhelming. There are dozens of small things that can add up, but what really matters? Through all of the tiny details, there are some large projects that need to be done.
If you want to protect your property and keep it in good shape, these are the top exterior projects to consider completing.
Your Deck or Porch
Outdoor lounging spaces are one of the best parts of owning a home, but they can be a lot of work! If you have a deck, you need to seal it and refinish it every couple of years, and a porch on concrete brings the risk of cracks and larger issues that aren’t fun to deal with.
Make sure to stay on top of regular maintenance of these to save yourself from larger projects and to update with safety features like welded wire deck railing to protect people while they use them.
Your Roof
How old is your roof? The older the roof, the larger the risk it brings to your property. If you notice warping shingles, leaks, discoloration, or the shape of your roof changing entirely, it’s time to get it updated.
This update has a large return on investment, so if you’re considering selling within the next five years, this can look fantastic to buyers. Slate is one of the best choices out there since it can last well over 80 years when well-maintained.
The Lawn Drainage
Your lawn needs to be able to handle anything! If it can’t take on the amount of moisture that comes from heavy rainfall without starting to fill with water, you’re in trouble. Instead of stressing, take the time to put in good lawn drainage.
To do this, it’s a good idea to look for where it can drain and contact a company you can trust to complete this update. Although DIY-ing is possible, this is a project you should want to be done the first time perfectly.
Your Siding
How old is your siding? Is it showing signs like warping, cracking, or discoloration? If so, it might be allowing moisture to get through. This can lead to rot, mold, and a host of problems that no homeowner wants to deal with.
Updating to new siding or a gorgeous manufactured stone veneer can take you far. Not only will this look fantastic, but it’ll help keep temperature fluctuations out of your home and stop moisture.
Your Gutters
Your gutters work hard to protect your property, so it’s important to ensure they’re doing the job correctly. Look around the sides of your home and check if the ground has signs that water is either spilling over your gutters or dripping where it shouldn’t be. If this is the case, you should consider repairing or replacing this part of your property.
If your gutters are in good shape but they fill with an incredible amount of leaves every year, then you should consider investing in gutter guards. These allow leaves to drift over and onto your lawn instead of getting stuck.
Sidewalks and Driveway
How do your sidewalks and driveway look? If they have any cracks or stains, this is something you should correct before heavy winter sets in.
Cracks that go through the freeze and thaw cycle that can happen daily in the winter will grow larger and can crack all the way through by the end of the season. Getting a good sidewalk sealer will correct a lot of the problems while filling in larger cracks is also a vital step.
Looking into how to remove oil stains from driveways is another important step as soon as possible. There are multiple options to clean it, but the main criteria is that you get it done as quickly as possible, especially if you have a strict HOA in your area.
Your Garage
Although most of your garage could be considered the interior of your home, it’s still an exterior update that’s vital to protecting your property. If your garage door is more than twenty years old, it could be time to stop and replace it. Not only will this update give your property a fresh look, but it also offers the highest return on investment of any change on this list.
While in your garage, consider updating the flooring. Although it doesn’t get as much traffic as your driveway, your garage floors still need to be sealed to last and handle all of the wear and tear they’re put through.
The Exterior of Your Home Requires a Lot of Attention
Whether you’ve recently moved in and you’re overwhelmed by how much there is to do, or you’ve lived here for a while, and it’s added up, take it project by project. Completing these will make your exterior last longer and look great in the process.
Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource launching in the New Year.