2 minute read
Exterior Remodeling Projects to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
by Expert Contributor Kevin O'Donnell, Owner of O'Donnell Roofing Co.
A home’s exterior elements – its siding, shutters, roof, windows and doors – all add to or detract from what’s commonly known as “curb appeal”: A home’s ability to attract potential buyers. But curb appeal is also how well your home’s exterior matches or enhances the overall look of your neighborhood.
If you’re currently or soon will be selling your home and its exterior elements show they’re aging or failing – the roof leaks, windows are outdated looking or obviously drafty, wood starts showing rot, etc. – you may not get any reasonable offers. Even worse, some potential buyers will pull up to the curb and drive off within a few minutes.
Whether you’re a current or soon-to-be home seller or you simply want to update or spruce up your home’s exterior, consider these several ways to add to your home’s curb appeal.
Front Door
Probably the simplest and most cost-effective way to add some fresh “character” or charm to you home is to replace your front door. Doors now come in many different colors, textures, styles, and are constructed with energy efficiency in mind. Fiberglass doors, which are the most resilient to year-round weather conditions, are available in a wide range of architectural designs.
Windows
Most windows older than 15 to 20 years have insufficient glass and poor energy efficiency. Replacing your home’s windows should be considered an investment. A handful of manufacturers produce top-quality windows that are coupled with Low-E (Low-Emissivity) glass. Low-E glass minimizes the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light is able to come through window glass without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home. These modern windows, which typically come with frames made of aluminum, wood, or composite materials, provide superior performance and a clean, refreshing appearance.
Roofing
Metal roofs are now very popular, as are different styles of asphalt shingles and shingles made of natural materials such as slate and cedar. You can add dimension by mixing materials and color. Older homes that originally had slate or cedar shingles can be beautifully restored back to their original glory. A great way to improve curb appeal on mid-century homes, which typically have asphalt shingles, is to add a metal accent roof.
Siding
You might be surprised how much new siding can increase not only your home’s curb appeal but also the value of your property! Consider mixing colors and/or materials (cedar impressions, board and batten), or a more modern siding such as James Hardie cement board.
Porch/Portico
Many homes have some variation of this or it can be added by a minor design or remodeling project. This is a great way to showcase your home, possibly increase your home’s living space or simply provide cover when welcoming visitors on a rainy day!
O'DONNELL ROOFING CO.
610-449-8188
www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com
Residential & Commercial Roofing • Metal Roof Specialists • Historic Restoration • Attic Ventilation Specialists • Rotted Wood Replacement • Solar Installation • Windows and Skylights • Siding and Gutters • Senior Citizen Discount
