8 Exterior Home Improvements That Add Value

For homeowners in the Phoenix area who are thinking of selling their homes anytime soon, curb appeal matters. Curb appeal is the general attractiveness of a house from the street. Creating a positive initial impression is everything when buying or selling a home. A home that needs to be updated or addressed may lower property value and deter potential buyers. For this reason, many of the best return-on-investment projects focus on the exterior of your home.

If you are a homeowner with no intention of moving, improving your curb appeal is still vital. Boosting curb appeal will increase your home's earning potential and make it appear more inviting and enjoyable.

To help you boost your home's curb appeal, we have compiled a list of the top exterior improvements that will increase its attractiveness and return on investment.

Exterior Paint Job

Improving your curb appeal starts with a fresh coat of paint. A new exterior paint job not only enhances the aesthetics of your home but also significantly increases its resale value. It's like giving your home a fresh, inviting look, making it feel brand new. Moreover, a new paint coat acts as a protective barrier that safeguards your home from elements like rain and snow. This investment beautifies and protects your home, making it a valuable upgrade for any homeowner.

Painting is a high recommendation for those performing updates for home listing purposes. Painting the exterior of your home is a more significant job that may require sanding and repairs. Consider hiring an experienced and professional local contractor for your next painting project. Since 1996, the Todd Whittaker Drywall Inc. (TWD) team has provided expert painting services. TWD goes the extra mile to ensure each paint job delivers 100% satisfaction. Before painting begins, TWD has a multi-step process to ensure a flawless finish and lasting curb appeal. These steps include proper site protection techniques to protect the home and landscape, power washing to remove all residue, such as dirt or caulking, home repairs to match the existing finish, etc.

Replace Windows

Replacing your windows before selling a home may improve the appeal of a home and increase its resale value. Replacing every window in your house may not be feasible due to the high investment. However, replacing the windows not working at their full potential may be necessary. Before deciding on window replacement, inspecting their current state is essential. Look for signs such as leaks, drafts, broken seals, cracks, or difficulty opening and closing. These may all be signs of needed replacements. When inspecting the windows, check for surrounding stucco damage or repairs required. If there is damage to the stucco, contact TWD for a free estimate on the repairs needed.

Inspect Roof Condition

Performing an annual home walk-through is essential to ensure areas of your home are functioning correctly that you usually would not see or notice. Roofs are a fundamental part of your home, and determining their condition can be difficult based on their appearance. Hire a home inspector to detect roofing problems, such as leaks or cracks, roof sagging or drooping, or deteriorating roof concerns. It is vital to address these problems to avoid water damage to your home, possibly leading to mold. Whether you are looking to buy or sell your home, a roof inspection is vital to determine the condition and possible costs that may come up if repairs are needed.

Garage Door Replacement

Regarding home maintenance, your garage door is an important feature. Replacing your garage door is a top ROI home improvement project. Modern-day garage door replacements add value to your home, increase curb appeal, offer energy efficiency with superior insulation, and have increased safety features.

Stucco Installation & Repairs

Stucco acts as an insulating, cooling blanket around your home, which is excellent for the hot Summer months in Arizona. Stucco can last up to 50-75 years with low maintenance when properly applied and maintained. Stucco is a beautiful art that adds curb appeal to a home when installed correctly. Proper installation requires helps prevent cracks, water intrusion, and deterioration. If not installed correctly, your home may be vulnerable to weathering elements such as rain, storms, and snow. If you are considering selling your home or doing routine maintenance, below are signs of stucco damage to be on the lookout for.

Before selling or buying a home, it is essential to look for signs of damage:

• Cracks in the stucco: Look for hairline cracks to ensure they do not become more prominent. Cracks one-eighth of thickness or more may be a structural concern.
• Indentations or soft spots could be caused by water damage lurking underneath. If there is existing mold, rot, or structural damage, these could lead to additional costs for the repairs.
• Crumbling stucco may be due to improper application, vibrations, weather, or natural wear.
• Holes in the stucco could happen if something hits the stucco or from the crumbling stucco.
• Discoloration or staining may indicate water damage, leading to mold and more severe issues. Avoid painting over these spots, as there may be a more significant issue.

If you have signs of stucco damage needing repair, click here to schedule a free in-home estimate with a trusted expert today!

Front Door

A new, upgraded entryway door quickly establishes a positive first impression of a home. This affordable upgrade improves the home's appearance and curb appeal and adds a layer of security and energy efficiency. Modern entryway doors help improve your home security with reinforced frames, sturdy locks, and higher-quality hardware. Newer entryway doors are also energy efficient as they may come equipped with insulated cores or weatherstripping, which will help your home stay insulated. The value of a new entryway door goes beyond aesthetics, providing you with added security and energy savings.

Entryway Door Types:

• Fiberglass Entryway Doors: Extremely durable and low maintenance.
• Steel Entry Doors: Super resistant, offer added security, and have a modern appeal.
• Wooden Doors: These are very customizable as they come in many hardwoods.
• Iron Doors: Increased safety and security.

Low-Maintenance Landscaping

Low-maintenance landscaping is a great way to enhance curb appeal. Your front yard landscape quickly delivers an impression on your home. In today's market, homeowners and potential buyers prefer a low-maintenance front yard, as they can worry less and enjoy the yard more.

Ways to create a low-maintenance yard:

• Opt for a front yard or backyard with more pavers and decorative stone. Avoid having a grass lawn, as it requires a lot of watering and upkeep.
• Choose plants that are native to your region or are drought-tolerant. These plants require less water, fertilizers, and maintenance.
• If you are a homeowner or buyer who likes the look of grass without the maintenance and hassle, consider fuss-free artificial turf.
• Consider landscaping rocks an excellent choice over grass, as rock requires no maintenance.

Patio Upgrades

Enhancing your outdoor patio can yield a rewarding ROI, increase functionality, and help extend your living area. An outdoor patio is a great way to bring family and friends together, as you can barbecue and enjoy the outdoors more. Patios are a strategic investment to increase resale value, as they enhance your outdoor curb appeal and make a home feel more put together and maintained.

Ways to upgrade your patio:

• Ceiling fans are a perfect addition to your patio for the hot summer months.
• A decorative stone finish on patio columns could help add elegance and beauty to a patio.
• Consider adding a built-in grilling station with countertop space for hosting friends and family.
• An outdoor kitchen could be a great addition to your patio for the home chef. It can include features such as a built-in grill, pizza oven, sink, countertop space, and more.

To get started adding value to your home, Call TWD today!

When it comes to home improvements in Phoenix, don’t overlook the exterior upgrades. The list we compiled above provides a good ROI and is excellent for increasing your home's curb appeal. Whether you are preparing to sell or are renovating to enjoy your home for longer, increasing the value of your home is easier than you think. To get started on these projects, hire an experienced remodeling contractor! Todd Whittaker Drywall offers many home remodeling and home improvement services to help you tackle the needs of your home. Call us at (623) 544-1211 to request a free consultation.