What your home looks like from the outside can say a lot about you. It makes an impression on people who visit you and your neighbours, and it’s also a sight you’re greeted with every day. Your home’s exterior isn’t all about looks though. First and foremost, it has to protect the rest of your home. If it looks good but doesn’t keep out wind and rain, it’s not much use. That’s why you have to think about it in terms of both practicality and aesthetics. It should be attractive, but you also need to think about what other benefits it has. Some updates to your home’s exterior can improve it in both ways.
Choose a New Finish
The main finish of your home’s exterior obviously has a big impact on what it looks like. The materials, colour and texture will all stand out because it’s such a large area. But there are practical things to think about with the finish too. The right finish on your home exterior can keep out wind and rain, insulating your property.
You can explore different types of finishes that all have various benefits, and could have some drawbacks too. Painting is a popular option and obviously allows you to choose from a range of colours. But it can also be practical if you choose weatherproof paint. Just remember to check if there are any restrictions on colour that you need to follow. This will most likely only be the case if you live in a conservation area or listed property.
You could also choose cladding, which comes in different materials. Options include timber, brick, metal, tile, and more. Cladding can be excellent for insulating your home and you might not need to seek planning permission if you want to use it. There are so many different styles too, which means you can find something that suits your home.
Clean the Roof
Over time, your roof can start looking pretty grubby. Problems like moss can start to make themselves known, leaving your roof looking patchy and potentially threatening its integrity. Some people might think it looks charming, but a clean roof is often a much healthier roof.
If you want to clean your roof, the easiest thing to do is to get someone else to do it. Not only will this save you time, but it’s the safest option too. You can have a professional who knows what they’re doing clean your roof using the best tools and methods. It protects your roof from accidental damage and keeps you safely on the ground too. If you do want to do it yourself, it’s essential to take the right safety precautions. Make sure your shoes have a good grip if you’ll be walking on the roof and that you have secure ladders and a structure around the roof. All this does make it simpler to get a professional to do it instead.
You can clean your roof with a mix of bleach and water. Don’t use a pressure washer, as this risks damaging your roof.
If you’re really looking for a big change, a roof replacement could also be an option. It’s probably not something you want to do just for a new look, but you might want to consider it if your roof is starting to get old. Older roofs may not hold up as well and can require multiple repairs to keep them going. Instead of continually repairing your roof, you might want to think about a replacement. It will allow you to choose exactly the look you want for your roof.
Install a Modern Gutter System
Another great way to protect your roof is to take a look at your gutter system. Some homes still have pretty old guttering, which is often inadequate. Wood was often used in the past, especially in Victorian and Edwardian homes, but it’s not the best choice now. There are much better modern guttering materials. Click here to explore aluminium and plastic guttering, just two of the choices you have. These are both cost-effective materials and very popular for guttering systems. The materials you choose can affect the final look of your gutters too.
But it’s not just the material that matters. Gutters also have to be installed correctly for them to be most effective. You can fit gutters yourself, especially if you’re replacing sections of an existing guttering system. Sectional guttering can be installed fairly easily, although it’s important to stay safe while you’re doing it.
Get a New Front Door
Your front door is the last part of your home’s exterior you see before you go inside. But it’s also a prominent feature that you can usually see from the street. A new front door can give your home a brand-new look. It’s a great way to immediately lift up your home’s aesthetics. On top of that, it could help to improve insulation or make your home more secure.
Your front door could be one of several materials and you can find a huge range of possible colours. Some material options include timber, composite, and UPVC. When you’re considering materials, look at how long they can be expected to last, how to care for them, and how they withstand the weather. Some materials can have more colour options too, although you’ll find that you get a good choice no matter what material you go for.
While you’re choosing a front door, you might want to think about security too. It could be time to put in a new lock and make your home more secure than ever.
Install Some Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a perfect example of how you can enhance the aesthetics of your home exterior in a practical way. Better lighting outside is great for security and it makes the area around your home safer too. You can light the way up your path or driveway so you can always see where you’re going. Installing a light by your front door will mean you can always see when you’re going in and out, and you’ll be able to see who’s at the door at any time of day.
There are different types of lighting that could work out for you. If you want a light next to your door, a lantern style light could be aesthetically pleasing. A row of lights in the ground could lead from your front gate to your front door. If you’re thinking about practicality more than aesthetics, bright security lights might work for you. Choose a motion sensor light so it doesn’t need to be on at all times.
Spruce Up Your Windows
When you’re thinking about your front door, you might also turn your attention to your windows. They’re another key feature of your home’s exterior that you can also see from the inside. If you simply want to improve how they look, you might want to clean them or perhaps repaint them. But if you’re looking to also get better security and maybe insulate your home more, new windows could also be an option.
Installing new windows can take some time, and it’s not really something you can DIY. So you might want to think carefully about whether it’s the right move before you do anything. But if you do want to install new windows you’ll find, as with doors, you have different materials you can select for your frames. You can also explore different ways for windows to open and various security options. Consider how you want your windows to lock to keep your home secure.
Add a Front Gate
If you have a path or front garden, installing a gate can add some charm and help to make your home more secure too. It’s also ideal for keeping in pets or small children who might be prone to wander without it. You can safely let them outside without worrying about them getting out. A small gate might only come to about waist height, providing a basic barrier between your home and the pavement. But you can find different styles and choose a gate you love. If you want more privacy, a taller gate might be combined with a wall or fence.
Secure Your Garage
Do you have a garage? Whether attached or detached, it’s important to think about how it might leave your home vulnerable. Garages can often be easier to get into compared to the main house, especially if you don’t maintain the door properly. If you have an old garage door, it could be time to think about updating it. A new door could improve the look of your garage and it also allows you to choose more modern features. Remote opening or smart locks could be convenient options. Garage doors can come in different styles too. They definitely don’t have to be boring and can be made in varying colours and materials.
Improving your home exterior doesn’t have to be all about looks. It can have some amazing practical benefits at the same time if you choose the right changes.