Determining which projects to focus on can be stressful, especially if you have interior projects planned as well, while boosting your home’s curb appeal to create a good first impression and increase property value. In today’s highly competitive market, the challenge lies in selecting upgrades that will improve curb appeal, offer the best return on investment (ROI), and deliver the greatest bang for the buck.

It has been reported by sources such as Bankrate and RenoFi that homeowners can expect an average ROI of 70% from home renovation projects. While the specific ROI percentages can vary depending on factors such as project type, location, market, and timing, there is a consistent list of projects that have a proven track record of delivering high returns. Surprisingly, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, several of these projects can also enhance curb appeal. In the following paragraphs, we will explore the projects highlighted in the NAR Report that are most likely to increase the value of your home’s exterior and provide significant benefits.

Standard Lawn Care Service

There is data to support the idea that everyone loves a beautiful, lush, green lawn. According to NAR (Page 10), investing in standard lawn care can result in a significant 217% return on investment. Whether you decide to handle the lawn care yourself or hire a professional, applying fertilizer and weed control a few times annually can greatly enhance the appearance and health of your yard. Not only will this enhance your enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces while you own the property, but if you decide to sell within a year, you can more than double your initial investment. This is a mutually beneficial outcome.

Landscape Maintenance

After giving your lawn plenty of care and attention, it will be prepared for mowing when the weather gets warmer. If you want your outdoor area to continue looking attractive, it might be worth considering landscape maintenance. This endeavor, much like lawn care, significantly enhances the visual appeal of your property by encompassing tasks such as mowing, pruning, mulching, and flower planting. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR, Page 12), this investment yields a return on investment (ROI) of 104%. Therefore, it is an area that can bring substantial rewards and can either be undertaken as a do-it-yourself project or delegated to a professional.

Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens, once exclusive to luxury homes, are now becoming increasingly popular as an outdoor upgrade that provides both enjoyment and functionality. They not only extend your outdoor living and entertaining area, but also help in reducing the workload of indoor kitchens. If you have been considering installing an outdoor kitchen at your home, it is worth noting that it offers a 100% return on investment (as stated on page 14 of NAR). Therefore, you can confidently invest in a grill, stainless steel drawers, a built-in ice chest, a sink, and concrete countertops to create ample preparation space, bringing a touch of luxury to your backyard without worrying about the costs.

Overall Landscape Upgrade

Instead of spending money on maintenance services for your worn-out landscape, think about replacing an old sidewalk with a fresh natural flagstone walkway, incorporating stone planters, replacing overgrown or dead shrubs, and adding a new tree to your yard. This slightly more complex landscape project, which includes multiple hardscape elements, can truly enhance the appearance of your exterior, greatly increasing its curb appeal and providing a 100% return on investment (NAR, Page 16).

New Patio

Outdoor spaces that expand your living and entertaining area are highly desired, even if they are not the first thing noticed by buyers or guests. If your patio is old and needs replacement, or you don’t have a patio at all, this project has a 95% return on investment (according to NAR, Page 18), thus almost paying for itself upon selling. Additionally, including an outdoor kitchen in this project can help you recover almost all of your investment.

New Wood Deck

If you have an old wood deck at home that is in bad shape and you have been unsure about spending money on replacing it, you can now put your doubts to rest. Just like a new patio, a new wood deck expands your outdoor living area, facilitating outdoor entertainment and relaxation. According to NAR (Page 20), it offers a return on investment of 89%, ensuring that you get your money’s value from this investment.

Tree Care

Many individuals dislike spending money on tree care as it is an area of expense that is often avoided. However, it is crucial to evaluate the necessary maintenance to ensure the safety and aesthetic appeal of your property in the long run, considering the substantial amount of time it takes for trees to grow and how much they enhance the overall look and ambiance of your outdoor space. Fortunately, the positive aspect is that tree work typically provides a return on investment (ROI) of 87% (NAR, Page 22), meaning that if you need to remove a tree or want to preserve their health as a valuable part of your landscape, you can be assured that a significant portion of your expenditure will be recovered.

Irrigation System Installation

In the South, a professional irrigation system is not only found in high-end homes and upscale golf courses. It is a necessary way to save time and money, reduce wastewater, and provide a convenient and cost-effective approach to maintaining a healthy and vibrant landscape. Although installing an irrigation system does not directly enhance curb appeal, if you are investing in new landscaping and spending money on lawn and shrub maintenance, you might be wondering if it is worth it. Fortunately, with a return on investment of 83% (NAR, Page 24), you can trust the professionals and stop using hoses and garden sprinklers.

Other Exterior Home Remodeling and Renovation Ideas

1. Install Fiber Cement Siding

If you want to enhance the appearance of your home in the present and for the upcoming years, consider replacing your current siding with fiber cement. Fiber cement siding comes in various styles and colors, making it a versatile material. Additionally, it is highly durable and requires minimal maintenance. Unlike wood or vinyl, fiber cement does not peel or crack, and it is resistant to moisture and insects. Therefore, you can go for longer periods without needing to worry about maintenance or repairs.

2. Add Accent Sections

While many individuals choose to install horizontal lap siding on their entire exterior, there are other options available. Shingles, panels, corrugated metal, decorative trim, and board-and-batten siding are all attractive choices to enhance your home. By selecting one or multiple siding styles, you can draw attention to various areas of your exterior, such as upper stories, eaves, towers, or attached sections like garages or barns, in order to provide a stylish upgrade for your entire property.

3. Use a Fresh Coat of Paint

The power of a fresh coat of paint on your home’s exterior should never be underestimated as it can greatly rejuvenate the entire property. Even if the paint is not peeling, over time it can begin to appear dull or dingy, so updating the color to something brighter, lighter, or more modern can enhance its overall style. To achieve the best results, it is important to choose a paint color that complements the architectural style of your home. For instance, Victorians may benefit from a slightly darker hue, while Arts and Crafts homes can be enhanced with a saturated color palette, and Tudor homes can be complemented with a natural color palette.

4. Use a Pop of Trim Color

Using bold colored accents is currently a popular trend in home exteriors. These accents can be incorporated on various elements like the front door, shutters, trim, or decorative woodwork. When choosing trim colors, it is important to select ones that complement the overall exterior of the house, but still manage to catch attention. Bold options such as red, turquoise, or royal blue can be considered. However, it is crucial to use these colors in moderation to avoid overpowering the rest of the home’s color scheme.

5. Update Your Roof

Consider replacing your older roof with newer architectural shingles to improve the appearance and functionality of your home. These shingles have more dimension than traditional asphalt shingles and are designed to reflect UV rays, aiding in keeping your home cooler. If you have a contemporary property, you may want to consider a standing seam metal roof in a light or cool color for a modern touch. On the other hand, for older style homes, a tile roof made of concrete can be a durable and stylish option. With the variety of shapes and styles available, you can easily make a statement on your home.

6. Add a Porch

If you want to enhance both the value and functionality of your home, think about incorporating a front porch. Many people desire porches as a desirable addition to a house, as they not only offer a welcoming appearance to the front of the building but also provide additional outdoor living space. Porches can be customized in terms of size, ensuring that there is sufficient room for seating and other practical features like fans, fire pits, or storage, which can enhance their appeal and usefulness.

7. Add Some Texture

One popular idea for remodeling the exterior of your home is to add texture. This can be done by adding a brick or stone veneer skirt or accent wall. Another option is to add cedar or cedar-look shingles to a specific section of your home. If you have a modern home, you can consider using architectural wall panels, corrugated metal panels, or stucco to achieve a clean and updated look while adding texture.

8. Replace Your Shutters

There are numerous exterior shutter options available nowadays that can improve the curb appeal of your home. Unlike the fixed and unattractive generic-style shutters that many homes have, these stylish shutters add functionality and enhance the overall appearance. You can choose from a variety of designs such as country and mid-century modern, depending on your home’s exterior architecture. To make them more eye-catching, opt for bold colors that will truly make them stand out.

9. Enlarge Your Windows

If your home’s front has too few or too small windows, it can affect the style and make the interior dark. To add dimension to your exterior and brighten the interior, you can consider enlarging your windows, adding a bay or picture window or altering the size and shape of your existing windows.

10. Update Your Driveway

It is important not to neglect your driveway, as it contributes to the overall curb appeal of your home. One way to enhance stability is by using permeable driveway pavers. Alternatively, you may want to consider embellishing your driveway with decorative options like stamped concrete ground pavers or bricks, which can provide a stylish finishing touch to your home’s façade.

11. Add Exterior Lighting

To ensure visibility both during the day and at night, incorporate exterior lighting into your façade design. By installing sconces, over the door lights, and accent lights, you can illuminate your exterior and make it easily visible for guests who arrive after dark. Additionally, if your house has spacious soffits or overhangs under the roof, discreet lights can be added in this location to define your roofline during nighttime.

12. Enlarge the Entryway

A new trend in home design is to enhance the entry areas of certain styles of homes, such as ranches, which have limited and unclear spaces. This can be achieved by expanding the size of the front door area to create a more inviting atmosphere. One way to accomplish this is by constructing a “tower,” similar to those found on Colonial style homes. Another option is to widen the front steps and incorporate glass inserts on both sides of the door. Paying more attention to this particular section of your home’s exterior is an excellent method to warmly greet guests and enhance curb appeal simultaneously.

13. Enhance Your Walkway

To ensure that the area leading up to your front door is as welcoming and attractive as the rest of your home, follow these steps: 1. Expand the width of the walkway and choose a new material like stamped concrete pavers to create a more intricate and detailed path. 2. Enhance the versatility of your landscaping by incorporating built-in seating or conversation areas, which will also add interest to the area. 3. Install additional lighting in this area, such as low ground lights, to illuminate the path without compromising its style at nighttime.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan