(BPT) – When it comes to one of life’s biggest investments, first impressions often mean everything. Take a trip down memory lane to the moment you fell in love with your home. There’s a high probability that curb appeal played a key role in the decision-making process before ever stepping foot inside.
A well-cared-for home can go a long way to increase the overall value of your property. In fact, exterior home improvements bring in at least a 95.5% return on investment and even increase home price by 3 to 5%, according to Nestiny.
May is National Home Improvement Month, and the top Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Contractors from the Southeast have identified improvements that savvy homeowners can make to elevate curb appeal and add value back into their home.
Start with the Top
Not sure where to start? Roofs not only protect the home from all weather conditions, but with different color options, can also completely revamp the look and feel of your home. On top of looks, HomeAdvisor studies show that homeowners who install new roofing can also expect to recover more than 100% of the cost through increased home value. You can find a trusted, reliable local Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Contractor in your area by visiting the Find A Contractor Page on the Owens Corning website.
Wash with Power
Nothing beats a fresh, clean look when it comes to the exterior of your home. According to the National Association of Realtors, pressure washing exterior siding can return as much as $10,000 to $15,000 to the sales price of a home.
Picture-Perfect Landscaping
A well-landscaped home may have a price advantage over a home with no landscaping. A study by RealEstate.com suggests that landscaping and hardscaping can deliver a return on investment as high as 150%! Make sure to keep your yard weed free and plant colorful, seasonal flowers, freshen beds with mulch, edge your lawn and trim trees and bushes to create a picture-perfect look that can boost curb appeal.
Patch Patrol
Examine cement walkways and foundations, caulking around windows and doors, and any loose patio stones. Take the time to secure any loose areas as needed with the approved sealant for each application. Don’t forget about the driveway, as a fresh seal coating not only protects the asphalt but provides a fresh, clean look.
Don’t Wreck the Deck
Most decks can be very costly, but not all decks need to be replaced. Applying a simple stain solution can help bring back years to your deck’s life and greatly enhance its appearance. Also make sure to check out each board and handrail to ensure they’re all secured and in place. When doing so, identify any that may have rot and be sure to replace and stain them to match.
Following these top improvements will not only contribute to big returns on your most valuable investment in the long run, but will have you falling in love with your home over and over again.
