6 Shorcuts for Exterior Home Improvement

Improve your curb appeal and outdoor living area!

It’s not too late to fix up your home’s exterior and enjoy the outdoors for the remainder of this summer and fall season.  In addition to increasing your home’s value and curb appeal, replacement windows and doors will make your home more energy efficient.

Here are several tips to improve the exterior look of your home, while adding value:

Spruce Up Your Front Door
Sprucing up your front door gives any home a quick and easy makeover.  A new coat of paint, an updated kick plate and fresh new hardware make a huge difference for a relatively low cost.  Consider using brushed nickel for the hardware, as it’s our most popular material choice for entry doors.

Develop a Focal Point
Create a welcoming focal point around your front door by using floral arrangements, potted plants and light fixtures.  Try a symmetrical approach to balance out the finished look.  New entry lights will not only draw the eye to the entrance of your home but also provide the added benefit of increased security.

Landscaping
Spruce up your walkways and flower beds by planting seasonal flowers or upgrading your border with stone for a fresh look.  Using strong colors in the front and center will reinvigorate the front-yard landscaping projects you completed during the spring. If your outdoor living space consists of a porch or patio, try adding landscaping with ready-made containers filled with seasonal plants and flowers.  Use an assortment of varied height planters for added impact.

Outdoor Lighting
Highlight all of the hard work you have done on landscaping this summer with carefully placed lighting.  Consider installing solar lights along the front walkway or back-lighting beautiful bushes and trees to create a magical glow around your outdoor living space.  Tastefully placed white string lighting can also add flair to any space.

Change the Feel of Your Home
Homeowners on a budget can renovate the front of the home by adding affordable shutters and moldings, which draw attention away from windows and add a splash of color.

Window and Door Replacement
Upgrading your windows and doors will not only provide curb appeal and increase re-sale value but also prepare your home for the cold temperatures that are sure to come in a few short months. Their increased energy efficiency will decrease your AC expenses for the rest of the summer and cut down on your heating costs all winter long - not to mention improving the comfort level in your home at the same time.

If you’d like more information on how new windows and doors can increase curb appeal and increase your home’s efficiency, call the experts at Windows on Washington today.