You only get one chance to make a good first impression, especially when it comes to real estate. That’s why a property’s exterior is one of the most important parts of the house. Because the exterior of a home gives potential buyers, tenants, and more, a good idea as to what’s inside, it’s crucial to do whatever it takes to ensure your curb appeal is on point.

If you are hoping to boost the overall aesthetic of a given property, an exterior renovation is a great strategy. Whether you are a homeowner or investor, there are exterior remodel projects for every budget. Keep reading to learn more about which renovations will help ensure your property makes a good first impression, every time.

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate The Exterior Of A House?

The cost of a home renovation can vary depending on the scope of projects the home requires. On average, the exterior of a house will cost between $5,000 to $15,000. You can expect most of these expenses to be spent on painting the exterior, redoing the siding of the house, and basic landscaping expenses. Spending more money on landscaping may be worth it, as curb appeal attracts buyers and can pay off in the long run. Other exterior renovation projects include replacing garage doors or installing fencing on the property. If the property has any issues with the roof or foundation, fixing or replacing these will be necessary as well as costly, so be sure to account for these expenses before establishing your budget.

Exterior House Design Tips You Can’t Afford To Ignore

The secret to a successful exterior home remodel is to develop a strong plan beforehand. Investors and homeowners alike will benefit from taking the time to consider their desired outcome, and the steps required to get there. By thinking through each part of the process, you can ensure the renovation will be successful. Here are a few exterior house remodel tips to guide you:

·         Think through your vision for the renovation project.

·         Use your goals and finances to create a realistic budget.

·         Set a realistic timeline and be careful not to rush the details.

·         Assemble a team that you can trust for the job.

·         Consider how balance will help both your design and budget.

·         Do sufficient research on your neighborhood before getting started.

·         Prioritize lights and landscaping to make a strong impression.

Have A Plan

Whether you are working on the inside or outside of a property, it is crucial to have a vision before starting a renovation project. Look through exterior home design styles to get a few ideas of your end goal and strategize which items you will need to tackle to get there. Don’t worry if you are unfamiliar with the technical details, like electrical or plumbing, you can work with a team of professionals on the specifics. At this step it is more important to plan out the finished product, and think through the steps necessary to get there. By coming up with a plan in the beginning, you can help ensure all aspects of the exterior home remodel run smoothly.

Set A Budget

For many investors and homeowners, budget will be the most critical aspect of a home remodel. Luckily, there are projects for every budget and by planning ahead you can make sure you stick to yours. As you look at house exterior styles, research potential materials and labor costs to get an idea of how much they will be. Be sure to consider the potential expenses for permits, labor, tools and more. This will help you determine which projects will be realistic for your finances. For more advice on setting a renovation budget, be sure to read this article.

Don’t Rush

The timeline of exterior home renovations will vary greatly depending on which projects you aim to complete. While a few cosmetic updates may be finished in one weekend, other renovations may take several weeks to get done right. The most important thing to keep in mind as you plan a timeline is to not rush through any project. An exterior home remodel is not the place to cut corners. After all, your goal is to improve the overall state of the home not create larger problems down the road.

Find A Trustworthy Contractor

When it comes to real estate, having the right team in your corner can be just as important as the property itself. In the case of exterior home renovations, the success of your project can come down to the right contractor. They will be able to help plan and oversee the entire renovation, making this a crucial role. A contractor should be able to provide insights into material costs, labor, a projected timeline and more. If you have worked in the real estate industry before, use your network to find a trustworthy contractor. On the other hand, if you are a homeowner looking for a contractor for the first time try following these tips on hiring a contractor you can trust.

Think Balance

Balance is an important aspect to any home renovation project for a number of reasons. First, it is crucial that the overall design of your property is balanced and symmetrical.. Look through popular house exterior styles for ideas that will result in a clean, consistent aesthetic for your property. Next, it is important to ensure that the finished product fits into the existing atmosphere of the neighborhood. Real estate investors hoping to sell or rent their properties should research comparable homes in the area. Renovations that are not in line with properties in the area may not have a high return on investment (ROI) in the long run.

Finally, balance can help both investors and homeowners stay on budget during a given project. Look for areas where you can decrease your budget in order to increase it where it counts. For example, you can save money by installing your own landscaping and use those extra funds to buy quality roofing materials or fix problematic foundation issues. In other words, spend money on projects that count and save money on cosmetic upgrades. Keep balance in mind throughout every phase of your remodel to help yourself stay on track throughout the process.

Test

Before you start your exterior home remodel, it is essential to do your research and test your preferred designs. Drive around your area, look for pictures online and consult your contractor to get a feel for how your revamped exterior will look. This will help you tweak whatever doesn’t seem right before you get too far into the project. If you are going for a dramatic change, test paint colors or building materials before you commit to using them. Try painting a small swatch or bringing a sample of a new material to your construction site to help yourself visualize. Remember, thorough research equates to successful end results.

Prioritize Lights & Landscape

Two of the most important factors when it comes to a good exterior home remodel are lighting and landscaping. While they may seem like minor details compared to a new roof or repainted exterior, the right lights and greenery can go a long way. There are a number of ways to illuminate your property, including lining pathways with lights, using track lighting or even installing a light above your front door. These tips will ensure your property is visible to guests and visitors at any time of day.

Landscaping is another crucial component of a successful exterior design. Greenery can help make a property look more homey and inviting. Research which plants are native to your area and how the weather will impact them year round. Just be sure to keep in mind how much time and energy you want to spend maintaining your landscape. Incorporating unique materials like rocks, pine, straw, artificial turf, wood chips, and cement is one way to keep maintenance costs and upkeep low.