You can make your house exterior look new again without rebuilding it. A thorough cleaning, a few repairs, a new front door and some shade over the patio go a long way. Your home’s exterior is the first thing visitors and buyers see, and it wears down gradually, so the fixes below are listed roughly from the simplest to the biggest.
Clean and Repair First
Power wash the house
Power washing removes dirt, grime and debris from the exterior and often reveals the original color underneath. You can rent or buy a power washer and do it yourself, or hire a professional for a more thorough job. Too much pressure can damage some surfaces, so read our advice on power washing vinyl siding before you start.
Repair any damage
Over time, exteriors are damaged by harsh weather and the occasional accident. Fix broken siding, missing shingles, loose trim and wobbly railings. Repairs improve the look of the house and stop small problems from turning into larger and more expensive ones.
Update the landscaping
Landscaping changes the overall look of a property more than most people expect. Trim overgrown shrubs and trees so they do not hide the house. Add fresh plants, flowers or bushes for color and depth. A professional landscaper can give you a more polished result if the yard needs a lot of work.
Make Your House Exterior Look New With a New Front Door
The front door is where people look first, whether they are walking up the path or driving by. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint or stain and new hardware are enough.
If the door is old, warped or drafty, it is more than an eyesore. Gaps around a worn door let heated and cooled air escape, which adds to your utility bills. Replacing it with a new entry door improves the look of the whole facade at once and can help lower heating and cooling costs. Decorative glass or sidelights add a personal touch.
Look at the windows while you are at it. Faded or peeling window frames age a house quickly, and vinyl replacement windows give the exterior a crisp, clean line that stays that way with very little upkeep.
Refresh the Walls: Paint or Siding
A fresh coat of exterior paint covers imperfections and adds curb appeal. Choose a color that suits the architecture of the house, and use a high-quality paint that will last longer and protect the surface from the elements.
If the siding itself is damaged or coming loose, paint will not solve the problem. Damaged siding can expose the insulation and framing to water and add to your energy bills. Some siding materials are vulnerable to weather, sunlight and insects or need frequent maintenance. Vinyl siding is a popular replacement because it is durable, long lasting and easy to maintain.
Add a Patio Cover or Awning
New features can make an older house feel updated. Aluminum patio covers extend your outdoor living space and protect it from rain, snow and the heat of the summer sun.
Retractable awnings are another popular choice. They shade a deck or patio when you want it, roll back when you do not, and turn the space into an outdoor room. The fabric also adds color to the back of the house.
Ready to Refresh Your Home’s Exterior?
These ideas are a starting point, and you do not have to do them all at once. Pick the one that bothers you most and begin there. If a new door, new windows, a patio cover or an awning is on your list, Aladdin Inc works with homeowners throughout Connecticut. Call (203) 776-9996 or tell us about your project and we will go over the options with you.