Your curb is your home’s first impression that can potentially raise your property’s value by approximately 7%, which helps you sell your home faster in a competitive housing market. For example, consider markets like Seattle’s, which has a competitive market with a median sale price 92% higher than the national average and hot homes selling for about 3% above the list price.
In such markets, investing in your home’s curb appeal can help you gain an edge over your competitors and benefit from a higher asking price. However, an appealing home curb is essential even if you’re not selling your home.
If you don’t know where to begin, here are a few ideas you can use to improve your home’s exterior.
1. Replace the Siding
Unexpected weather conditions like excessive rainfall or snow can cause extensive water damage to your home’s siding. Water can accumulate and cause it to rot and deteriorate, which causes your house’s sidings to appear warped and cracked. This disfigurement negatively impacts your curb appeal, causing a decline in its overall value. If your home looks old and unkept, potential buyers won’t be willing to invest in it.
You need to be able to spot water damage before it worsens, especially if you live in a rainy area. For example, in Seattle, it rains approximately 43% of the days in the city. This data suggests that it has 156 rainy days yearly, which can increase the chances of extensive water damage.
Luckily, your local contractors can repair and install quality sidings that can withstand the test of the elements. Just search Seattle Siding Contractor near me and choose trustworthy, experienced contractors who guarantee a good job. The cheapest option isn’t always the best. One botched and poor installation can result in expensive water damage, so choose reputable companies with the best reviews and accreditations.
Consider reaching out to professionals like Pacific Exteriors if you live in Seattle. Not only are they BBB-accredited, but they also provide excellent customer satisfaction, with a 4.9 rating out of 194 reviews.
By getting experts to work on your home’s siding, you can resolve the following issues that decrease your curb appeal:
- Peeling paint
- Leaks and stains
- Rotting wood
- Warped and loose boards
- Mold or mildew
By taking prompt action, you can protect your home’s exterior before it gets significantly damaged.
2. Refresh exterior paint
A new paint job is one of the fastest ways to make your home’s exterior look brand new. It would be best if you repainted your home’s outside walls every five to ten years to maintain a tidy appearance, depending on the condition of your paint. Painting your home’s exterior can cost around $1,800 to $13,000, depending on the type of paint, the size of your home, and the area you live in. For example, you can expect to pay a higher price if you live in a pricey city.
If you live in Seattle, the housing here is 111% times more expensive than the national average, making it the 8th most expensive place to live in America. So, the cost of material and labor could be twice as much compared to an area with lower living costs. Regardless, it is a sound investment that gives your home an instant makeover and has an ROI of 55%. Besides enhancing curb appeal and increasing your home’s value, a fresh coat can also protect your home from harsh weather, pests, and rotting wood.
3. Pressure wash
If you have vinyl or metal siding, you should wash your home at least once a year to instantly give it a fresh and neat appearance while also getting rid of harmful contaminants like mold or algae. Routinely pressure washing your home can protect your home and help you save money in the long run over other cleaning techniques. It can cost you around $400 and can increase the average sale value. You can also clean your windows when power washing your home for a better impact.
When guests or potential buyers pull up to your driveway and see a spick and span surface and exterior, it will give them a good impression. Not only can you give your home a fresh look, but you can also clear up dirt and dust from your curb. It can be especially helpful in clearing up mud from your sidings, especially if you live in Seattle, where it can rain a lot.
4. Maintain your roof
Your roof covers a huge amount of your home’s exterior surface. It has a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal. A roof with cracked or missing shingles makes your home look old and untidy, giving guests and potential buyers a negative impression. The constant deterioration from the elements, especially Seattle’s constant rain, can cause extensive water damage. Your roof can leak due to the accumulating water and experience leaks, which can stain your exterior walls and give an unsightly appearance.
To prevent the need for extensive roof repairs, you should regularly inspect its shingles for signs of damage and clean the gutters. However, remember the following tips when repairing your roof:
- Get matching shingles if you need to replace a few missing or damaged shingles.
- Repair roof leaks as soon as you detect them to prevent extensive water damage.
- In case of unrepairable damage, consider a replacement.
- Flatten curling shingles with roofing cement tar.
- Effectively cover roof nail heads.
- Check the caulk around your vents and ensure it is intact.
Regularly maintaining your roof can increase its lifespan and keep it looking new. It can also decrease the chances of needing expensive repairs.
Conclusion
The first impression has the most impact, so make it count by working on the curb appeal of your home. By following the tips in this article, you can spruce up your home and have a beautiful exterior that matches your interior. Whether you want to sell your home or give it a fresh look, boosting your curb appeal can never go wrong.
