There are certain things that happen to a home’s exterior over time that give indications you might need to deal with basic renovations. It seems inevitable that you’ll face some kind of makeover on your home as the years go by. So, what are the signs that your home needs an exterior makeover? Here are some indicators for an exterior makeover.
Leaky Roof
When your roof is leaking, there are a couple of things happening. Either your roofing system has reached its peak of 25 years plus or whoever originally installed and serviced your roof did a lousy job. Whatever the cause, your roof either needs replacement or major repairs. Those repairs can be costly, and the total cost will depend on the square footage of your roof. If your roof is experiencing cracked or missing shingles or the shingles are curling and cupping and clawing are present, it’s probably time for a replacement. Also, when you see your roof sagging, it could mean structural or foundational issues are going on and those are serious problems that require immediate attention.
Paint
When the paint on the exterior of your house fades, chips have a dirty look or is simply peeling and wearing off, it’s time to find the right paint color, repair any damage, and paint. Patchwork and priming may be necessary before painting. You can eliminate an extra step by using a good paint with a primer in it. When you’ve lived in a home for several years, the indicators of exterior paint deterioration are fairly obvious and show the need for a makeover. Exposure to the elements and other conditions leads to needing a paint job. Just be sure you look for color schemes that fit in with the style of your home and the neighborhood as a whole.
Exterior Coverings
Whether your home has vinyl siding, brick, wood, or something else, these covering types will eventually show signs of deterioration. Whatever is happening with any of these exteriors will require some kind of repair or renovation, whether that comes through completely replacing siding or painting it, plus you’ll want to consider termite and pest proofing with wood. Brick repair will require patching over the old mortar. No matter the exterior cladding or covering, the exterior of your home is important and when the signs of significant deterioration are there, you’ll have to acknowledge it and either do the work yourself or hire a contractor to help you.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks on the outside of your home are one sign that there is definitely a need to investigate the problem and move on from there with repairs and renovation. When you notice damage on the walls of your foundation and aren’t sure just how serious they are, you’ll want to investigate further. If you notice crumbling, flaking, gaps, cracks, ruptures, or moisture accumulation in specific areas there could be issues with the support of your home. Major cracks of any kind should be investigated, whether in the foundation or the outside walls of a home.
Windows
New windows can change the entire appearance of a home. A fairly pleasant house with old dilapidated windows gives the wrong impression, plus old windows leak air and can cause damage that includes wood rot, mold and mildew buildup, water retention, and even foundational problems and not to mention the ever-increasing utility bills. If you’re having any of these issues with windows, it may be time for a window makeover. There are many choices in styles, sizes, and shapes that will enhance your home and make it appear new on the exterior.
Landscaping
One important factor with any exterior home makeover is giving your home curb appeal and ultimate value. You can do that through a landscaping upgrade. If your plantings are sparse, messy and your lawn is full of weeds and is dry, those are just a few signs that your home’s exterior needs a makeover. Any kind of greenery can make a home appear finished looking. Just find plants and flowers that grow well in your area and can withstand the weather. You’ll want to consider the time you’ll spend on personal maintenance. If you use and incorporate landscaping materials like rocks, wood chips, artificial turf, and cement in your plan, you can save money and limit your time on maintenance.
Garage Doors
If you have a garage and your garage doors look old, dated and the doors are squeaky and slow to open and close, it may be time to replace them. Old garage doors can create a distraction from the rest of your home, and any new and updated doors can bring a totally new look to the exterior of your home. When you want to add value to your home and enhance its exterior, installing new garage doors is a good place to start. You’re increasing the value of your home and adding to its resale value with new garage doors.
Exterior Lighting
One front porch light won’t illuminate the exterior of your home like a grouping of lights will. If the outside of your home is dark and dreary with nothing more than a light near the door, the time is right for a lighting makeover. The right lighting can alter the appearance of your home and give a welcoming presence to it. You can expand your exterior lighting with both security lighting and decorative lighting. Use double sconces at your doorway and lighten your landscaping with solar lighting and pathway lights.
Selling Your Home
Eventually, your home will probably be for sale, but if any of these troubling signs go unchecked, you’ll probably have to scramble around to do even a few of them in order to get your home ready to sell. Obviously, if you’re planning on putting up your home for sale in the future, an exterior makeover can make the difference in selling your home.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs that your home really needs an exterior makeover, but you’re unclear as to the specifics of what those signs mean, get in touch with RGB Construction. Call them at 856-264-9093. They’ll answer your questions and help you understand the signs of exterior damage to your home and what you can do about any or all of them.
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