Summer is a great time to tackle many of your home projects and especially the exterior of your home. We found these 13 great projects that you can do to revitalize the look of your home. And as always, Apex can help you with projects involving window replacement, roof repair and new siding.
Revive Your Home’s Exterior
Become the best-looking house in the neighborhood in just a weekend. Fix up your home’s exterior with these easy and affordable ideas.
Mix & Match Siding
Who says your home’s exterior has to be covered in only one type of siding? Consider combining materials to highlight your home’s architectural features without breaking the bank. Narrow tongue-and-groove planks draw attention and add character to this bungalow’s charming entryway.
Redo Your Front Door
A new front door — or just a fresh coat of paint on the existing one — adds immediate appeal to your home’s facade. Weigh pros and cons of various materials such as wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and metal, and pick one that suits your home’s style and your budget.
Dress Up Your Garage
Install a decorative architectural arbor above your garage door to de-emphasize a front-loaded garage. The structure adds personality and provides a place to grow climbing plants.
Build a Path
A walkway from your driveway or sidewalk to your front door is easy to create and will greatly increase your home’s curb appeal. Lay parallel garden hoses to test placement options. You can also try curving the path to add visual interest.
Light the Night
Surround your outdoor living spaces with lighting that will let you carry the conversation into the evening. Installing low-voltage lights is a simple do-it-yourself project; or skip the need for electrical wiring by choosing solar-powered lights.
Refresh Your Deck
In just a weekend, you can give your deck an updated look. Friday night: Remove all furniture and other items from the deck. Saturday morning: Pressure-wash the surface to remove dirt; use warm, soapy water and a scrub brush to remove old mold and mildew. Sunday morning: Stain the deck using a paint roller. You should be able to walk on your deck by nightfall. Add your furniture back Monday night.
Revitalize Vinyl Siding
A simple, twice-a-year rinse with a garden hose should keep vinyl siding looking new. If the siding has been neglected for years, rub it down with a mixture of 3 parts water to 1 part bleach (cover your plants before you apply it). Don’t use a power sprayer; the force of the water can bend the pliable material just enough to let water sneak in behind it.
Inspect Your Roof
Inspect the metal flashing around your chimney and vents for rust to prevent leaks. Replace the material as necessary. Also, check your shingles for moss and mildew growth and treat it accordingly.
Manage Rainwater Runoff
Bent or disconnected gutters and downspouts look unflattering and allow water to drain where it shouldn’t. Seal gutters that leak at the seams with a smear of silicone caulk. Also consider a gutter-cover system to prevent debris from getting in and clogging your downspouts. Before you replace any gutters, inspect the fascia boards beneath them since they might need replacing.
Install Window Shutters
Installing window shutters is an easy way to bump up your home’s curb appeal. Step 1: Measure your windows. Step 2: Buy shutters that are sized to cover the windows when they’re closed (even if you opt for the less-expensive inoperable shutters). Step 3: Install according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Update Hardware
Give your existing front door a new personality by replacing the hardware. Always remember that a well-lit front door makes a home look warm and welcoming, so install or update your front-entry lighting as needed. Use compact fluorescent bulbs to keep your energy bill low.
Revive Exterior Trim
One easy way to boost curb appeal is by repainting your home’s trim. For a classic, timeless look choose a neutral color such as brown, white, or cream. To add a stamp of personal style, consider painting trim a contrasting hue such as black, green, or purple so it can be easily spotted from the street.
Create a Perfect Patio
Earn style points for your home with an outdoor living area such as a cement patio or deck. A pergola helps define the gathering space and provides climbing plants the perfect spot to latch on. Surround the space with outdoor lights to ensure it can be used during the day and at night.
Source courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens
Last Updated on April 17, 2017 by ApexRoofingServices
