Home improvement is a favorite pastime for many homeowners. Projects such as outdoor home renovations and landscaping can make a dramatic difference to the value of a house. The following article provides advice on how to carry out these projects effectively, safely, and cost-effectively.
Ideally, large outdoor projects should be carried out during the autumn and winter months. During the summer, these types of projects usually require working with power tools outside, which can be unpleasant in hot weather. Also, during this time, most people would prefer spending their weekends relaxing outdoors or enjoying outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping instead of doing hard physical work in their homes.
Winter is also a good time for these types of projects as many plants and some wood-based materials may be less expensive due to the winter season. In addition, there is very little risk of damage from insects or plant diseases since most pests are dormant at this time of year. Some pests such as termites become active again in late winter, so it’s a good idea to get a pest inspection before starting a project.
Choosing the Best Time for an Upgrade
Once it’s decided which projects to tackle, the next step is to decide when would be the best time for each of them. If there are any existing projects that have been planned out but not started yet, these should also be scheduled to begin around this time. For example, if a driveway needs reconstruction, it’s best to wait for warmer weather in order to pave the new one. Doing this in cold weather would just create more work and cost since the paving would need to be laid on top of gravel or dirt which still needs to be removed from the ground when it thaws out.
Outdoor Home Improvement Ideas
The following are some popular ways to add value to a home:
Paving
Driveways, paths, and patios can improve the appearance of any home. In addition to making a house look more attractive, they’re also useful for giving easy access to various parts of the property and can be used as outdoor entertaining areas. A new driveway can add value to a house and should be laid as soon as possible after a sale has been completed.
Landscaped Garden
A landscaped garden can enhance the look of a house. The front yard is usually the first place that potential buyers will look when they visit a house for sale, so even if it’s currently overgrown, an effective clean-up should be carried out to make it more appealing. This may involve cutting down tall grasses and planting new hedges and flowers. This will dramatically improve the first impression of a house.
Address Stone
Adding a high-quality address stone to the front of a house can also be very effective for adding value. It’s important to make sure it’s visible from the street, so it should ideally be positioned on the porch or pathway leading up to the house. If there is room, another option would be to put it near the mailbox at the end of the driveway. This will make it easier for postal workers and buyers to locate the address when they’re delivering mail or carrying out inspections.
An address stone is advantageous compared to numbers on a mailbox because it makes it much easier to find an address in the dark or in bad weather when visibility is limited. The address stone can also be easily seen when the house has its lights on at night.
Garden Feature
A garden feature can also be an effective addition to increasing a property’s value. A couple of popular choices are water features and gazebos. A small pond is one of the most impressive ways to make a front yard stand out, especially when it’s filled with colorful fish or plants. This can be combined with a decked area for sitting and enjoying the view, although it’s important to make sure there is access to the house in case of emergencies.
Gazebos are great for creating versatile entertaining areas where friends and family can relax during warm weather months. Gazebos come in various designs and sizes, so they’re suitable for all types of gardens. They can also be used as a play area for children or even to keep pets safe while the owners are away at work.
Safe and Attractive Lighting
Good lighting makes a property more attractive to potential buyers. Investing in solar-powered or low-energy light bulbs can also save money on electricity bills after the upgrade has been completed, as well as reduce power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Renovating your house this year can make a big difference to its value and curb appeal. The key is to make sure that the changes you make are permanent by making them as strong as possible.
