
There are a number of reasons to love living in Illinois. Apart from excellent schools, job opportunities, and sound infrastructure, the state has intrinsic features for quality education. As a result, real estate in this state is currently on an uptrend. In fact, average California home prices rose by 5.4 percent last year.
Owning your own home is a huge achievement, but you must keep investing time and effort to ensure your house will still be worth as much. Some exterior upgrades can greatly impact the value of your Illinois home. Aside from this, exterior upgrades will equally enhance your home’s layout, look, and feel and add better energy efficiency.
Home Exterior Upgrades
Here are some home improvement measures you can take to boost your home’s curb appeal and value.
1. Invest in roof maintenance
We shouldn’t have to tell you that the roof is one of a house’s most important features. A broken roof can cause water damage, high electrical bills, and a real effect on your attics. If you need to get an entire roof re-done, that can be expensive, but that isn’t always the case.
A roofing company can notify you of what sort of damage was done to your roof and will show you the various choices. So, you can always call an Illinois roofer to inspect your roof.
Having a roof allows you to choose from many options. Asphalt shingles, for instance, are popular because they are easy to install, versatile, and affordable. Research statistics state that the ROI on the purchase and installation of an asphalt shingle roof in your Illinois house is almost 58%.
2. Design a usable outdoor area
But when someone says “improving your outdoor area,” what does that even mean? Extend a patio build a deck for a night under the stars, or add a fire pit to huddle around on crisp nights — the options are many. Similarly, you can invest in a swimming pool, build a barbeque corner, or perhaps even a hot tub. These improvements to your outdoor space will create a more beautiful home and an excellent selling point when the time comes.
3. Upgrade the siding
Broken, cracked, or misshapen siding does the overall appearance of a home no favor. There’s also the matter of the damaged siding, which won’t protect your home’s exterior from extreme weather, potentially increasing your electric bill due to poor insulation. Finally, damaged siding can harbor mold and pests, too.
As such, new siding is a great way to add both cosmetic appeal and functionality to your home. However, updating your siding is not one-size-fits-all. For those of you wanting to add energy efficiency to your home, for example, try insulated vinyl siding. On the other hand, metal siding is best for a sleek, modern look.
4. Upgrade the windows
Damaged or dingy old windows not only make your home feel outdated but can also cause higher power bills due to improper insulation. There are many types and materials to choose from for windows.
While new windows can be a great upgrade for any home, this type of renovation can also be pricey. In Illinois, it will cost around $4,800 to $8000. If you are not in a position to replace the windows at the moment, restoration can also do wonders for your home.
5. Add a fresh coat of paint
Even repainting can work wonders for your home’s curb appeal. Exterior painting provides a fresh coat of paint to your home’s exterior and allows you to play with colors, improve aesthetics, etc. Apart from that, painting the outside is also a great way to keep it safe from the elements.
6. Illuminate the exterior
With outdoor lighting, you can enhance the positive atmosphere and the safety of your house at once. Highlight how unique aspects of your home can be emphasized with lighting. You may want to install ground lights around the trees, porch lighting to make your doors more visible, and driveway lights, too. Also, buildings could install motion sensor lights to enhance security.
7. Add some greenery
A well-kept front yard or garden will make your home more attractive from the street and help create a positive first impression when people visit. Besides this, several studies have also shown the personal benefits of being around plants. You may introduce diverse flowers and trees and even have colorful pots and windows to make a welcoming place. However, if you are not the gardening type, you can always choose low-maintenance plants and trees.
8. Install a new garage and front door
A great way to elevate your exterior is to update your garage door. And while a new garage door may not be the world’s most exciting home improvement, you’ll get (or want) an upgrade that enhances looks, safety, function, and insulation.
A new front door is another top-tier exterior improvement that pays dividends. If your front door is not broken, a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware can transform it entirely. If you are going to replace your front door, however, be sure to select one that matches the rest of the home’s aesthetic. For instance, contemporary front doors fit minimalistic and new types of homes. Conversely, artisan-style doors work well for a vintage look.
9. Consider adding a fence
A fence adds massive value to your home as a way to re-invent the exterior. In fact, a fence can provide a return on investment of around 50% to 70%. In addition, setting up a fence can provide more privacy and security too.
You are sure to find a fence with a standard design and price that blends well with your home’s overall design. For example, a stone or brick fence is a luxury, high-quality material that is also very long-lasting. You may also go with wood or even vinyl if you desire not to deal with wood fencing maintenance.
To maximize your home value home improvement project returns in an appreciating real estate market like Illinois, a focus on home maintenance and functionality, as well as additional value, is essential. As a result, few home improvements are better, from both curb appeal and return on investment perspectives, than a few key exterior upgrades. Creating a budget, considering the cost and return on investment, and working with a trusted contractor to bring your ideas to life is recommended.