If you are hoping to increase your home's curb appeal while adding value to your home, but you aren't quite sure which improvements will add the maximum value to your home, you have come to the right place.
Below is a list of exterior home improvements (and their associated ROI) that will add value to your home and add appeal home buyers are looking for!
But first, why exterior home improvements you ask?
Home buyers will often make a decision whether or not to purchase a house in the first 15 seconds of seeing it, so improving the exterior adds tremendous value and can help sell your home more quickly!
Realtors such as Herman Landon in the St. Louis area are finding that beautiful homes are not only selling faster, but exterior design improvements such as roofing, siding, windows, outdoor gathering spaces and more are adding up to 150% ROI!
So, if you want a beautifully designed house now while increasing the value of your home for resale tomorrow, explore these exterior renovation improvements outlined below.
Roofing - 68%
The integrity of a roof is paramount when it comes to protecting your investment and a dated roof is not only an eyesore, but it's also a liability!
It probably goes without saying (but I feel like saying it anyway), if a leak were to develop in your roof, not only would you be looking at replacing the roof but you may have to make some other unnecessary repairs to the underlayment, structure or drywall as water intrusion is a costly one.
The national figures for a roof replacement according to Remodeling Magazine is approximately $22k with a home value increase of $15.5k (68% return).
While these are fairly reliable figures, I believe they are undervalued because there is no tangible dollar value for the comfort of knowing your roof is secure and your investment is protected.
Also, a leaking roof is not something anyone wants to deal with, especially not those buying the home. I've always felt that a newer roof brought closer to 100% ROI and buyer confidence which is invaluable.
Siding - 76% / Windows 73%
If your siding or windows are in disrepair, Re-siding or replacing those windows gives you the ability not only to improve on the appearance of the materials but the overall character of the home!
This is one of the larger investments that can truly change the overall character and value of a home. Look to cement fiber shaker siding and decorative grill windows for your craftsman homes. For a more contemporary look, check out panelized systems or vertical board and batten siding.
Replacing the standard 4" horizontal lap siding with something a little more unique can completely transform the exterior!
According to Remodeling Magazine, the national average ROI for siding replacement is at 75%, but what isn't considered in these numbers is whether or not these siding replacement jobs also added some charm to the home or if they just replaced 4" vinyl lap siding with newer 4" vinyl lap siding.
If you are planning to replace your home's siding get an exterior design together and improve your home's appearance because your home will be worth more if it's pretty to look at!
Simple changes can make all the difference too! Just check out the exterior designs below!
I firmly believe making the right design choices can pay much higher dividends.
Entry Door - 76% / Garage Door - 98%
Remember what I said about homebuyers making a decision in the first 15 seconds of seeing a home? Well, I believe this can be a big part of that (in the best kind of way)!
Many American homes have garage doors that face the street so it only makes sense that if the home has an attractive front door and complimentary garage door(s), home buyers will be impressed at the outset!
You want an even better ROI for your front & garage door? Don't get a basic 6 panel fiberglass front door and a white panel garage door to boot.
Instead do something to make those features unique and creative that adds to the character and curb appeal of your home!
Outdoor Gathering Space - ROI Varies
Creating comfortable spaces for gathering outside is like expanding your living space beyond the walls of your home.
Creating comfortable outdoor spaces will make your home feel larger, and filled with more amenities while also leaving potential buyers imagining their lives in those spaces.
Extraspace.org recommends the following exterior gathering spaces for increasing your home's value: Patio, Outdoor Kitchen, Wooden Deck, Pergola/Overhang, Firepit, Pool.
Landscaping - 120%
This may not be the least bit surprising but great landscaping plays a major role in home value as it can increase your home's value by 20%!
Whether it's a floral garden or drought-tolerant beautifying your home's surroundings is as important as the home itself!
Great landscape design is more than just things that grow too! It also involves lighting, fencing, hardscape, footpaths, seating and more!
However, you must go into your landscape design with a plan!
"The biggest landscaping mistake that homeowners make is not having a coherent plan. They decide to put a tree in, and then a few years later add some flower beds, then maybe put in some shrubs and another tree. A landscape that's assembled piecemeal looks disorganized, and that turns buyers off" - Cam Meritt homeguides.sfgate.com
If you are going to invest the time and effort into improving your home's landscaping, make sure you have a good idea of what you want the result to look like before you raise that shovel!
Summary
No matter where you start your home exterior renovations, make sure you have a plan, are considering your home's character and the ways you can improve it, and are working towards a cohesive, charming design that will net you the greatest return.
And always remember, a house that is nice to look at will always sell for more!
If you are starting these exterior renovations on your home but aren't quite sure what would look best VisioneeringHomes.com would be happy to assist you!
We equip homeowners like you with a plan to execute beautiful curb appeal through our custom exterior design services! In fact, every photo used in the post is a project we have completed with homeowners just like you!
Our licensed professionals can help you find the right design for your home with the proper siding, windows, roofing, colors and landscape design to fit your appeal! Contact us today to get your exterior renovation started!
About the Author: Brad is the CEO & Founder of Visioneering Homes. He is passionate about all things architecture, residential design, and providing easy access for homeowners to professional design services. Him and his wife have 3 kids and enjoy an adventurous life in the mountains of the American west.