While you may spend most of your time indoors, and it makes sense to create a cozy living room or spacious bathroom, you still need to give your home’s exterior some attention. Passersby, neighbors, and guests all get their first impression from the outside of your house. Most importantly, potential buyers often make buying decisions based on your house’s curb appeal, especially if you are trying to sell your home in a competitive real estate market in a city like Pittsburgh, PA.

On average, homes in Pittsburgh receive three offers before a sale, which typically takes around 51 days to finalize. That isn’t great to hear as a potential seller, which is why it’s important to make your home as appealing as possible.

In this article, we’re sharing some easy-peasy ways to give your home's exterior a fabulous makeover. Let’s begin!

Update Roofing

Updating your roofing is hands down one of the most critical home improvement projects. The roof protects you, your loved ones, and your possessions from rain, snow, hail, etc. Therefore, it needs to be in good condition to do its job effectively.

Besides, older roofs can lead to energy wastage. During hot summers, they allow cool air from your air conditioning system to escape, and during cold winters, they let heat slip away. This inefficiency translates to higher energy bills.

Depending on your location, the frequency of necessary roof repairs might vary. For example, let's say you live in Pittsburgh. On average, the wetter season lasts about 5 months, with there being a greater than 31% chance of rain on any given day. So, you might have to repair your roof more often in Pittsburgh compared to cities with more forgiving climates. We recommend you always contact the top Pittsburgh roofers to get the job done. Companies like EAS Roofing can ensure that you get the best possible service to protect your home.

Install Solar Panels

Solar power is one of the most popular renewable energy solutions, and for a good reason. One of the biggest upsides of installing solar panels is the substantial savings on your electricity bills. According to a recent study, you could potentially reduce your energy bills by $1,500 annually with solar panels. Since good solar panels typically last for 25-30 years, you can easily save over $30,000 on electricity throughout their life spans. As a result, the initial cost of installing solar panels will easily be offset by the savings on utility bills.

Apart from that, homes equipped with solar energy systems are highly attractive to potential buyers. This means your property will be more marketable and potentially fetch a higher price.

Before installing solar panels, don’t forget to conduct a shading analysis to identify potential obstructions like buildings, trees, or chimneys that could cast shadows on the solar panels. Even partial shading could substantially reduce energy production. Therefore, minimize the shading as much as possible before proceeding any further.

Once solar panels are installed, plan for regular inspections. While modern-day solar panels are low-maintenance, occasional cleaning is necessary to keep the system operating efficiently in the long run.

Apply Fresh Paint

Beyond aesthetics, fresh paint serves as a protective shield for your home against the elements. It safeguards the exterior from harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and UV rays. That way, you preserve the integrity of your home’s structure and keep costly repairs at a safe distance.

While preferences are an important factor, there are basic standards to follow when figuring out what paint color would look best on a particular house. For example, if the exterior of your house consists of stones or bricks, you should use brighter colors like orange and red. Conversely, for homes with A-frame designs, softer tones such as green and blue often create a more serene and inviting ambiance.

Since you might want to DIY this project, make it a point to wear appropriate safety gear, including goggles, gloves, and a mask to protect yourself from fumes and dust. If you have to use a ladder, ensure it is placed on an even surface.

Invest In A Water Feature

Back in the day, water features were once a luxury reserved for grand estates. However, over time, they have become more and more common. Water features provide a sensory experience that can make you feel connected to nature, even within the confines of your property.

The good news is that the market is peppered with an abundance of different types of water features. This means that regardless of your home's architectural style or your personal aesthetic, there’s a water feature that can seamlessly integrate into your outdoor space.

Different water features require varying levels of maintenance. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into cleaning, repairing, and winterizing the feature. If you have a busy lifestyle, low-maintenance options might be more suitable for you.

Upgrade Driveway

As the entrance to your home, the driveway is subject to constant wear and tear due to vehicular traffic, weather conditions, and other environmental factors. Over time, cracks, potholes, and surface deterioration can occur. If your driveway shows any of these signs, it may be time to upgrade it.

Whether you need additional parking space or a smoother surface for easier mobility, a revamped driveway could be customized to meet your specific needs. A well-designed driveway also sets the stage for the rest of your exterior upgrades. It ties together landscaping, the front entrance, and other outdoor elements.

Unlike in the past, you have a host of driveway options at your disposal nowadays. Asphalt driveways are a popular choice due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. They provide a smooth surface for vehicles and are relatively easy to install. On the other hand, concrete driveways make for a modern look. They are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance. With concrete, you may also opt for various finishes, such as stamped, stained, or exposed aggregate, to make it stand out.

Make sure your new driveway is designed with proper drainage to prevent water accumulation and damage. Also, consider landscaping around the driveway to complement its design and round off the edges.

Conclusion

When you go back to your house after a tiring day and see your home’s exterior in tip-top shape, it can be a huge mood booster. Regardless of the type of property you have, you can always spice up its exterior. These tips should help you get started, and by the end of your renovation journey, you should have an exterior that isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but also extremely functional.