Upgrading The Front Of Your Property – 3 Essential Projects

There are many reasons to upgrade the front facade of your home. Perhaps you are looking to add value, you want a more modern look, or you want it to better fit in with the homes around it? However, no matter the reason, there are three projects that will always boost the look of your home. Keep reading to find out what they are. 

Get new windows 

Windows, every home has them! Also, if you invest in good quality well-chosen windows it can make a massive difference to the way the front and outside of your property looks. Now you are probably wondering what well-chosen means? Well, it’s all about matching the right type of window to the property you have. 

For example, a modern style picture window may not be the best choice for the front of a terrace property that dates from the 1800s. Indeed, it may look out of place, and lower the value and the curb appeal of your home. However, in a much more modern style house, these could work perfectly. 

Additionally, period homes with historic significance need window replacements that while not original, do evoke the style of the time in which they were built. Indeed, in many places, this is written into law, rather than being an option for the owner to decide. 

Before you go ahead and replace the windows in your home to improve its facade there are some considerations you must make. The first of these is the amount of hassle and disruption having your windows replaced can cause. After all, it can be a pretty significant task, that even when completed by professionals can be a mess and a disruption to your daily routine. Luckily, there are companies like Renewal by Andersen that offer a full window and door replacement service, from start to finish. Something that should keep the time this task takes to a minimum, and any disruption low. 

Then there is the cost of replacing the windows in the front of your home to consider. Again the date that your property was built may come into play here. With period homes requiring more expensive windows, often crafted by hands. Usually, the cheaper option will be UPVC windows, however, these don’t always look the best compared to windows crafted from other specialist materials, so it is worth doing your research beforehand. 

Replace exterior finish 

If your property is looking dated, damaged, or dirty, you may wish to consider refinishing the exterior. Indeed, there is a range of finishes for the exterior of your home to choose from here including cladding, rendering, and paint. There are also methods of cleaning the original brick or stonework of your home that can restore it to its former glory. 

In particular, if you are looking to modernize the look of the front of your home, then cladding can work well. This is when materials are added to the facade of your building to create an entirely new look. Often wood-style cladding is popular because it provides the look of real wood, but is much more robust and easy to clean. 

If keeping costs low are your prime concern here, then paint may well be the best option. Of course, if you are going to paint the exterior of your home you will need to invest in the right equipment. This means paint suitable for outdoor use, and a roller machine or paint gun that will make your task much faster. 

Sandblasting is another popular option that can transform the look of your home’s facade. Indeed, it is especially popular for homes in urban areas where pollution can lead to a lot of discoloration of the original building materials used. Sandblasting can also be a great choice for older buildings, although remember if your home is a period property, you will need to seek permission before using this technique. 

Lastly, if the stone or brickwork on the front of your home is showing signs of damage, rendering may be the best choice. This is because it can help form a protective layer that both keeps the original outer structure intact, and also improves the aesthetic appearance of your home. 

Build an extension

One of the most effective ways of improving the look of the front of your home is to build an extension. Indeed, an extension will not only provide you with more space inside but can also change the shape and look of your property from the front as well. 

There are many different types of extensions to consider, and not all are suitable for the front of the home. However, options such as adding a porch can work particularly well as they both enhance the look of your home, and provide extra space, as well as a more effective transition from the outside to the inside when entering your property. 

Having said that, depending on the way your home is laid out, you could go so far as to add a double or single story extension. A front deck or veranda are also wonderful ways of adding to the facade of your home that can transform its curb appeal and not only increase the value but how you and your family live. 

There are some issues that you will need to decide on before embarking on an extension. The first and arguably most important one is whether you will need planning permission. This will differ depending on the location you live in, but it is always worth checking beforehand. Otherwise, you could end up putting up an extension and then being instructed to take it all down again, which is a vast waste of money and time. 

Next, be sure to have a proper plan for the extension you are building. After all, if you are looking to boost your home’s look and value a shoddily constructed addition, not completed by experts will hardly do the job. 

Lastly, before adding an extension to the front of your home, you must consider the costs involved. In particular, be sure to compare the cost of the project to the potential return that adding an extension could offer. Then you will be able to easily see whether to go ahead with this facade improving work, or whether it would be better to pick another option.