Home improvement upgrades can give an instant boost to the structure’s overall appearance. Unlike minor touch-ups, a house exterior will bring the most bang for your buck when it comes to making a noticeable improvement to the home’s curb appeal.
Having these exterior parts of a house in top form can make the home feel more welcoming, more polished, more functional, and more desirable — all of which can be important in calculating the market value of a property and increasing day-to-day quality of life. Plus, with so many neighborhoods enforcing community housing codes, keeping the exterior polished and in full working order can be a necessary task!
Whether working with a large or small house exterior, there are areas that can make a big difference, and regardless of the different shapes of houses, these seven components consistently remain key factors in a home’s overall appearance:
1. Soffit
The soffit is one of the most underrated parts of a house exterior and can often be overlooked when homeowners are looking over the home for routine maintenance. However, the soffit is an incredibly important area of the home’s exterior. Located on the underside of architectural features like overhanging eaves and arches, it serves as an important layer of defense between the outdoors and the indoors.
Since it is consistently in the shade, the soffit can be at a huge risk of mold growth, warping, rotting, and general wear and tear from exposure to harsh weather. Squirrels, racoons, and other rodents can also pose a threat to the soffit, as they may try and scratch their way inside to use a warm attic for shelter or nesting.
From the ground up, a damaged soffit is instantly noticeable and unsightly, compromising the other aesthetically pleasing features of the home. Replacing the soffit can dramatically improve the look of the home’s exterior while also reinforcing some of the most vulnerable parts of a house exterior.
2. Windows
Replacing the windows can also be an excellent way to make a noticeable improvement in the home’s exterior. In addition to beautifying the home, new windows can serve as a practical improvement, too. There are many windows on the market today that are designed with wonderful enhancements that can make the home more energy-efficient. Whether designed to block UV rays or to provide better ventilation strategies, investing in new windows can be an excellent way for homeowners to see dramatic improvements in quality of life while also boosting the curb appeal of their home.
3. Gutters
Though gutters may not be the most exciting upgrade for homeowners to tackle, they are one of the exterior parts of a house that need to be in full working order year-round. Clogged, leaky, or unstable gutters can seriously disrupt the flow of water during a downpour, which can lead to puddles, drips, and overflow. Getting the gutters in top shape can prevent serious damage, like foundational shifting, due to water buildup.
4. Driveway
There’s nothing quite like having smooth pavement that allows visitors to park in the driveway without hitting bumps, tripping, or stepping in puddles. Just like gutters, cracked, outdated driveways can disrupt the flow of water after heavy rains, which can lead to more serious problems, like swamped yards and sinking foundations.
5. Trim
Another one of the parts of a house exterior that can make a big difference in curb appeal is the trim. Different shapes of houses will have different styles of house trim, but the most important aspect is for the trim to be perfectly aligned and color coordinated with other parts of a house exterior, like siding, doors, shutters, and roofing. Homeowners can consider trim like outlining on an illustration — it helps emphasize the exterior colors and architecture.
6. Siding
Perhaps one of the most important exterior parts of a house to keep attractive, siding is usually one of the first things that people notice when looking at a home. Color, texture, and material are all components that can bring unique character to the house. Since siding is the first line of defense against the elements, it’s important to select a high-quality siding material that offers enhanced durability without sacrificing style — otherwise, homeowners can get used to replacing their siding every few years.
7. Roof
Finally, roofing can make a huge difference in the performance and look of a home. As with house siding, the durability of the roofing materials selected should be a top priority. After all, the roof protects the rest of the home from hail, snow, sun exposure, and more. In addition, be sure to coordinate the color of the roofing with the rest of the exterior parts of a house, including the siding and the trim, in order to help create a cohesive look for the home.
Improve Your Curb Appeal
These exterior parts are most likely to draw attention and contribute to the overall impression of your home from the outside. Whether you’re planning to sell or improving your living arrangements, consider making upgrades to one or more of these elements during your next home improvement project.
For more details on a high quality, stylish home siding product that’s suitable for any home, contact the experts at Allura today.
