Refreshing your home’s exterior is exciting. New siding, updated trim, modern paint colors – these are all really effective updates that can help increase the value of your home and its curb appeal. Not to mention it provides you with a beautiful home to look at every time you finish work. While exterior updates are effective, they have the ability to quickly backfire when decisions are rushed or they heavily rely on temporary trends over long-term planning.
Before you start ordering materials or tearing things down, it is worth getting an understanding of some of the most common house exterior update mistakes homeowners often regret later down the line. To help you on this journey and ensure you invest your money wisely, here are a few of the mistakes to consider.
#1 Not taking into consideration the original character of the house
One of the biggest mistakes is forcing a design style that clashes with the architecture. Social media may persuade you that a sleek, modern makeover is going to be a good idea, but it can look completely different in a home of a different style or age.
Exterior updates should work with the existing structure and character of the property, enhancing what is already there. Consider the window proportions, rooflines, structural symmetry and other features, as these will heavily influence what will look natural and what will feel awkward or disjointed.
#2 Skimping or avoiding repairs
Brick exteriors on a property are pretty durable, but they aren’t invincible. It can also depend on the quality of bricks that were used in the past, the common weather in your location, and the skills of the contractor. A common mistake is just making the assumption that brickwork is maintenance-free. Over time, the mortar can deteriorate, moisture can seep in, and small cracks can expand.
It is important that first, you get your brickwork inspected, as this is an important part of your home’s foundation. You then need to source a trusted brick supplier, as the quality of the bricks matters greatly. Ensure that the bricks are highly rated for the climate, and the mortar matches the original composition.
#3 Neglecting landscaping and lighting
A home that is freshly painted may be a good idea in theory, but it can feel underwhelming or like something is missing. This can often be thoughtful landscaping and lighting. Exterior updates aren’t just the walls; increasing curb appeal goes beyond that. A big mistake is not adding small, intentional or finishing touches to your property. Big renovations are complete, but the small things are forgotten. Consider things like improving the lighting down your pathway, modernizing your house numbers, using colors or features around your window frames, framing architectural features, and more.
Exterior upgrades should consider how they can enhance both the durability of your home and its appearance. When you take time to thoughtfully make a plan, with awareness of common mistakes, you can elevate the value and charm of your home.
