It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that a curb appeal project can really pay off. Here are six exterior upgrades that will make your home look beautiful and increase the value to boot.
Real estate brokers and home improvement blogs agree that one of the best ways to increase the value of your home is to renovate your bathroom or kitchen. But here’s the real truth: those home remodeling projects don’t usually end up being worthy investments at all, according to the 2018 Cost vs. Value Report.
There are a lot more things you can do to make your home more appealing to potential buyers and many don’t require a major overhaul. In fact, the top three most worthwhile remodeling projects, according to that same report, are exterior renovations, not the kitchen or bathroom.
Exterior Renovation Projects Rock
Exterior renovation projects fall into the category of smaller, more affordable ways to guarantee your property makes a great first impression. The area surrounding the front door, for example, can instantly determine what kind of first impression your property makes.
Here are a few easy ways to transform the exterior of your home that won’t disrupt your life (or your bank account) as much as a full kitchen or bathroom makeover will.
- Transform a Tired Old Patio Using Stone
The patio is seeing its day — today’s homeowners are realizing the value of a backyard haven where they can escape the world, entertain friends, and spend time with family. There’s a renewed interest in creating beautiful, functional patios and for homebuyers, the patio has become a new focal point.
The problem is, a brand-new patio can cost as much as a luxury kitchen upgrade! One way around this, if you’re looking to renovate and save money, is to use stone veneers. Even just an ordinary wood deck can end up looking like a stylish, modern outdoor living room when you and your hardscaper are through with it.
Identify some key areas on your deck or patio (your hardscaper can help you) where you think stone would really make a difference. Every space is unique, so your key area might be different from anyone else’s. Consider stone in sections of the flooring, on a focus wall, or on the steps.
- Channel the Old Country With a Stacked Stone Retaining Wall
Stone walls remind people of ancient farms in Europe or grand estates where royalty spend their summers. They also serve as retaining walls to keep soil in place on your property. Retaining walls are often made with concrete blocks but we suggest using stacked stone for a look that’s much more charming. A good hardscaping professional will draw up a custom plan for your property but some typical options include:
- Using a combination of boulders and a stone veneer
- Covering an existing concrete retaining wall with a layer of beautiful dry stack stone or rock
- Upgrade Your Entryway With Stone Veneer
The Cost vs. Value report we cited earlier makes it clear for homeowners: pay attention to the exterior of your home when curb appeal is your goal. And anything involving stone veneer? You’ll recover an impressive 97.10% of your investment when you sell. That makes stone veneer the second-smartest remodeling project if you’re looking to recoup the money you put in.
The most dramatic way to use stone veneer — and the best way to maximize ROI — is to outfit your front porch or entryway with a beautiful new stone look. Consider installing the panels across your front porch or on the walls surrounding your front door.
- Make Your Home Grand With a Stone Foundation
The foundation of your home can make or break the look of your property. When it has the look of solid stone or brick, it takes on an estate-like look: traditional, substantial, and classical. A stone look foundation can also transform an awkward or outdated lattice-style foundation style into a thing of beauty.
- Bring it All Together With a Unifying Stone Wall
Another yard element that’s popular with homeowners these days is the use of natural materials like boulders and stone pathways. Natural materials are in demand for beautifying all types of yard styles, from country bumpkin to a sleek, modern architectural look.
But if you take a step back and view a property in its entirety, you’ll sometimes notice that the house doesn’t quite fit in. The problem is, the use of natural materials hasn’t been carried over to the house itself.
That can be fixed with the use of a stone wall panel or two. Masonry projects can blow the budget like nothing else can, so stone wall panels or veneer can be a good option if you want to save money. They can be installed leading up to a doorway, connecting the home’s exterior with the natural elements in the back or front yard, for example. Natural stone veneer goes nicely with existing siding so don’t be afraid to mix and match. Stone panels can also cover secondary buildings on your property — sheds or a garage — for an integrated, cohesive look.
- Support a New Look by Updating Your Columns & Pillars
Lots of homes have exterior columns and pillars they can’t get rid of because they provide support. Over the years, they can begin to detract from the aesthetic value of the home. They can look dated, they’re often mismatched, and they’re often placed in awkward positions.
Stone veneer on your columns can improve the look of your home in several ways:
- They give a professional, finished look to your home
- They improve the visual cohesiveness of your home’s front and back yard
- They help increase curb appeal
- They add diversity to the overall look of your property
- They integrate well with natural elements on your property
Conclusion
With the right mix of backyard upgrades, front yard makeovers, and patio improvements, the curb appeal of your home can get a worthy boost with just a small investment. And when you’re looking for projects that can pay off, stone veneer is among the best ways to achieve your curb appeal goals. You’ll enjoy having a sophisticated look and visitors will be impressed with your home even before they walk through the front door.
