Homeownership is a privilege, but it requires significant hard work. If you want the investment to pay off and the house to remain comfortable, ongoing maintenance and improvement are necessary. Not only will these projects keep the home functional for your needs, but they will also help the value grow so you can sell the property in the future.
As a New Jersey homeowner, one of the most important aspects of your property is the exterior. How your house looks from the outside is important for curb appeal, but the exterior must also be maintained to keep the interior comfortable.
At some point, investing money into improving an exterior element may be necessary. If you don’t want to waste money on a complex project that fails to pay off, you must know which projects will maximize your investment. Here are five exterior improvements you can make to get the most bang for your buck in NJ.
Many homes have aging or boring garage doors. This feature stands out on the front of any home and is one of the first things people may notice about a property’s exterior. Homeowners often underestimate the impact that an aesthetically pleasing garage door can have on the house.
Garage door replacements can recoup a high percentage of the costs if you sell the home, so they are fiscally intelligent projects. There are also a variety of options for your new door, including carriage house, modern, colonial, and craftsman styles. Depending on the type of door and your market, a garage upgrade could deliver a strong ROI of over 100%.
The main entrance to your home is the front door, and its design can say a lot about the property. Although many doors are built to last, changing styles can make a door look outdated on a New Jersey home. However, if you invest in a style that stands out aesthetically, the effect on curb appeal can be dramatic.
Front doors are available in various models, allowing you to customize features. Symmetrical flanking sidelights or windows around the door can bring more natural light into the home. Window panels on the door can cover the top third, top half, or most of the surface. A bold color can contrast the door with the rest of the home’s exterior.
A small variation in your home's siding can go a long way. If the entire house has the same exterior material and color on every side, it can lack curb appeal and make it harder to sell. Accent siding materials add some personality to the building, making it more aesthetically pleasing while also improving efficiency.
There are several options for adding unique accents to the outside of your house. Stone veneer offers a classic look that enhances a home's appeal when paired with traditional siding. Brick, fiber cement, and engineered wood can also add visual variety to the house, making it more aesthetically pleasing. Professional contractors like Choice Exteriors can help you select the best accent materials that suit your architecture and are cost-effective.
A roof is a vital piece of every home’s structure. If aging materials are present, elements can creep, causing water damage or temperature-control challenges. Additionally, an outdated roof can be a concern for a new buyer, who may worry about the material's longevity.
Replacing your roof can add value and style to your home’s exterior. Today, there are many roofing materials you can choose to improve your home's energy efficiency. Metal roofing is becoming more popular due to its longevity and low maintenance requirements. Composite tiles are another strong choice because they mimic the look of wood but are far more durable. You should also consider solar tiles, which can reduce your electricity costs.
Keeping your New Jersey home clean can also affect its value and appearance. Over time, siding naturally accumulates dirt, grime, and stains due to exposure to the elements. Shutters, roofs, and windows can also experience aesthetic decline for these reasons.
Cleaning your home’s exterior matters for several reasons. First, it ensures your property looks fresh and new. Second, it presents a more welcoming sight to your visitors. It also preserves the home's value; an unclean exterior could reduce it, which would affect your ability to sell the property. Dirt and grime can also damage your siding if left unaddressed, requiring repairs sooner. Just as important, removing debris from the exterior of the house will improve the health and safety of everyone inside. Even if the mess is only on the outside, it can still enter the home and affect the air quality in the living spaces.
Any big project that affects your home’s value requires careful planning and budgeting. A home is an asset, and major changes affect its value. As a homeowner in New Jersey, you should weigh the costs and benefits of any exterior project to determine whether the final result is worth the investment.
The improvements listed above have the potential to deliver a high ROI when you sell the house. Whether you invest in accent siding materials, a new front door, a garage door replacement, or an upgraded roof, these changes can affect the property's financial, functional, and aesthetic value.
