If you’ve ever bought a fixer-upper, you know there’s an immediate excitement to having a home you can truly make your own. You’re buying the foundations and the structure, sure, but you also have what you’d upgrade, and what you’d completely tear out and start over with at the forefront of your mind
Due to that, it’s a very personal process and a truly rewarding project if done right. However, it’s fair to say that the exterior can often be the most intimidating part of a renovation, as it’s the first thing people see and where a lot of the structural issues are hiding.
Some examples of this include water damage, rotting wood, and cracked foundations, which aren’t always pretty to look at, but they’re solvable problems. You can make your home not only look brand new but also function properly for decades to come with the right investment and attention, and these improvements can increase the value of your property. It’s a very smart use of your money, so let us help you with it:
Consider Damaged Roof & Gutters
Your roof is going to render any other upgrades moot if you don’t repair it to protect against the elements, so it’s the most important place to start when you’re fixing up the exterior. Look for shingles that are missing, curled, or cracked, because they can let water in and cause even more restorative cost.
You’ll also want to pay special attention to your gutters, making sure they’re free of debris and directing water away from the house. A clean gutter system is essential for preventing any and all water from overflowing and damaging your siding or foundation, which is the last thing you want to see after you’ve torn out and redone the kitchen or deck..
Repair The Siding & Walls
Always consider the outer walls of a home. The siding is what protects the structure from moisture, pests, and the weather, but some homes might not have it, or could be better with it. If you can, walk around the entire house and look for any peeling paint, cracks, or signs of rot.
If your home has something like a timber cladding, look for any warping or soft spots that show the wood is failing, and have it replaced via a careful company able to reformat the structure to be more effective.
Overhaul The Landscaping
The exterior of a house is very much affected by the landscaping around it, as the last thing you want is foundational shift after you’ve put money into the home. A good starting point is to take a good look at any trees or large shrubs that are too close to the house, because their roots can threaten your foundation and their branches can damage your roof.
You’ll also want to make sure the ground slopes away from your home so water drains properly and doesn’t pool near the foundation. Clearing out overgrown plants is a wise first step, and improves the curb appeal, but also helps protect the work you’ve already done on the walls and roof.
With this advice for exterior home improvements, we hope you can more easily protect your fixer upper for the better.
Featured Photo by mingche lee
