JUDGE A HOUSE BY ITS COVER
Sell it from the outside,
Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to boost the curb appeal of your home, stepping up your exterior game can make a huge difference in how inviting your home looks and feels.
According to Mara Schachter, principal at Mara Schachter Design in Toronto, these are the strategic, impactful outdoor renovations worthy of your time.
Invest in landscaping As subjective as landscaping can be, it’s important not to overlook this area of your home’s exterior. “My advice is to keep it simple. A Versailles-like maze of boxwoods may look like beauty to some, but a burden to others,” Schachter says. To get the most crowd-pleasing effect, start by tidying scrappy garden beds, trim wayward plant tufts, cut back overgrown hedges, and lay sod or grass seed where needed. “Think of creating a space with well-placed shrubbery, a green lawn, a well-lit entryway and an inviting front door,” she says.
Consider replacing old windows and doors Just because windows and doors keep out the cold/snow/rain doesn’t mean they’re well insulated or don’t require maintenance. While they may not be falling apart or in dire need of replacement, Schachter says if you’re considering updating, think of the benefits new versions offer. “Beyond improving the esthetics of a home, replacing old windows and doors provides functional benefits too — such as less maintenance, better energy performance and even reduced street noise.”
Trying to revamp these areas on a budget? Refreshing the paint on your front door and the trim surrounding windows can revive the look of your home’s exterior. For a complete overhaul, paint your brick A little paint can go a long way in transforming the look of any home. When giving your brick exterior a facelift, first ascertain that the brick is in good condition (you may need a waterproof primer for older, more porous bricks). Determine the fixed elements — the existing brick or roof colour — and work from there, Schachter says. Keep the palette simple and consistent for the most dramatic effect, and use the best-quality exterior paints you can afford. “It’s important to remember, as well, that exterior colours need to be really toned down and have a flat finish because they intensify and look brighter in daylight on a house than they do on the colour card in the paint store.” She adds that paint application may not be appropriate for every brick house, so it’s best to consult a professional before you start the painting process.
Update your lighting Bright, well-placed exterior lights can do much to highlight your home’s architectural features and landscaping. Options are seemingly endless, so consider the role you want your lights to play — whether for safety or decorative purposes — before you buy. “You want to make sure whatever lighting you choose has the right scale and proportion,” Schachter says, “so the fixtures compliment the house’s overall style.”
Dress up your porch Infusing personality to your porch is an easy way to boost your home’s outdoor style. Repaint or re-stain areas that need it, and consider adding new or updated columns and/or railings for added visual interest. Incorporating esthetically pleasing brackets and corbels are nice touches, as is revamping your porch ceiling. Add a fresh coat of paint, replace old beadboard panels, if needed, and install a new light fixture and a few wellplaced flowers or plants to complete the space.
Install shutters Adding shutters is an easy way to boost your home’s overall exterior appeal. Look for options that are sized to cover windows when they’re closed, paying attention to how and where they’re installed. “Over time, shutters have become more decorative than functional, but it’s important that they still look like they could actually protect windows as they were originally meant to,” Schachter says. Shutters tend to look best on single windows — placing them beside double or triple variations doesn’t look as authentic, she says — and while one pair can nicely boost your home’s style, flanking them on every window isn’t necessary.
And remember ... The most worthwhile investments depend on the state of your home and the homes in your neighbourhood, Schachter says. “The most valuable renovation projects will differ from home to home because good design isn’t just about how something looks, but also about how it works. For example, replacing old windows and doors results in more than just a cleaner look; it also provides better energy performance, reduces hydro costs and improves indoor comfort.
If you’re going to stay in your house for the foreseeable future, spend now to save later.