Why Your Home’s Exterior Is More Important Than You Think
The exterior of your home is more than just a fundamental part of your architecture. It’s the first thing people see when they drive past or pull into your driveway, and certain components, like siding, are specifically designed to protect your property against the elements.
In addition to offering protection, the outside of your home creates a first impression that will be carried into your home by friends, family members, and even potential buyers. If the outside of your home looks drab or is falling apart, people (including you) are more likely to perceive the inside of your home as less-than attractive.
Ultimately, your home’s exterior aesthetics are important. Whether you live alone, entertain friends and family, or you’re planning on selling your property, here’s why you should pay special attention to how the outside looks.
1. Your home’s exterior influences the property’s value
You may not want to sell your home now, but if you do in the future, you’ll get higher bids with a beautiful exterior. According to real estate data, attractive homes sell for up to 7% more than homes that lack visual appeal. People want to feel good when they pull into their driveway, and aesthetics play a huge role in creating that experience.
If your home’s exterior needs some work, it’s not hard to upgrade. When you tend to things like your siding, roof, windows, and even your garage door, you’ll enhance your curb appeal and attract more buyers and bigger bids. When your home looks great, buyers have less leverage to negotiate price cuts. If you neglect your exterior, some buyers will walk away without ever stepping inside.
Everything from your paint and siding to landscaping can produce a better ROI when you sell your home. Don’t ignore the outside just to pursue inside projects. Curb appeal improvements can raise your property’s value more than some interior renovations.
2. Curb appeal creates an emotional response
First impressions matter. Your friends and family may not say anything, but if the outside of your home looks bad, they probably don’t feel completely cozy when they visit. There’s a chance you might feel the same way, too.
People form opinions on a home within seconds, and those impressions stick. A clean, well-kept exterior can influence feelings of trust, pride, and value, which is especially helpful when you’re trying to sell your home. On the flip side, a worn, cluttered, or damaged exterior can give the impression of neglect.
If you want your guests to feel at home and cozy in your space, creating a clean, beautiful exterior is a must. If you don’t have the budget for a complete overhaul, start small. Trim back large tree branches that hang over the roof or sit too close to your home. Power wash your siding, driveway, and sidewalks. Remove the moss and lichen from your roof if it’s been building up over time. If you have a particularly difficult lawn full of weeds, dig it all up and replant a different species of grass. You can also line walkways with beautiful flowers, solar lights, and other pieces of décor that will create a warmer welcome.
3. A worn exterior can signal big problems
While a worn exterior is ugly, like crumbling steps or sagging gutters, if your home’s exterior is in bad shape, it’s probably not just cosmetic. A neglected exterior signals that a home is in bad condition. For example, chipped paint and small leaks may seem small, but when left unaddressed, they can lead to rot, water damage, and pest infestations.
Over time, moisture in the walls will produce mold and mildew, which can become a health risk. Maintaining your home’s exterior keeps your home in good shape and prevents costly emergency repairs.
4. A neglected exterior can increase your energy bills
There are four things that need to be maintained to keep the elements out of your home – your roof, siding, doors, and windows. When any of these are compromised, you’re likely to get moisture, drafts, and even insects in the house. Drafts will increase your heating and cooling costs. Weatherproofing your home, especially the doors and windows, is the best way to maintain comfort and lower energy bills.
What’s outside matters
You could have the most beautiful home inside, but an ugly exterior will downgrade people’s perception of your home. Whether you’re trying to sell your property or you just want to enjoy your home, maintaining and even updating your exterior will make a huge difference.
