With spring only a few months away, now is the perfect time to start making a list of any home renovations you want to make. Most people focus on interior renovations, making it all too easy to overlook exterior renovations your home needs. Tending to the outside of your property can help increase your home’s value and boost curb appeal. This can range from simple tasks — such as pressure washing the driveway — to hands-on tasks, such as repainting the front door. Read on to learn about nine exterior renovations that will make your Hamptons home pop and wow guests from the moment they arrive.
1. Go green
A simple way to make your Hampton home pop is by adding some fresh foliage. Just as plants help purify the air in your home, they are also perfect for bringing some color and warmth to your outdoor space. This is an inexpensive and impactful way to increase your home’s curb appeal. Potted plants, healthy shrubs, or flower beds are all relatively easy ways to elevate your outdoor space. You can also opt for adding fresh, colorful flower arrangements in stylish planters or hanging baskets. Create your own arrangement or purchase ready-made containers. Don’t forget to incorporate a few flowers or plants in your backyard for extra appeal all around.
2. Invest in landscaping
When it comes to exterior renovations, landscaping should be at the top of the list. Landscaping will make your yard look more welcoming while adding value to your home. In fact, The Washington Post recommends investing as much as 10% of your home’s value into landscaping in an effort to make the outside as appealing as the inside of your house. Landscaping can look many different ways, such as planting trees and shrubs, adding ornamental features, or incorporating flora or fauna. Plus, if you’re planning to sell in the near future (or even in the faraway future), landscaping will help increase the value of your home. Over 75% of top real estate agents across the country say that well-landscaped homes are worth anywhere from 1% to 10% more than homes with no landscaping. Although you can certainly try to tackle this project on your own, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional to do the job. Landscapers have the knowledge and experience to get your lawn looking healthy and vibrant in no time.
3. Update your driveway
While touching up the foliage surrounding your house is important, we’re here to remind you not to forget about hardscaping! Hardscaping refers to the hard landscape materials that are incorporated in the landscape, such as a brick patio, stone wall, or concrete driveway. Make sure to check the condition of your driveway. If it’s old and decrepit, it might be a good time to consider replacing it. If it’s still in good condition, it can still benefit from a good cleaning. A pressure washer will do the trick, ridding the driveway of any dirt or grime and giving it a fresh look.
4. Add a backyard water feature
Not everyone is blessed with a green thumb, but don’t worry — there are plenty of other ways that you can spruce up your outdoor area! You can transform your backyard into a tranquil, peaceful space by incorporating a water feature. From fountains to water walls to koi ponds, the options are endless. If you’re looking for something low-maintenance and easy to install, then a birdbath might be the best choice for you. This is a surefire way to attract birds to your backyard area, and your birdbath will provide them with clean water for drinking and bathing. Before installing this feature, there are a few important elements to consider, such as the location and how you plan to keep the water clean. By following a few helpful tips and tricks, your backyard will be transformed into a watery oasis for neighborhood birds in no one time. A water wall is another simple way to improve your backyard aesthetic. Also known as a rain curtain, this wall is easily customizable and provides the perfect backyard for practicing yoga and meditation.
5. Revamp your walkway
The walkway is tasked with the important job of leading guests to the front door. It’s one of the first things that guests see when visiting, which is why it’s important to ensure your home’s walkways are in top-notch shape. If the path is overgrown or unkempt, it will make a subtle statement about the rest of your property. Ensure paver stones, stepping stones, or bricks are securely in place and create a safe footing for guests walking to and from your home.
6. Firepit
If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s outdoor entertaining area, why not consider adding a fire pit? An outdoor fire pit makes for an all-seasons attraction and creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. Plus, it can help define a gathering space for when you have guests. Traditionally, there are four different kinds of fit pits you can install — each with its own unique qualities and features. If you’re looking for a convenient option, then a propane fire pit is the best choice for you. Unlike other options, propane fire pits do not require gel fuels or firewood. Instead, these pits typically use a 20-pound propane tank that can be purchased from your local grocery store. Meanwhile, those who want a campfire in their backyard will benefit from a wood-burning fire pit. This will provide you with the same smokey ambiance and crackling sounds, all the while keeping the fire safely contained in a bowl with a safety screen cover. The Gel fuel fire pits are another popular option, as they don't emit any smoky or burnt wood smells. This type of fire pit either has a gel canister or reservoir to hold the flame, making this a safe option for outdoor places. Regardless of which type of fire pit you decide on, this backyard addition will be sure to impress your guests.
7. Maintain the roof
Although far from glamorous, maintaining your roof regularly is an important role. Consistently cleaning the roof helps increase the overall quality of your home. If left unattended, algae, fungus, and moss can thrive, resulting in stains and growth patches. An old, neglected roof can lead to expensive repairs and potentially force you to replace the entire roof. Thankfully, this can be easily avoided with proper care. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends calling in the experts to tackle this job, as attempting DIY work often results in incorrectly doing the job or risk of personal injury.
In addition to regularly cleaning the roof, it’s also important to replace gutters and downspouts as needed. When gutters and downspouts are blocked with leaves or debris, it prevents rainwater from draining properly. If that happens, it can cause water damage to both the interior and exterior of your home. Routine cleaning of your gutters can prevent damage to your roof, saving you thousands in possible repair costs. This is especially important in places with frequent rainfall, such as the Hamptons where you can expect an average of 47 inches of rain a year.
In addition to regularly cleaning the roof, it’s also important to replace gutters and downspouts as needed. When gutters and downspouts are blocked with leaves or debris, it prevents rainwater from draining properly. If that happens, it can cause water damage to both the interior and exterior of your home. Routine cleaning of your gutters can prevent damage to your roof, saving you thousands in possible repair costs. This is especially important in places with frequent rainfall, such as the Hamptons where you can expect an average of 47 inches of rain a year.
8. Add outdoor lighting
Adding outdoor lighting not only improves the exterior of your home but also increases your home’s safety. A home that is not properly lit will undoubtedly pose safety risks for you and your guests. When stairs are dark, for instance, it’s all too easy for someone to slip and fall. This can be easily prevented by incorporating outdoor lighting. The first order of business is choosing the type of lighting you prefer — such as spotlights, floodlights, or step lights. There’s an array of lighting options to pick from, which means that you can find something that matches the aesthetic of your home. The best part of this project is that it is simple and can be accomplished over a weekend with no professional help required!
9. Paint the front door
The front door is the entryway to your home, so be sure to give this area a little extra love! Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint can help your home stand out. Opt for a bold color that accentuates the other colors of your home’s exterior. The Front Door Paint app lets you virtually test out different colors and is a great tool to find the right match.
If you’re looking for a home in the Hamptons, contact Crosby Renwick today. Whether you’re interested in exploring Bridgehampton luxury homes or Sag Harbor beach homes, Crosby can walk you through the process from start to finish and help you find a place that’s right for you. With years of experience in the real estate industry, Crosby and his team can help you find a house that truly feels like home.
If you’re looking for a home in the Hamptons, contact Crosby Renwick today. Whether you’re interested in exploring Bridgehampton luxury homes or Sag Harbor beach homes, Crosby can walk you through the process from start to finish and help you find a place that’s right for you. With years of experience in the real estate industry, Crosby and his team can help you find a house that truly feels like home.