Home Exterior
Have you ever come across an incredibly stunning house on the street that stayed with you for days? That’s what a magical exterior does! It catches your eye and settles in your mind. Spotless paint, a well-manicured lawn, and a strategically-lit porch are just a few ways to transform a “nay” looking house into a head-turner.
Luckily, transforming your home’s outdoor vibe doesn’t require a truckload of cash, especially if you’re in Pittsburgh. The cost of living in the Steel City is 23.1% lower than in New York. Plus, you can find labor for an hourly wage of $14.45, which is 40% lower than the national average.
If you’re looking for fail-proof ways to boost your home’s curb appeal, we have some fantastic ideas to share. So, let’s get the paint rollers rolling and garden pruners snipping!
Gift Your House New Siding
Pittsburgh’s weather and temperature shifts make it the nation’s tenth “buggiest” city. This is terrible news for your siding since pests can ruin its look and function. For instance, a termite infestation can deteriorate wooden siding’s structural integrity. These nasty critters create hollow channels in the wood, making it weak. Similarly, powder post beetles can make your wooden siding look like a sponge.
Unfortunately, pests aren’t the only threat to your Pittsburgh home’s siding. Here are a few more that can damage the exterior:
- Buckling and warping caused by sun exposure
- Siding rot caused by the natural elements
- Blistering issues because of a bad finish
The best way to prevent these external threats is to replace your siding with a durable material such as vinyl, metal, or fiber cement. Since it’s a matter of your home’s appearance and structural integrity, we recommend hiring professionals for the job. Look for a credible Pittsburgh siding replacement company suitable for your needs.
Paint the Faults Away
Pittsburgh sees all four seasons. The summers are humid and hot, and the spring brings rain. Although that’s good news for you (beaches and splashes), your house silently suffers. It takes the beating from the sun and bears the moisture until the paint starts showing symptoms of distress.
It’s time to get a fresh coat of paint! A vibrant color can give your house an amazing look, whether you go for a single hue or something more dramatic, like split colors for shutters and siding.
Plus, painting is not only about aesthetics; it also protects the exterior from dampness and dust mites. Acrylic and oil-based paints are your best choice for your house’s exterior. The acrylics have weather-resistant properties, whereas oil-based paints repel water like a champ.
Work That Roof
The roof is one of the most prominent features of your home. Plus, it plays a significant role in keeping you and your family safe from external elements. A damaged roof can invite moisture and mold, both of which are pretty hazardous.
The type of roofing you have can determine the potential challenges you may encounter. Here are some common issues associated with different roofing materials:
- Asphalt shingles – algae growth, blisters, buckling
- Metal roofs – loose fasteners and rusting
- Slate roofs – cracking and broken tiles
If you feel your roof is beyond repair, you can opt for roof replacement. However, if you’re looking for preventative measures, here’s what you can do:
- Clear the gutters of debris
- Inspect shingles for signs of damage and replace them if needed
- Check the flashing for corrosion or rust and repair accordingly
- Fill any cracks in the roof surface with sealant or putty
- Clean the roof, especially after a stormy season
In addition to safeguarding your home from the elements and maintaining its structural integrity, your roof can also be a valuable asset when harnessing clean and renewable energy. Solar energy installation is an eco-friendly choice that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also significantly reduces your carbon footprint. By adding solar panels to your roof, you can transform it into a source of energy, helping you save on utility bills and contributing to a greener future for your community.
Instill Life into Your Land
Unkempt outdoors? No thanks. No one gives a barren and brown front yard a second look. But before you splurge, ask yourself what kind of maintenance you can keep up with. If you prefer low-maintenance plants, native plants like butterfly milkweed, black-eyed Susan, and azalea are great picks.
But if you’re feeling more lovey and responsible, perennials like modern roses and bonsais look stunning.
You can also choose plants and flowers that complement each other in color and texture. For example, pair lilies with jasmine or roses with marigolds.
Also, don’t forget to install a sprinkler system for a healthy and vibrant garden.
Get Creative with Exterior Lighting
Is that flickering porch light giving your home eerie vibes? It’s time to give it the boot. A well-lit exterior looks pleasant and inviting. Plus, modern LED lighting is more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
You don’t have to stick with traditional lights; you can be creative here. For instance, curvy pathways look great, with low lanterns on either side of the pavement. If you’re feeling fancy, try using solar post caps for the deck posts or add sconces on each side of your front door.
If you have tall, beautiful trees, wrap string lights around them to turn your front yard into a starry night. Or you could hang a few vintage lanterns from the behemoth branches. Spotlights and uplighting will add some drama to your lawn. Additionally, you can install motion-sensitive lights to enhance the safety of your home.
Make More Room in the Entryway
There’s a new trend making waves in the real estate market – a spacious, inviting entryway. Even if you don’t plan to sell your house anytime soon, adding square footage near the entrance can give it a refreshed look.
Now, there are a few fun ways you can achieve that roomy vibe without denting your wallet. Get inspiration from any of the below:
- Use glass inserts in your front door
- Replace the single front door with double doors
- Install transom windows above the front door
- Recess the entryway into a façade
A Home Is What You Make It
When it comes to exterior transformation, there’s no dearth of ideas and inspiration. Just pick the ones you like and implement them in your own way. And soon, you’ll have a home that you can be proud of!
Remember, exterior transformation doesn’t always need to be expensive. You’d be surprised at how much of an upgrade some small changes can make.
So, don’t be afraid to get creative. You’ll be glad you invested in your home’s curb appeal when you start receiving compliments from guests and friends.
