Which Exterior Project Pays Off?
If you’re selling your house, there’s no getting around the requirement for curb appeal. In an era where buyers browse photos online and rely heavily on appearance before considering a visit, real estate agents emphasize the importance of a good-looking exterior.
So, which exterior projects pay off? The good news is, most of them! The basics are important. Homebuyers want a reliable roof, windows that function well, and siding that’s in good shape. In fact, in Remodeling’s 2017 Cost vs. Value Report, four of the top five projects with the highest ROI are related to exterior renovations.
Paint the exterior
Exterior paint is a relatively fast and easy way to freshen up your home’s overall appearance. At a minimum, touch up areas that appear dingy or discolored and revitalize the trim with a new coat of paint.
According to the Cost vs. Value Report, front door and garage door replacements recoup most of their cost at resale. However, if your doors are in good shape, brighten them up with new paint.
Upgrade your siding
New siding is another way to add serious curb appeal to an older house — an important reason new siding ranks so high on the cost vs. value study. New siding also signals to prospective homebuyers that they can plan for years of very little exterior maintenance. In the South Atlantic region, homeowners recoup an average of 82% of the cost of a siding replacement.
If your siding is in good shape, make sure to clean it up before you put your house on the market. While you’re cleaning the siding, inspect the panels and make minor siding repairs where necessary.
Wow them with new windows
New windows, while they may not be particularly noticeable, can add value to your home by increasing energy efficiency. Particularly in the Carolinas, new window technology can make a big difference in electricity costs and general comfort.
If your windows are old or non-functional, work with a professional installer to help you determine which type of windows will suit your home, the room itself, and your climate.
Replace the roof
A non-functional roof could be a make-or-break moment for many house hunters. A roof is one of the first things an appraiser will assess, and if the roof is leaky or damaged, it will negatively affect the value of your house.
Inspect your roof for damage and take care of needed repairs or replacement before you sell. According to the cost vs. value study, you can expect to recoup somewhere around 69% of the cost of a roof replacement.
Call in the pros
When a prospective homebuyer does decide to check out your house, first impressions matter! If the exterior needs work, potential buyers will assume the interior requires maintenance as well. Contact the experts at TruGuard, and we’ll help you plan your next exterior remodeling project.
