Home remodeling projects are a great way to refresh the living space and fall back in love with your home. But not all remodeling projects have to be as boring or as basic as a fresh coat of paint. There are many exciting upgrades homeowners can make to breathe fresh life into the exterior of their home, improving value and outdoor ambiance. Take a look at these outdoor remodeling projects that will boost curb appeal and skyrocket home value — while also upgrading quality of life!
1. New Garage Door
Most homeowners rely on their garage door every single day, and as a garage door ages, its reliability begins to plummet. Having an up-to-date garage door that operates smoothly and without fail is essential to maintaining great home value. While getting a new garage door may seem more like a chore than a fun project, new designs and framing options actually make this outdoor project an enjoyable task! Plus, smart technology and garage door tech provide additional options for keeping a garage door cutting-edge.
2. Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens aren’t reserved just for the rich and famous anymore! Whether working with a covered patio or open area, an outdoor kitchen can be an incredible way to boost home value while creating an awesome space for entertaining guests. Outdoor kitchens can feature an oven, range, sink, refrigerator, and eating area, making ‘al fresco’ dining an easy endeavor and sure delight. Because of exposure to the elements, only the strongest, most durable countertop materials should be used. Stone, thick marble, and brick are common options. While wood is not the most durable countertop material available, it is also a common choice for outdoor dining areas because of its classic aesthetic value.
3. Wood-Burning Feature
Whether it’s a full outdoor kitchen or a more modest space for building a fire, people love to gather around a shared focal point. A wood-burning feature is essential for outdoor entertaining or relaxing with friends and family. Having a fixed fire feature can be a great boost to home value, too. Consider a built-in wood-burning chiminea or a stone veneer fireplace designed directly within the patio or sitting area, and be sure to consider ventilation if the area is covered. For a stone veneer fireplace, be sure the color and texture matches other stone features in and around the home, too, for a cohesive design aesthetic.
4. Solar Panels
Solar panels are an eco-friendly upgrade that boost home value by improving energy efficiency. They are also a very attractive feature for environmentally conscious home buyers scouring the market for sustainable homes. For homeowners who don’t like the look of solar panels but still want to invest in this sustainable energy option, consider new roofing with a darker color, as this will draw less attention to the black solar panels.
5. Upgraded Driveway
While a gravel driveway may have sounded rustic and charming at first, homeowners tend to upgrade to more finished and durable driveway designs down the line. Consider interlocking brick layouts, multi-colored stone patterns, and connecting pathways for a truly stunning driveway design. A smooth surface with defined edges can elevate the overall look of a home’s entrance, cut down wear and tear on vehicles, and provide a safer, more accessible option when walking. Swapping a gravel driveway for stone can also increase home value, as stone and brick tend to be more appealing for home buyers.
6. Stone Driveway Entrance
Looking for a grand entrance after a long day away from home? Even with a gravel driveway, a beautiful stone driveway entrance can be an impressive statement piece that effectively communicates sophistication, strength, and longevity — characteristics that always influence curb appeal and the assessment of home value.
Consider these exterior remodeling projects the next time you’re ready to increase home value and curb appeal!
A Special Thanks to Matt Lee
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.