Improving Your Curb Appeal

Next to episodes of The Bachelor and international hot wing eating contests, the battle for the best curb appeal on the block goes down as one of the fiercest competitions in the world today. Who needs to keep up with the Joneses when the Atkins family has the best front porch in the entire neighborhood? For those who are aiming for better curb appeal (or at least better curb appeal than the next door neighbors), here are some tips from the professionals that can transform the exterior of your home.

Plant some plants.

If you’re going to have the best curb appeal on the block, you can’t do it without some lush plant life. Unless you want to blend in with the mess of homes with nothing but boring grass and cracked sidewalks, you’ll need a healthy mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass for the most dynamic and lively front yard. Window-mounted flowerbeds are a great way to add a pop of color to your curb appeal, and framing your home with trees or larger bushes will soften the edges of your home, and give you added privacy and shade on your property.

Whatever the case, it’s important to strike a balance between high beauty and low maintenance in your yard, especially if you’re not willing to spend every weekend trimming hedges and mowing the lawn. Incorporating xeriscaping or hardscaping concepts into your yard could set you apart from your neighborly competition, and will help you conserve water along the way.

Revitalize your roof.

The average asphalt shingle roof has a lifespan of about 20 years—so if your roof is in its high teens, it might be time for a roof replacement, or at the very least, a professional roof inspection and touch-up. Without frequent maintenance or replacement, your shingles will crack, peel, chip, and disintegrate entirely, creating gaps and seams where water can enter into the home, and causing mold, mildew, water damage, and flooding. Plus, an old roof with algae stains and cracked shingles doesn’t do your curb appeal any favors.

Hiring a professional roofing company for a roof replacement will drastically improve the look of your home, protect from leaks, and improve energy efficiency and resale value. Not to mention there’s nothing that gives homeowners and potential homebuyers more peace of mind than the words “new roof.”

Spruce up your siding.

Siding is another great investment for the look and value of your home—and with a nearly endless selection of siding materials and products, you’re bound to find the perfect siding for your desired look and budget.

Vinyl siding has become a very popular siding selection because of its durability, affordability, and vast variety of colors and finishes. However, wood, metal, and fiber cement siding all offer a great look at a reasonable price. Keep in mind, certain types of siding don’t stand up well to certain climates, so find a siding option that’s guaranteed to stand the test of time.

Stay tuned for part 2 of our series on ways to improve your curb appeal, and check out more recent blog post from your Albany roofers at Infinite Roofing & Construction!