Curb appeal is a big deal. We all know the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” But, let’s be honest, we all do it anyway. When you walk up to a house for the first time, you’re already deciding what you think about it before you ever set foot inside.

Not convinced? According to REALTOR® magazine, homes with high curb appeal sell for an average of 7% higher. On a $350,000 house, that means $24,500 — not exactly pocket change!

Now that we have your attention, would you like to add a few percentage points to your home’s value? Not all home renovations will offer the same value so you have to pick the right project. Here are our top picks for the best projects to improve your home’s curb appeal.

1. New Siding

Want to give your tired home a facelift? There’s no better way than to install new siding. It’s a big job, but you can completely change your home’s aesthetic (or bring an old home into the 21st century) with this one home remodeling project.

Your ROI depends on the condition of your original siding as well as the type of new siding that you choose. Vinyl siding or fiber cement are both popular choices that offer a generous ROI. 

On average, homeowners can expect a solid 70-80% ROI. That’s pretty awesome, especially considering that you get to change the entire look and vibe of your home’s exterior.

2. Painting the Exterior

Repainting the siding or brick is another way to refresh the exterior without going to the effort of replacing it all. If your siding still has a lot of life left in it, this is a great option to save some money and still get a new look. You’d be amazed how a different color can completely change the exterior appearance of your home.

3. Replace the Garage Door

Another relatively inexpensive way to update your home’s look is to replace or repaint the garage door. Because it takes up such a huge part of your home’s facade, this one change can make a big difference.

Combine this project with repainting your siding and you’ll be amazed at the new house that suddenly appeared on your property.

4. Replace the Windows

Replacing all your windows can do wondrous things for your home’s value. Energy-efficient windows are particularly high on buyers’ must-haves lists for both environmental and budgeting reasons. Everybody loves the idea of using less energy.

If your home has older, outdated windows, replacing them with new energy-efficient windows can raise its value considerably.

If you want to get fancy, you can also consider adding large picture windows or bay windows to add a touch of elegance.

5. Replace the Roof

The roof is an important aspect that buyers have their eyes on. A solid roof is vital for keeping a home and its inhabitants safe from the elements.

It’s also a huge pain in the neck to replace.

For this reason, if your roof is older, replacing it will be a big boon to your home’s value when you want to sell it. In fact, the ROI on a roof replacement is around 80% depending on the material you choose. On top of that, you will not scare off buyers who may not be willing to worry about replacing the roof in the near future.

6. Update the Driveway

Your driveway can do a lot for your home’s appearance — or it can make your home seem plain and uninviting.

A brick or cobblestone driveway lends your home a bit of old-world charm. Whereas asphalt or certain types of pavers gives it a modern, sophisticated appearance.

Regardless, if your driveway is only gravel or grass, an update will have a huge impact on the curb appeal of your home.

7. Add a Carport

What’s an inexpensive way to add more usable space to your home? You can add a carport and use your garage for other things like an art studio, home office (those are important these days), or a workshop. It’s cheaper than a home addition, even with fixing up your garage to make it more comfortable.

Plus, the right carport will add a nice touch to your home’s appearance. A well-built carport will be durable and long-lasting and you can count on it to protect your vehicle from the elements for many years.

8. Add a Deck or Porch

Is there anything more welcoming than a little front porch in Houston, Texas? Covered porches with a cute little sitting area scream Southern charm. Plus, it makes a perfect spot for decorating as you celebrate different holidays throughout the year.

On a practical note, it’s also a nice spot to get out of the rain while you take off wet, muddy shoes before entering the house.

9. Install New Landscaping

If you have a large front yard, it can be the biggest focal point for visitors. However, even a small front yard can benefit from professional-looking landscaping. Colorful blooms, inviting walkways, stacked flowerbeds, ornamental trees, and many other elements can add a lot to the curb appeal of your home.

If your lawn is overgrown or hidden under a thick layer of fallen leaves, you’ve got a great opportunity to change your home’s appearance.

Expert Help With Home Remodeling in Houston, Texas

Home renovations can be time-consuming, but if you choose the right renovation it can be so worth it! Whether you just want to update the look of your home so you can enjoy it or are preparing to sell your home, any of these renovations are a great choice.

You might know what type of renovation you want to do, but where do you find the best home remodeling help in Houston, Texas? Reach out to us here at Home Remedy for the best home remodeling services in the Houston area.