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Everyone enjoys getting outside during the summer to work on their yard and their home’s exterior. Whether you are looking to add value to your home, make it more comfortable for your family, or just love doing it, here are nine outdoor home upgrades that we think you should consider.
Lawn
If your lawn is looking dull and tired, it is time for an upgrade. Your lawn can be one of the first things that people see, and it can set the tone for how they view the entire rest of your home and yard.
Here are a few ideas to create a picture-perfect lawn:
· Add grading to create different looks and make it appear more natural
· Add a pathway to create new lines
· Add lighting to show off your healthy lawn
· Use a different type of grass
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a fun technique to try when you want to use less water in your yard. As water becomes more expensive and scarce in some parts of the U.S. due to drought and climate change, xeriscaping is a great way to create interesting features in your yard that require almost no water other than natural rainfall.
A xeriscaped garden makes use of native plants and design elements so that you can make at least part of your yard drought tolerant. You can still have a patch of lawn by focusing your watering on specific hydrozones.
Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems are another outdoor upgrade that you should consider. Sprinkler systems can save you a lot of time and keep water from being wasted. Besides, how much of your summer do you want to spend dragging a hose around?
If you are going to install your own sprinkler system, you should know how much water supply you are working with before you make a plan. It’s very important to have a written plan or diagram before you start. You will have to do some excavating to run your water lines, and you may need a permit.
Solar Panels
Adding some solar panels is another great idea for an outdoor upgrade to your home. You might only want enough electricity to power a few devices or tools in your yard, or you may be looking to power your entire house with solar power. No matter what the scope of your project is, solar power can be a great investment.
Outdoor Kitchens
Cooking can be easier outdoors during the summertime and frequently, much more enjoyable. An outdoor kitchen can be a place for the family to gather, as outdoor kitchens can be less crowded than indoor kitchens.
There are several other reasons why building an outdoor kitchen is a good idea, and some of them are financial. An outdoor kitchen can save on energy costs because you aren’t heating the whole house with your cooking. It can also add value to your home—from 100-200% ROI. Expect to pay $2,000-3000 for a modest outdoor kitchen and even up to $20,000 for an outdoor kitchen built with higher quality materials and using energy-saving appliances.
Replace the Garage Door
If you are looking for an upgrade to do that will enhance your home’s curb appeal, then replacing your garage door might be the smartest move you can make.
Garages tend to be one of the first things that people see when they pull into your driveway for obvious reasons, so this is a chance to make a great first impression. And while you might think your garage door is just fine, take a look at some of the replacements that are on the market today. You might be surprised to find that new garage doors change the look of your entire home.
Replace the Front Door
Making an upgrade to your front door is along the same lines as replacing the garage door—it helps create a positive first impression. Depending on your budget, you could simply paint your door a fun, new color, or you can replace it with a brand new high-quality wood door.
Add a Deck
One of the most useful and versatile upgrades you can make is adding a deck. It can also give you a great return on your investment.
If you and your family like to spend time outdoors, a deck provides opportunities for sunbathing, relaxing, entertaining, and barbecuing. However, decks are complicated projects, so if you aren’t comfortable building your own, contact deck builders in Lebanon County, PA, for assistance.
New Siding
Adding new siding might seem like something that only a professional can do and a project that is too big for you to tackle by yourself, but it isn’t as complicated as it seems.
One of the things you can do to spruce up the front of your home is to replace parts of the siding with manufactured stone veneer to create variety and texture.
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