Home Improvement
Make Your Home’s Exterior Exponentially More Attractive with These Home Improvement Ideas
The appearance of your home’s exterior says a lot about your tastes. It is also one of the first things people will notice, so it is important to leave a good first impression. This means that regardless of the type of property you own (a cottage, duplex, bungalow, semi-detached, or a Dutch colonial), a little TLC is always required to not only maintain the look of its exterior but to give it some much-needed personality.
However, deciding on what improvements you need to make to your home’s exterior can be overwhelming. Despite the importance of maintaining your home’s exterior look, it is just as important to maintain the interior. A great example of improving your interior is by spraying a radiator with high-quality paint.
To make things easier for you in the exterior department of things, below is a list of some home improvement ideas you can use to make your property’s exterior significantly more attractive.
Repaint the Exterior Walls
Faded and peeling wall paint can be an eye sore. Luckily, spray painting can instantly transform the look of any building’s exterior. There is a wide range of paint colours available, so you can either choose to renew your exterior wall’s original colour or give it a totally new and different colour scheme.
Another great thing about exterior spray painting is that, when it is done by professional spray painters, you get a top-quality finish that will last for several years without peeling, cracking, or fading.
Update Your Front Door
Many homeowners don’t realize this, but the style and appearance of your front door can make a significant impact on your property’s overall exterior. There are two ways you can go about updating your front door- replacement or spray painting. Spray painting is significantly cheaper and easier than a replacement, as it requires no building work and can be completed in a day. Whichever option you choose, ensure that your new door matches the architectural style and the overall colour scheme of your property.
Rebuild Your Roof
Your roof is another essential component of your property’s exterior, so it makes sense that revamping your roof will improve the appearance of your home while also boosting its kerb appeal and adding to its value.
Revamping your roof is however a complicated and possibly dangerous task, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Dress up Your Garage Doors
Your garage door should have a well-maintained appearance and should closely match the architectural scheme of your home. This is especially important when your garage door is easily visible from the street. You can spruce up your garage door with some spray painting and appropriate lighting. For a better investment, adding a pergola over your garage might be a good idea.
Redo Your Driveway
A damaged driveway or a driveway that doesn’t match the style of your home is another thing that can bring down the appearance of your home’s exterior and drag down its kerb appeal. Some driveway materials you can invest in for a better and improved exterior include; stained concrete, masonry, resin-bound, cobblestone, and brick.
Improve Your Home’s Drainage
A well-maintained lawn adds to the beauty of your home’s exterior, so if you notice that your lawn is being constantly flooded by rainwater, then a new drainage system is in order. Usually, this would involve setting up an underground drain or leveling the land for water to flow away easily from your property.
Conclusion
The appearance of your home’s exterior is one of the first things people will notice about your property. It is also a reflection of your tastes, so leaving a good impression is important. Consider the ideas above for your next home improvement project and watch your property’s exterior become exponentially more attractive.
Khalil ur Rehman is a proud born and raised in Abbottabad. Khalil has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and The Verge. As a journalist for The Hear Up, Khalil covers climate and science news. [email protected]
If you’re a homeowner in Australia, you’re likely looking for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable all year round. One way to achieve all of these goals is by installing double glazing.
Double glazing refers to the use of two panes of glass with a gap between them, which helps to insulate your home better than single glazed windows. However, many homeowners are put off by the perceived cost of double glazing.
The good news is that there are many affordable double glazing options available for Australian homeowners. We’ll explore the different types of double glazing, their costs and the installation process, so you can make an informed decision about whether double glazing is right for your home.
What to Consider When Choosing Double Glazing
When selecting the right double glazing option for your home, consider the following factors:
1. Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on double glazing.
2. Window type: Consider the style and functionality of your existing windows.
3. Climate: Choose a double glazing option that suits the local climate and temperature variations.
4. Energy efficiency: Look for options that offer maximum energy savings.
Types of Double Glazing
There are two main types of double glazing available: uPVC and aluminium.
uPVC Double Glazing
uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) is a popular choice for double glazing due to its durability, low maintenance and thermal efficiency. uPVC windows and doors are available in a range of styles and colours to suit your home’s aesthetic.
Pros:
· Low maintenance
· Energy efficient
· Durable
Cons:
· Not suitable for extreme temperatures
· Can discolour over time
Aluminium Double Glazing:
Aluminium double glazing is another popular option for homeowners due to its strength, durability and slimline profile. Aluminium frames are available in a range of colours and finishes to suit your home.
Pros:
· Durable and strong
· Slimline profile
· Easy to maintain
Cons:
· Can conduct heat and cold
· Can be more expensive than uPVC
Affordable Double Glazing Options
1. Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing is an affordable alternative to full double glazing. This involves installing an additional pane of glass or acrylic on the inside of your existing single-glazed windows. Secondary glazing offers improved insulation and noise reduction, while also being more cost-effective than full double glazing.
2. DIY Double Glazing Kits
DIY double glazing kits provide homeowners with a cost-effective solution to upgrading their windows. These kits typically include all necessary materials and instructions for installation. While DIY double glazing may not offer the same level of performance as professionally installed options, it can still provide significant energy savings and improved comfort.
3. Double Glazed Window Inserts
Double glazed window inserts are an affordable option for homeowners who want to upgrade their existing windows without replacing them entirely. These inserts consist of a double glazed unit that fits within the existing window frame, providing improved insulation and noise reduction. This option is particularly suitable for heritage homes or properties with unique window styles that cannot be easily replaced.
4. Low-E Glass
Low-E (low emissivity) glass is a type of double glazing that features a thin, transparent coating designed to reduce heat transfer. Low-E glass can be more affordable than other double glazing options, while still providing improved energy efficiency and noise reduction. This option is ideal for homeowners looking to balance cost and performance.
How to Choose the Right Double Glazing Installer
When not going down the DYI route, and selecting a double glazing installer, consider the following factors when picking an appropriate installer:
1. Experience: Look for a company with a proven track record and expertise in double glazing installation.
2. Quality of materials: Ensure the installer uses high-quality materials that meet Australian standards.
3. Warranties: Choose an installer that offers a comprehensive warranty on both materials and workmanship.
4. Customer reviews: Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of the installer’s work.
Maximising the Benefits of Double Glazing
To fully enjoy the benefits of double glazing, consider the following tips:
1. Seal gaps and cracks: Ensure your home is well-sealed to prevent drafts and improve overall insulation.
2. Install window coverings: Use curtains or blinds to provide additional insulation and reduce heat transfer.
3. Regular maintenance: Clean and maintain your double glazed windows to ensure they remain in optimal condition.
Final Thoughts
By considering the various affordable double glazing options available, Australian homeowners can improve the energy efficiency, comfort, and security of their homes without breaking the bank. From secondary glazing to low-E glass, there are options to suit a range of budgets and needs. By selecting the right double glazing option and installer, homeowners can enjoy the numerous benefits of double glazed windows, including reduced energy bills, improved comfort, and increased property value.
Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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