Now that 2022 is drawing to an end, this is the perfect time to reflect on the year and think about changes you want to make in 2023. For some people, those changes are tangible and include a list of home improvement projects, but it’s worth noting that exterior home improvement projects can be just as impactful and deliver results you’ll be able to enjoy for many years to come. Maybe you didn’t make as much use of your outdoors as you had hoped, or the curb appeal is lacking. With a few tweaks, projects, and improvements, all of that can change next year.
To help you create an impactful to-do list, here are five essential exterior home projects that are worth doing in 2023.
Provide TLC to Your Garden and Any Trees/Shrubs
Often homeowners are tempted to plant flowers and shrubs in the spring to help add beauty to the exterior, and while that is a great plan, you need to first prepare the space for new growth. Getting into the habit of regular pruning and maintenance of your existing garden, trees, and shrubs will help them to stay healthy and ensure they don’t become overgrown and unruly.
Spring is the perfect time to trim low-hanging or broken branches on trees, give shape to hedges and bushes, cut back or divide perennials that have overgrown their current space, and ensure everything has a little space to grow and do well.
Once you’ve given all the existing greenery some much-needed TLC, then you can think about planting annuals to add a pop of color and interest. You’ll also get a better sense of how much space you have available.
Create the Ideal Seating Area – Build a Deck or Patio
Sometimes a backyard is underused simply because there is no defined seating area. Placing a chair down on the grass in the middle of the yard hardly seems welcoming or special. So, if you’re up for a bigger project, then a deck or patio is ideal. Experts usually suggest you go as big as your yard and budget will allow, as you’ll never regret how much seating area you have created.
A wooden deck tends to be the most traditional option, but don’t feel that’s all you have to pick from. Decking comes in a variety of materials, some of which can be more or less budget-friendly, require less maintenance, and can last longer.
If the thought of maintaining a wooden deck both in costs and the time required, doesn’t appeal to you then PVC can be a great option. You can get PVC decking in a wide array of sizes, styles, and colors, and the “maintenance” is simply to hose it down to get rid of dirt and grime. It is weatherproof, won’t fade or crack, and won’t rot.
Give Yourself the Gift of a Shade with an Awning
Everyone always talks about the glorious summer sun, and how wonderful it is to sit outdoors and bask in it. And while that can be true for many, there will be times when it’s just too hot and uncomfortable, but you still want to be outdoors. Using a patio umbrella can be a great solution, but they are limited in how much shade they can provide.
A better and more modern-looking option is an awning. Fixed and retractable awnings can provide ample shade for you, your family, and your guests without the annoyance of bumping into the umbrella or having it move about in the wind. Check out awning companies such as Marygrove Awnings to get an idea of just how many styles, colors, prints and sizes are available nowadays. An awning doesn’t just provide you with shade, it also helps to elevate the look of your backyard in general.
Take Care Of Your Roof
Your roof goes through a lot of wear and tear during the year. That’s especially true when you have quite a few notable weather events and a lot of rain. While this doesn’t mean much at the start, it adds up over time.
Even minor damage can get worse and worse the longer you leave it. As soon as you notice any kind of damage, it’s worth contacting a roofer. Fixing the damage is the least you should do.
If you want to invest in it a little more, though, it could be worth replacing the slates to change your roof’s appearance. With a little time and effort, it’ll help your home to look almost brand new.
Get Serious About Lawn Care
Lawn care is a topic that can be discussed at length as there are so many tips to be aware of and in-depth information to understand. If you don’t require a lawn that looks like a golf course, but you just want an improvement over what you currently have, then there are some lawn care basics to follow. These are easy to understand and you don’t have to worry about being an expert in lawn care. Following these steps will help to create a lawn that is lush, thick, and green.
The basics tips to follow include:
- Make sure to cut the grass regularly and set the blade high. Leaving the grass a little longer helps encourage deeper root growth and can help to prevent weeds. It also helps prevent the grass from drying out.
- Leave the grass clippings on your lawn, as long as they aren’t too thick. This acts as a nutrient for your lawn.
- Seed the lawn throughout the year, making sure to overseed in sparse areas.
- Water the grass deeply, not often. Experts suggest 1″ of water per week.
- Aerate the lawn in the fall so that the water can penetrate the roots more easily.
- Fertilize a couple of times per year, making sure not to overdo it.
By embracing these simple tips, you’ll not only be able to improve the lawn but also the curb appeal of your home.
Give Your Front Door and Garage Door a Makeover
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And if it’s curb appeal you’re concerned about, then installing a new front door and the garage door is a very impactful project. This will transform the exterior of the home, can make it appear more modern and stylish, and give your home character that it may currently be lacking. And if the budget doesn’t allow for replacement, painting the existing ones will still have a big impact.
Try pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and choose a bright or bold paint color for the front door. You may even want to change the style or type of front door you currently have by picking one with window panels, made from steel or wood, with a more impressive casing, and upgrading the hardware.
All of these projects will help give your home a fresh new look for 2023 and ensure it stands out from the rest in all the right ways.
