If you’ve purchased a property and want to turn it into your dream home, it’s important to give the exterior the love and attention it deserves. Not only will this increase the value of your home when you come to move, it will also provide guests with an unforgettable first impression and a warm welcome.
So, how can you update your property to have that wow-factor in a tasteful and practical way? There are many different areas to focus on and Sussex-based hard landscapers SGS Surfacing have some top tips to help you achieve your perfect home exterior.
Perfect your pathways
Any pathways or paving leading to your porch is a great chance to present a contemporary feel to your property that leads guests effortlessly to your front door. You have many decisions when it comes to pathways: from the colour and feel of the stone to whether a straight path or a more gentle and winding style best fits your overall look.
Generally, it’s a safe bet to opt for materials that complement the colour of your home’s brickwork and to go for lighter colours; these will help brighten up your entrance in the winter months. If you’re looking to install new features as opposed to upgrade, take photos from the edge of your front property line and sketch out some rough designs to better visualise the effect.
When it comes to installation, check with your landscapers that they are levelling the path and have a plan to keep disruption to a minimum during your agreed timeframe.
Enhance your greenery
Your garden space is where you can get truly creative and liven up your exterior with bright colours and perfume smells in the summer. To impress potential buyers and guests allocate flower beds and bordered greenery for a neat and attractive result. A contemporary look could involve adding some stone paving or wooden borders to the edge of beds to better distinguish the areas. This also has a practical function of better containing any weeds or maintenance that’s required over time.
Depending on the length of your front pathway it can be very flattering to line the path with low-level flowers, potted plants or small shrubbery. This natural look works well in both built-up and rural areas and it can really set you apart from your neighbours, especially if go opt for exotic plants. The one thing to avoid however is having a garden that looks chaotic, so be restrained and always keep in mind the impression you want to make.
Drive that impression home
Often the first feature people will see when arriving at a property is the driveway and really, it’s a large area of your real estate. To help your driveway become an attraction of your property ensure it has a clean appearance, no cracks or blemishes, and that the seal coating is well installed and maintained. This is particularly important through periods of cold weather when freezing and thawing can take a toll.
Aesthetically, you can choose from a huge range of colours and materials; resin bound driveways in particular have become very popular in recent years. They offer that smooth and polished look that presents a tidy entrance to your property. It’s also easier to avoid loose stones which means the experience of your guests will also be improved. If you’re concerned that your driveway is too ‘simple looking’, complement it with plants or features such as fountains or statues.
Make your exterior functional
Any decisions made in regards to exterior design should be to your taste first and foremost but keep in mind the idea that form follows function, meaning purpose should be a top consideration. Essentially what’s your plan and what would meet your needs?
Any pathways, driveways and flowerbeds all have a purpose and perhaps you have an interest in growing your own vegetables, which would call for a canopy, or you might be a great chef who needs decking and shelter for a permanent outdoors barbeque and grill. Additions like benches and other outdoor furniture can really make the space something social and special. In this way, you add your personality to your property and that’s one of the most welcoming effects to achieve for your friends and family.
Once you’ve planned your enhancements to make a great first impression, it comes down to following through and making use of those exterior spaces for entertaining and relaxing by yourself. If you’re completing bigger projects whilst living in the property, consider prioritising and concentrating on one area at a time to create your dream home in a way that reduces stress and lets every aspect get your full attention as you aim for perfection.
