From A Woman's Perspective: June 29th, 2024 "Summertime Home Improvements - Part One"

Summertime Home Improvements - Part One 
 

Good morning, Marilyn, and happy Canada Day weekend! Did you know that Canadians are amongst the most home-owning people in the world? According to the 2021 census, more than 66% of Canadians own their own homes; this despite having some of the least affordable housing in the world. Among Canadians, fully three quarters of Zoomers (people in the age range of 55 to 75) own their own homes. Pride of homeownership has to counted among one of the defining traits of being a Canuck, eh? 

But if your home is looking closer to “shabby chic” than to being a personal palace, summer is a great time to do home improvement projects. The good weather, the availability of trades, and low season retail and appliance sale prices are all good reasons to start sprucing up your home this summer. 

Today, I am going to share my Realtor’s eye view of exterior improvements that really pay off in maintaining or even increasing your home’s value.

Starting on the outside, let’s get into it:

1. Taking care of deferred maintenance - tend to be bigger ticket items - don’t all have to be done this year - 

• Roof - If it’s been 15 years or more since the last time your roof was reshingled, it might be time to have your roof inspected. Keeping your roof in good repair not only keeps rain and critters out, but also aids in proper attic ventilation which can prevent mold. While you’re at it, ask your roofing contractor to inspect the soffit and eaves to ensure the entire roofing system is working properly.
• Windows -  There is a wide range of styles and prices, but the one thing they all have in common is their improvement of energy efficiency. If you want to save money on heating and cooling, enjoy windows that open for easy cleaning, and enhance the appearance of your home, new windows might just be the project of the summer for 2024.
• Driveway repair - Let’s take care of potholes in asphalt or weeds in interlock. Although driveways are frequently overlooked, they can be a pretty good barometer of the home’s overall maintenance. If driveway duty is beyond the scope of your DIY ability, then there are plenty of companies that are googleable.
• Fence installation or repair - Fences are important for privacy and security, and provide a defined space for pets and children. Again, search online for fence repairs: you might not have to replace.
• Tree maintenance - Unhealthy trees can pose a safety hazard so don’t wait until winter wind storms to find part of your tree across the neighbour’s fence. Tree trimming every five years or so is a good investment in peace of mind. 

Speaking of investment - When it comes to paying for these things, a word of caution: Please don’t sign financing arrangements through big home reno companies. Approach your bank for a home equity line of credit instead. Better rates, and no potential for a lien against your property if you were to decide to sell.

2. Enhancing Curb appeal - Don’t forget to have a bit of fun while updating the exterior appearance of your home.  Believe it or not, there are trends that change even for landscaping. Summer is a great time to update the first impression. 

• Refresh of landscaping - Starting with the basics: weeding, edging, trimming, new mulch. A general tidy up goes a long way in improving curb appeal. You might even consider removing oversized “foundation plantings” like yews and junipers that can darken  and date the front of your home. Neat and tidy, along with low maintenance changes are what we’re aiming for.
• Exterior Painting - A pop of colour in your front door with neutral for garage door adds personality and appeal while maintaining your investment. PS: Don’t forget the trim. I always suggest white or cream, but there is a strong trend toward dark grey and black trim as well!
• Updated lighting - For an added “wow” factor in your curb appeal think lighting enhancements such as landscape lights, string lights or pathway lights, coach lamps. One of my pet peeves is a million dollar property with builder’s dollar store jam jar porch lights.

Want to learn more? Request your copy of Best Renos for ROI. There are plenty of inspiring before & after pictures in both the booklet and the on-line webinar. In fact all our workshops will be offered this summer via zoom so you can listen in from the comfort of your cottage or back deck at home.

Register at smartrealtysolutions.com or by calling 416-460-5636

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