Monthly Archives: June 2020

Boosting Your Home’s Value from the Outside

When it comes to improving the appearance and the value of your home, what projects are the first that come to mind? Many homeowners tend to focus on interior projects, such as kitchen and bathroom renovations, increasing energy-efficiency, and installing smart features. While these projects do help, the inside of your house isn’t the only place that can be improved. Whether you’re thinking about selling your home or just sprucing it up, don’t forget about the outside.

Photo by Ksenia Balandina on Unsplash

The Importance of Curb Appeal

When visitors or potential buyers come to your house, the first thing that they see is the exterior. They see the lawn, gardens, walkways, porch, and outer walls. What they see when they arrive provides the first impression. You want to wow anyone who comes to your house before they even step through the front door.  

Ways to Boost Curb Appeal

Go Green

Fill in brown and bald spots in your lawn to make your grass greener. Plant a garden or add some potted plants and window planters. You can also plant some fully mature shrubs that will stand up to the elements year-round.

Make the Front Door Pop

Replace your front door with something that stands out against the exterior of your house. If your door is in good shape, another option is to give it a fresh coat of eye-catching paint.

Replace Your Garage Doors

Don’t forget about your garage doors. If they’re looking a little worn or outdated, replace them. Places like the Genie garage door company can install new doors for you. Best of all, new garage doors are one of the home improvements with the best returns on investment.

Install Exterior Lights

Dark entryways aren’t just unappealing; they’re a safety hazard. Add or replace sconces near your front door. Add some string lights around the porch for additional illumination. Also, consider lighting up your driveway and walkways.

Boosting the appearance and value of your home doesn’t just mean interior home improvements. With a few exterior changes, you can give visitors or potential buyers a first impression they’ll never forget.

Finding the Perfect Commercial Property in Billings, MT

Is your business in the right building? A good commercial property will go a long way towards growing your business, whereas the wrong space may stifle and limit your competitive edge. Before you commit to a business location, consider the following important aspects of locating your company.

Location

The old real estate adage is true. It really is all about location. Find a space close to customers and suppliers and the area where your clients are likely to shop for the goods and services you offer. Also, consider the ability of your employees to reach the location. Can they take public transportation to get there or do they have to have a car? Accessibility for customers and employees is key.

Facilities

Do you need to have restrooms for the customers? Is there enough workspace for the employees in the back? It doesn’t matter how cute the storefront is if the facilities are inadequate. Don’t forget about the parking situation. Parking Billings MT can be at a premium in some areas, so you need to be sure there is enough parking either in a lot or on the street for your clients.

Size

Plan for growth. After all, that’s what you want your business to do, right? There is a happy medium here. Don’t go so big that you are paying rent on a lot of empty space, but don’t be squeezed into a corner, either. Spaces that have additional adjacent units that could be rented in the future are a great solution. 

Operational Costs

In addition to the rent, you will be paying utilities, such as water and electricity, and security costs. Ask to see the previous months’ utility bills. Know what the average has been for summer and winter. Make sure you can afford these costs before you sign the lease.

3 Helpful Tips for Increasing Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Looking for ways to improve your home’s curb appeal? Here are three helpful tips that will take your home’s curb appeal to the next level.

Photo by Tomas Espinoza

1. Spruce up Your Landscaping

Putting some extra effort into your yard and garden is a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal. Improve the look of your lawn by applying an eco-friendly fertilizer and completing annual aeration. Trim unruly trees and shrubs away from your home. To give your home a cheerful appearance, plant flowers of varying colors and heights throughout your property, especially along property lines.

2. Create Attractive Paths

Paths and walkways are important components to your home’s overall curb appeal. Improving these walkways makes your home instantly look more beautiful. You could use a variety of materials for your paths, including pea gravel, bricks or concrete pavers. For the most natural and appealing look, though, it is recommended that you use irregular flagstone for your paths. Install solar-powered lighting along the edges of your new paths and you and your guests will have an accessible and attractive way to move about your property.

3. Install Outdoor Lighting

If you want to properly showcase the investments you’ve made in your property, you’ll need to install a system of outdoor lighting. Use spotlights in the yard to show off your landscaping and install sconces or recessed lighting to illuminate your entryways. Experts in residential lighting Jackson MS will help you devise a lighting strategy, as well as provide safe installation for your new fixtures. Even relatively minor jobs like installing outdoor spotlights and recessed lighting require proper wiring – let the experts safely get the job done, and your home will make a major style statement any time of day or night.

Homes with great curb appeal reflect a special pride of ownership. When you see how great your home can look, you’ll be thrilled that you’ve invested in your home’s curb appeal.