Over the years, homeowners have developed curb appeal consciousness instead of just focusing on the interiors. Nothing seems more important than making a great first impression on visitors and neighbors. Curb appeal can also give you a winning advantage when you plan to sell your property, increasing the perceived value by 7%.
The Texas real estate market is booming right now, with four cities entering the top-10 list of American housing markets. That’s great news for homeowners across the state planning to sell their houses for profit. Even if you don’t want to sell, investing in curb appeal is a wise decision. After all, freshly painted and well-maintained exteriors are worth a fortune.
While an outdoor renovation process sounds simple, many Texas homeowners fumble with the project because of some simple and avoidable mistakes. Here are a few you should be aware of to avoid them during your curb appeal enhancement project.
1: Starting Without a Budget
The budget for an exterior makeover depends on the scope of work. You may close the project for a few hundred dollars if it requires a paint refresh and fencing repairs. Conversely, siding installation and roofing repair can stretch the expense to thousands.
Besides the scope of work, your location also determines the cost of the project. For example, the cost of living in Austin is 15% higher than that in Houston. An Austin siding replacement project will cost more because the city is one of the most expensive locations in Texas.
Setting a budget for your project from the outset keeps you in control and prevents impulsive decisions and cost overruns down the line.
2: Not Working With an Expert
An exterior remodeling project may not sound as crucial as an interior makeover. You may want to opt for a DIY paint job or find an amateur for patio repair. But cutting corners isn’t an option for key renovations such as roofing repair, patio replacement, or siding installation. These jobs require expertise, experience, and proper equipment, making them apt for seasoned professionals.
Settling for any contractor is another mistake homeowners often make. The best piece of advice is to search for local experts specializing in a specific job instead of collaborating with a generalist. If you are an Austin resident looking for a siding replacement, look for the best siding contractor in Austin for the project. You can prepare a list of providers, ask for quotes, and compare them to get the best deal.
3: Following Design Trends Blindly
The Lone Star State mostly has ranch-style homes, with rustic interiors and sprawling interiors. Lately, exterior décor trends like board and batten siding, mixed textures, and indoor-outdoor flow have gained popularity in the state.
But following trends blindly is the last thing you should do because you may regret the decision at some point. When it comes to outdoor renovation, you should focus on longevity and functionality instead of aesthetics and trends.
Also, consider your current lifestyle and long-term plans to determine the best options. For example, an expensive paint project may not be a good choice if you want to sell your home within a year. You only need something good enough to get you the price you want.
4: Not Checking Weather Forecasts
Checking weather forecasts before starting an exterior renovation project is elementary, but homeowners tend to skip this step. Texas is known for its harsh summers, but severe events such as thunderstorms, flash floods, tornadoes, hailstorms, and straight-line winds can occur anytime.
The state experienced its longest freezing streak in February 2021, with nine consecutive days of sub-zero temperatures. Austin was hit by Winter Storm Uri and struggled with several days of no power and significant structural damage.
Professional contractors emphasize the significance of checking the forecasts before starting an outdoor project. Imagine starting a siding installation in Austin, TX, in winter, only to be stopped by a sudden storm hitting out of the blue.
5: Failing to Choose Weather-Appropriate Materials
Another decision where you can go wrong with an outdoor renovation project is choosing materials that aren’t appropriate for the local weather. Since Texas has hot and humid weather with occasional extreme events, you should think twice while selecting every material for your outdoor space.
Shingles are ideal for roofing, and fiber cement siding makes a good choice. Your contractor can also help you pick the best options for patio flooring to ensure strength and aesthetic value. Leave the choice to experts to get value for money.
A Final Word
Exterior renovation is a wise move for homeowners because it boosts the curb appeal and value of a property. But you shouldn’t jump into a project impulsively without budgeting, planning, and preparation. That’s what many Texas homeowners do and land into problems with delays, cost overruns, and wrong choices. Watch out for these mistakes and choose wisely for the best results.
