How To Have Kerb Appeal Insider tips from period property experts Edel

increase your home’s How to... kerb appeal

ANDREW MCCOLL OF EDEL SHARES HIS EXPERT TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

First impressions do count especially with period properties which naturally have heaps of kerb appeal. Spring is the ideal time to spruce up the exterior of your home and, if done properly, it will improve the overall appearance of your place and increase the value of your property. Here is our guide to getting it right.

THE FRONT DOOR

I need to say it; original is always best so, before ordering a new door, first of all consider if yours can be refurbished, restored or repaired. Always check the condition of paintwork but be aware that it might need a little more preparation than a lick of paint. Is there rotten timber, are the joints open, does the door sag and catch, have the mouldings lost their definition? All these items can be remedied; the timbers can be replaced in section and the door rehung without the need to plane the bottom of the door. Sometimes, well-intended past repairs detract from a door’s appearance and lovely detail is lost to the plethora of filler, caulk and layers of paint. Underneath it all there is very often a beautiful original door waiting to be rediscovered. Lastly, and for the final flourish, remove and replace any broken ironmongery and make sure to get the Brasso out so that it is clean and gleaming.

THE WINDOWS

It is also important to keep windows looking immaculate and to ensure they are in working order. Again, resist the urge to replace original windows with new but check that the sashes are not too loose in the frames, or they will let in draughts. The condition of timbers should be checked; a skilled joiner can cut out and splice areas of the timber, most issues are fixable and for much less than you would pay to replace. It is also more sustainable and better in the long term. Also worth considering is the sand mastic, it performs the important job of creating a weatherproof seal between the window frame and the masonry. If the mastic has split or is missing it is a simple item to replace. Do take care not to paint over it when redecorating the windows though. A general rule of thumb is to limit redecoration to exterior timber and ironwork, avoiding painting onto glass or stone. Do not apply too much paint to the windows, sometimes windows stick simply due to a build up of layers of paint applied over the years. Brilliant and trade white never look as good on the architectural detailing of a period home as the softer off-whites available from the heritage colour ranges we are all familiar with.

I NEED TO SAY IT; ORIGINAL IS ALWAYS BEST. ESPECIALLY WITH PERIOD PROPERTIES WHICH NATURALLY HAVE HEAPS OF KERB APPEAL”

AND… CHECK IT’S OK

Remember, if your property is listed or you live in a conservation area you may require Listed Building Consent or planning permission before you carry out works or make changes. For guidance speak to a suitably accredited architect, conservation focussed trade body or organisations like the Listed Property Owners Club or Historic Environment Scotland who publish guides.

For more information on restoring period properties contact Edel, 28A Melville St, EH3 7HA, 0131 226 6362, weareedel.com