HOME & HEARTH

Keep Your Home’s Exterior Looking Good All Summer Long

By Katherine Gotthardt

In the heat of summer, when vacation and relaxation are usually top of mind, it’s easy to forget about or ignore caring for your home’s exterior. “Many people do,” says Peggy Burke, Associate Broker of Virginia Realty Partners, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. And that can put a dent in the value of your home. Whether you are considering selling your house or you just want to maintain it, here are some simple things you can do to make sure your home stays looking fresh all year long.

Paint Shutters and Doors

Sun, wind, rain, sleet … they all take a toll on your shutters and doors. Paint can fade, peel or chip, and even if the damage seems insignificant, it can affect the overall appearance of the house. “These little imperfections can make a big difference when it comes to the way your home looks,” Burke says. “Don’t let shutters and doors be the reason someone wouldn’t buy your house, whether it’s on the market right now or will be soon.” Put a fresh coat of paint on your shutters and doors to keep them looking sharp.

Clean and Repair Light Fixtures

Most times, we don’t pay attention to light fixtures until it’s too late, says Burke. The bulb burns out or breaks or something malfunctions, and we’re left in the dark. But grime can also reduce a fixture’s ability to cast light. “Now add insects that like to build nests or that get stuck to the glass, and you’ve got a big mess,” she says. Don’t wait until the lights go out. Clean your fixtures and replace bulbs regularly.

Power Wash Concrete Stairs, Walkways and Driveways

It’s easy to overlook the stains that detract from the appearance of concrete. Burke says, “We think, it’s the ground, right? It’s supposed to be dirty. But those stains can accumulate, leaving your walkways, stairs and driveway looking shabby.” A little power wash can go a long way toward making your home exterior appear pristine. “You can rent a power washer or hire someone to do the job. Whatever works better for you. Just be sure you get it done,” she says.

Replace Doormats

Here’s a simple way to freshen the look of your house while protecting the interior, too. Invest in new doormats at least annually. A new doormat looks cleaner and more welcoming, and that helps maintain the overall look and feel of your home. “Especially if you’re showing your home, you want nice looking doormats,” Burke says. “A lot of people forget about this simple detail, but visitors do notice doormats, and nice, new ones make a difference. People look at their feet as they walk toward your door.” is important, says Burke. Pollen, dust, pollution and dirt all contribute to the plague of dirty windows. Give yours a good wash, inside and out, to keep your home looking tidy she says. While you’re at it, make sure your windows and seals are in good shape. If glass is cracked or missing seals, it’s time for repair.

“When it comes to the exterior of your home, a lot of little details add up to create an overall impression,” Burke says.

Sometimes the extra time you take to tend to those details can mean the difference between your home being seen as attractive and well cared for or unattractive and neglected. Don’t let those little things become big things. Even during vacation season, give your home the attention it needs to help it retain value and give your whole neighborhood great curb appeal.

Director of Content Marketing for Prince William Living, Katherine Gotthardt (kgotthardt@princewilliamliving.com) is a prolific writer, poet and author, as well as president of Write by the Rails, the Prince William chapter of the Virginia Writers Club. When she isn’t writing or reading, Katherine can be found enjoying the company of her husband, grown children and pets. Learn more about her work at katherinegotthardt.com.