Chapter 18
Exterior Improvements

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Entice prospective buyers to stop and look at your property - don't give them a reason to drive on. It's called "Curb Appeal".

LANDSCAPING

This is one area where thousands of dollars can be spent if you're not careful. In most cases, a few plants and mulch are all that is required. In other instances, a complete overhaul will be needed.

My recommendation is to strip the garden (leaving any established plants in place), installing some decorative edging, re-laying some instant turf and of course, some new plants and mulch. That special touch can be added with some

WINDOWS

These are big cost items. If you have chosen the property correctly, then you shouldn't need to replace the windows. Once again, use your better judgment.

ROOFTOPS

Your rooftop falls into the first impression category. If it needs painting, then do it. If it needs repairing, then do it.

Roof repairs should always include the repainting or replacing of gutters.

FENCES, GATES and PORCHES

We all dream about owning a home with a picket fence, don't we? Running a close second to polished timber floors, this is the single most impressive, major wow factor item that you should include in your budget.

Many homes have existing porches. Sometimes these have been closed in or covered to make an additional room. The removal of any cladding or covering will usually reveals the original features and helps create instant curb appeal to the home.

Where an original porch has been removed, it is advisable to construct a new one that matches the original style of the home.

Combine these improvements with a classic paint job and you'll have them lining up for miles.