Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
We all want our homes to look nice but finding the time to carry out maintenance is often difficult. That’s why most of us want an attractive and low-maintenance exterior. But how do we achieve it? Well, there are lots of innovations and materials that can help us create a stylish and durable home exterior. So, here are a few tips to help you achieve this homeowners’ goal with minimal effort.
Use low-maintenance materials
Innovations in products and materials have made maintaining our exteriors much easier. Although white uPVC isn’t always seen as the most attractive material to use, it is low maintenance.
If you’re looking for a way to improve your home’s appearance, you’ll be pleased to hear that uPVC and composite materials now come in a range of colors and textures. So, not only can you choose a more contemporary color scheme, but you can also mimic the look of real wood. Use this for your weatherboarding, doors, windows, and other types of cladding to keep them durable and weatherproof without the need for seasonal painting or treatments.
Composite materials are also useful instead of wood for decking. But if you do have wooden decking, fences, and sheds to maintain, then choose a good-quality preservative to treat them with. Look for a guaranteed lifespan of five or more years, so you don’t have to get the paint brushes out annually.
Equally, your driveway can be given a low-maintenance makeover with the right surfacing. Gravel drives are low-cost and nice to look at, but they do need raking, weeding, and topping up regularly. So, it might be worth installing a tarmac driveway if you want to reduce your maintenance time.
Although it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, it should last you around 20 years. And if you want to be sure it’s attractive as well as durable, you can use coloring and imprinting to add warmth and patterning to it. Shaping it to create a curved driveway and edging it with pavers will enhance it further.
Rethink your garden design
Of course, the outside of our homes isn’t all about the hard surfaces. Many of us take pride in having an attractive garden space. But that takes time and effort to maintain. Well, don’t despair, there are ways to keep a good level of greenery and cut down on maintenance.
Raised beds, containers and pots not only mean there’s less bending down to maintain your plants, but they also do a good job of reducing the spread of weeds. Raised beds and containers are easy to top with mulch or bark to keep the weeds down and moisture in, while pots can be topped with decorative gravel.
But that’s not the only option you can try. A complete rethink of your garden design could keep the entire space easy to care for. One growing trend is for the prairie garden. This naturalistic style involves using perennials and ornamental grasses with the same growing needs.
So, there’s no need to tend to each plant individually with different feeds, composts, and watering. With the correct planting, this type of garden is well-equipped for climate change, so it could also mean less watering and tending to plants when the weather is hot.
Finally, you may want to consider switching that carefully manicured lawn for a meadow-style lawn with longer grasses and wildflowers. This means you can leave it to grow and flourish over the warmer months. With no need for weekly mowing, feeding, and raking it’ll free up more of your spare time. Plus, it’s attractive to look at and beneficial to pollinators.
And there you have it, some top tips to give you an exterior that looks good without needing lots of maintenance.
What is the lowest maintenance house exterior?
The most popular choices for the lowest maintenance house exteriors are fiber cement siding, stone veneer siding, and vinyl siding.
All of these options have their own unique benefits that make them ideal for different types of homes and budgets.
Fiber cement siding is one of the most durable options on the market, making it a great choice for homes in areas with severe weather conditions.
Stone veneer siding is a beautiful option that adds natural charm and curb appeal to any home. Vinyl siding is an affordable option that is easy to install and maintain.
How can I make my house look more expensive outside?
It really depends on what you mean by expensive. If you want your home to have an air of luxury, there are several things you can do.
For starters, focus on the landscaping. Make sure the lawn is always green and trimmed, and consider planting some flowers or other greenery to add color and life to your yard. In addition, make sure the exterior of your home is always clean and in good repair. This means painting any chipped or cracked areas, and fixing any broken windows or other damage.
You can also try to add some luxurious touches to the outside of your home. For example, you could install a beautiful new front door, or add some decorative trim to the windows. These small changes can make a big difference in the overall look of your home.
Finally, remember that first impressions are important. If you want your home to look expensive, make sure it looks inviting and welcoming from the street. This means keeping the walkway clear of debris and making sure the front porch is well-lit and inviting. By taking these steps, you can give your home the appearance of luxury, even if it’s not actually worth a fortune.
How do I maintain the outside of my house?
To maintain the outside of your house, you will need to regularly do tasks such as cleaning the gutters, trimming the hedges, and mowing the lawn. You should also Inspect your home for any damage and make repairs as needed. By taking care of these things, you can help to keep your home in good condition and looking its best.
Which house siding lasts the longest?
This is a question that many homeowners face when they are trying to decide what type of siding to install on their home. There are many different types of siding available on the market today, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The three types of siding that we will be looking at are vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, and brick siding. Each of these materials has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at each type of siding in turn and see how they stack up against each other.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices for homeowners today. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and requires very little maintenance. Vinyl siding is also available in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you should be able to find something that will complement the look of your home.
One of the main advantages of vinyl siding is that it is very durable and will last for many years with proper care. However, vinyl siding can be damaged by high winds and hail, so it is not the best choice if you live in an area that is prone to severe weather conditions.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is another popular choice for homeowners. It is made from a mix of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Fiber cement siding is very strong and durable, and it can last for many years with proper care.
However, fiber cement siding is much more expensive than vinyl siding, and it is also more difficult to install. In addition, fiber cement siding is not available in as many colors and styles as vinyl siding.
Brick Siding
Brick siding is a classic choice that has been used for centuries. Brick is a very durable material that can last for many years with proper care. However, brick siding is very expensive and difficult to install. In addition, brick siding is not available in as many colors and styles as vinyl siding or fiber cement siding.
What is the best exterior trim material?
There are many different materials that can be used for exterior trim, such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for your home.
Wood is a classic choice for exterior trim, but it requires more maintenance than other materials. It is also susceptible to rot and insect damage.
Vinyl is a durable material that is easy to clean and does not require much maintenance. However, it can fade over time and is not as strong as other materials.
Aluminum is a strong material that is resistant to rot and insect damage. However, it can dent easily and is not as easy to paint as other materials.
Fiberglass is a durable material that is easy to clean and does not require much maintenance. However, it can crack or chip over time.
What colors make a house look more expensive?
There are a few colors that have been shown to make a house look more expensive than it actually is. These colors are generally light and neutral, and they have an almost calming effect. Pale yellows, light blues, and even certain shades of gray can give off the impression of luxury and opulence.
Of course, not everyone wants their home to look like a million bucks. If you’re going for a more cozy and inviting feel, then rich and warm colors are the way to go. But if you’re trying to impress potential buyers or make your home look its best for resale value, then stick to those light and neutral shades.