Page 17 - Real Estate Now-Mar/Apr 2022

What are the current trends in exterior renovations?
If you’ve been thinking about completing an exterior home renovation project this year, My Design Home Studio
suggests while “farmhouse vibes are here to stay,” five other exterior design trends will gain popularity in 2022,
including “a shift toward natural textures, a stronger
connection to the outdoors, and a minimalist
approach to architecture.”
These trends are:
• Natural textures: Blonde woods, hand-sawn
beams, and aged brick are popular, but you
can recreate these looks at a lower cost with
wood-like siding or stone-like accents.
• Dark exteriors: Pairing lighter siding and brick
with moodier blacks and charcoals is becoming
a trend, so if you’re looking to sell soon it might
be worth the investment now.
• Black accents: External features—like door
handles, door frames, locks, shutters, etc.—are
being swapped out for matte black instead of
classic brass or silver. It’s a more modern look
without requiring a total overhaul.
• All-season outdoor entertaining: Adding a
patio or deck to your yard can help increase
curb appeal, especially when equipped for year-round usage. Covered areas for places with a lot of snow, or
lounge areas with an outdoor fireplace (depending on your municipal bylaws) for places that remain relatively
dry during the winter, are great additions to help extend patio season.
• Natural light: Large panoramic windows that will flood your home with natural light are definitely a bigger
investment than say, a door handle, but they’re a hot commodity as buyers are looking for homes with more
natural light.

Top exterior renovations to help your ROI
While trying the latest renovation trends is a great way to ensure your home fits the modern look, there are tried and
trusted exterior renovations that are not only cost-effective, but also known to help increase a home’s ROI.

According to Alex Obradovich, a REALTOR® and sales representative with Chestnut Park® Real Estate Limited Brokerage
in Toronto, the best cost-effective exterior renovations would be “functional over the cosmetic.”

“Taking a good look at what’s necessary to fix will be the most important when it comes to selling your home in
the future,” explained Obradovich. “Common items may be drainage, grading, deteriorated items or heating/cooling
efficiency problems like making sure windows and chimneys are sealed properly.”
However, once the functional exterior renovations are complete, Obradovich says cost-effective and cosmetic
upgrades to improve your home would be painting and tidying up landscaping.
“Plus, both of those can be done yourself inexpensively,” he added.

Other things to look at would be your roof, garage door, front door (steel and fibreglass are becoming popular
materials), and siding. The average cost to install an asphalt roof in Canada is around $4,750 (depending on the scale
of the project), while replacing a double-car garage door can cost between $1,300 and $3,500. If you’re trying to stay
on budget, you can also revamp your home’s exterior by swapping out old furnishings for newer pieces and adding
potted plants and annual flowers for a pop of colour.

The best way to assess what your home needs is by enlisting the help of a REALTOR® who will be able to give you
insights into what buyers are currently looking for in your neighbourhood and what renovations may help sell your
home quicker—and for a better price. ■

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