Page 17 - Real Estate Now-Mar/Apr 2022
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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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