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You might be surprised to find out that approximately 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through its windows. This is why most homeowners opt to use specialty shutters or blinds to maximize the insulation in their homes while maintaining their style. But have you ever wondered if there are any differences between blinds and shutters? And if so, which is the better option between the two? This is why we did some investigating in this article on the benefits of both. Read until the end to find out what our verdict is.

Shutters

The most significant difference between shutters and blinds is that specialty shutters are mounted on a frame that will be fitted into your window frame. This ensures better light control in comparison to blinds. However, shutters do not block out the sun completely. As a result, you may have to integrate both your shutters and blinds to achieve maximum light control and efficient insulation.

Pros

• They’re a unique feature that can increase the value of your home.
• They are low maintenance and energy-efficient.

Cons

• They can cost more than blinds.
• They are dependent on the window style.
• They take up more window space.

Blinds

This is the most popular and versatile solution for light control. It is more easily attainable in comparison to specialty shutters. Moreover, the prices vary and blinds are mostly affordable to purchase and install in your home. Blinds are generally the most practical and convenient option for most homes, and they come in a variety of stylish colors that can match the decor of your home.

Pros

• The materials used to manufacture blinds can be suitable for any environment.
• They are more affordable than specialty shutters.
• They are easily adjustable to offer different light and shade options.

Cons

• They require constant cleaning in comparison to shutters.
• Some materials are easily damaged by extreme weather, UV ray exposure, and moisture.
• They require regular maintenance and need to be replaced sooner than shutters.

The best window treatment option depends on you, the homeowner. What matters in the end is what your personal preference is. However, quality should always trump price to ensure that you get the most out of your money. Blinds and specialty shutters offer homeowners a myriad of advantages, but they also have their disadvantages. It is important to choose your desired window treatment based on your needs rather than what’s popular.

The interior design industry generates $10 billion in revenue annually, and this is clear proof that homeowners are trying their best to design their homes with recent trends. A house has various areas which require enhancement, such as windows and doors and other house exterior and interior parts.

Windows and doors play a significant role in a home’s looks and functionality. Their designs and styles are changing daily, so homeowners should also embrace the recent innovations. So, which are the current window and door styles and trends?

Large Windows and Wide Doors

A wide door gives the homeowner freedom and convenience to enter freely, with lots of room for grocery bags, luggage, or even a bicycle. Choose the door dimensions according to the size of your house; oversized doors best fit big houses.

Large windows bring in enough natural lighting and ventilation. The current trend is spanning the entire wall or combining windows to make floor-to-ceiling windows with expanded glass.

Color

Those who love bright door colors can use bright red, Caribbean blue, sunny yellow, or saffron. You can paint the frame the same color or change it according to your preference. Cool and calm colors are grey, green, blue, jojoba, or grey-blue.

White trims are the most popular color theme for windows in most homes. The current color trends for adventurous homeowners are bright colors such as red and turquoise. Or make the frames and casing blend with the surrounding walls.

Noise Control

With the increasing working at home trends, most homeowners are looking for windows and doors with reduced noise. Replacing your old windows with higher performance windows will create a quieter indoor space.

Materials

You can choose steel or glass doors according to your preferences. Most homeowners in cottages with large fences prefer glass doors to get adequate natural light. Steel doors are also suitable for homes and apartments.

Models

Currently, various door designs are worth considering. To accommodate multiple formats, you can use multiple interior door designs for each room. The commons ones include pocket doors (commonly used in bathrooms), sliding doors (for balconies), and pivot doors. Windows designs include acoustic windows, wall windows, corner unit windows, and counter windows.

The 2021 windows and doors trends are based on simplicity, creativity, and expansion of space. Therefore, homeowners can choose from either theme and make their homes look stylish and eye-catching.

Everyone loves having a patio, as it adds space to the home and really increases a house’s overall livability. But over time, as with any home feature, patios can become outdated and need to be upgraded. Now is the ideal time to start thinking about how your patio, as well as the part of your home leading out to the patio, can be upgraded. Not only will this potentially add value to your home; it can also simply make it more enjoyable to be in.

Before beginning upgrades to your patio, make sure that you prioritize what most needs to be altered. Are your patio doors letting in drafts? Replacing them may help you lower heating costs. Is the base of your patio damaged in some way? By having it repaved and making necessary replacements, you can potentially make it much more livable, and perhaps even grill out on your patio in the future. With these considerations in mind, let’s explore some of the patio updates that you may want to consider this year.

1. Create a Cooking Space

Grilling isn’t the only way that you can cook out on your patio. You can also add an entire outdoor kitchen to your patio. Lots of people do this by adding an outdoor oven, often made of brick. Although some people have outdoor ovens as part of their patios largely for the aesthetic appeal, they can be used to make wood-fire dishes, especially pizzas.

An outdoor kitchen is a great way to bring the party to your patio. Instead of having to move in and out of the kitchen, pushing through patio doors as you carry trays of food to your guests, you can cook right in front of them. Additionally, an outdoor cooking space can act as a kind of centerpiece for your patio, making it easier for everyone to congregate with each other.

2. Change the Doors

If you’d like, you can really change the aesthetic of your patio by changing up your patio doors. A lot of people have doors leading out of their houses that naturally create a bit of a divide between indoor and outdoor spaces. They may be solid and visually block access to the patio. Perhaps they’re simply older, and as previously mentioned, let in drafts that drive up energy costs. A great option for you would be investing in French doors, or other types of doors that incorporate a lot of glass and therefore allow for more transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces.

No matter what your reasons for investing in a new patio door, you need to make sure that you work with professional installers. Quite often, the reason why drafts occur is that people attempt to install doors themselves, rather than trusting the professionals. Don’t let this happen to you. Both windows and doors need to be installed professionally.

3. Add a Fire Pit

So maybe an outdoor kitchen is too much for you, but you would still like a place for people to gather around. Why not add a fire pit? A fire pit is almost like an outdoor fireplace, often grounded with bricks or stone. It’s quite attractive and trendy, and you can center your patio furniture around it.

Furthermore, a fire pit has the added bonus of making your patio more enjoyable throughout the year. Rather than having to stick to the summers for nights out on the patio, you can warm up and huddle around the fire pit.

4. Create a Basic Deck

Maybe a flat patio isn’t ideal for your home anymore. You may want to change it up by elevating your outdoor space, quite literally, with a deck.

This is particularly ideal if you’re in a home that’s in a wetter, marshier area. Not only will a deck potentially give you a better water view if you’re in a waterfront house; it can also be more resistant to sinking, unlike a patio.

Remember: a patio is ultimately not just about adding value to your home, but adding enjoyment to it. Cater to your own needs and wants, and make sure that you get the patio of your dreams!

Are you looking for ways to save money and live a more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle? Going green at home is easier than you might think. Below are five ways you can make a positive change to your carbon footprint today.

1. Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Approximately 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. For this reason, installing double-paned windows instead of single-paned products can cut your total energy bill.

It’s advisable to use windows with Low-E coatings, for example. They reflect more light and minimize thermal energy entering your home, and in this way, Low-E coatings decrease heat gain.

You can also lessen heat loss by 10% to 20% if you install interior or exterior storm windows in severe weather environments. It’s possible to save $20 to $95 every year on your energy costs through ENERGY STAR windows.

Other measures include window shades, screens, shutters, and a retractable window awning. A retractable window awning stops the sun from streaming through the windows and sliding glass. As a result, it keeps your home temperatures cooler, leading to low air-conditioning expenses.

2. Keep an Eye on Water Heating Costs

Heating water accounts for the biggest chunk of your energy bill. So, one way of reducing water-heating expenses is to buy an efficient water heater. When you’re away or in bed, ensure that your thermostat is 10 to 15 degrees lower on the water heater. Coupled with insulating your water heater, you may save 5% to 15% annually.

3. Buy Energy-Efficient Electronics

Outdated appliances with high operating costs per annum will gnaw at your energy bill. Instead, buy electrical gadgets that have the ENERGY STAR label. It’s a seal of approval by the federal government that these products consume less energy when used or off.

4. Use Smart Trips

Your electricity bill can shoot up to $200 a year owing to energy waste. It’s because while your electronics are off, they still use electricity known as “phantom loads.” If you don’t control phantom loads, you’ll lose much energy. Smart trips can help you decrease energy waste since they shut off power through remote switches when your appliances are off.

5. Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs

The old-type of incandescent light bulbs use lots of electricity. To save on your energy expenses, swap them out with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), halogen incandescent bulbs, and light-emitting bulbs (LEDs). All these lights use between 25% and 80% less energy and are three to 25 times more durable than conventional bulbs.

Installing dimmer switches can go a long way in controlling your energy costs. With these light controls, you can also set the brightness you desire, saving you electricity.

These simple tips can save you money, protect your environment, and increase your property value.

Lower heating costs improve any bottom line, whether you own a single-family home or a business. The good news is that you can lower these costs with a few behavior changes. But, if you find your home is still leaking heat, your local Burbank windows and doors installers are here to help.

Below are just a few ways you can lower heating costs in your home or business. To discuss more heat-saving options, give us a call today. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about Milgard doors, which Milgard windows Burbank residents prefer, and other available sun control systems.

Turn Down the Heat When You Leave

One of the easiest ways to save energy is by not using it. When you leave for work in the morning, click that thermostat down a few degrees. As long as you stay above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, your home should have no problem staying warm enough to operate.

When you return home, it’s easy to turn the thermostat back up and warm up the house while you’re there. Sure, it might be chilly at first, but those few extra dollars in your monthly budget should help you feel better about those lower heating costs.

Wrap Yourself in Blankets or Warm Clothing

Most people park themselves on the couch after dinner. After all, you’ve worked all day and want to relax, right? Curl up with a fluffy, soft blanket and get away from it all for a couple hours before bedtime.

Putting on a comfy sweater and long pants should help keep you warm as well. Soft, warm materials will help your body to relax and soon you may find all the stresses of your day melting away. Lower heating costs can feel good!

Wear Socks and/or Slippers

Add a pair or two of wool socks to your wardrobe for those chilly nights around the house. Cozy slippers keep all your toes warm, even if you aren’t a blanket person. Don’t let all your body heat escape through your feet.

Cook a Meal or Bake a Tasty Dessert

Many people use fireplaces to heat their homes, but sometimes the best heaters are in the kitchen. Cook a hot meal in the oven or on the stovetop to lower heating costs. You can also bake a scrumptious dessert and leave the oven door open afterward.

Ensure Windows and Doors Are Sealed

Did you know that over a quarter of your home’s heat is lost through the windows? Sliding patio doors can let a lot of heat escape, too. The tighter you can seal your doors and windows, the lower heating costs will be at your business or personal residence.

If you find your home windows and doors aren’t sealing properly, it could be time for some new additions. Replacement windows lower heating costs dramatically. Professional installers can have your new window and door installation done right to put more money back into your wallet.

Heat Efficiently with a Ceiling Fan

Besides around windows and doors, heat also likes to hang out in high places. Installing ceiling fans in your home or place of business can help distribute heat evenly throughout the entire building. Plus, they come in handy during summer months to keep the cold air circulating as well.

Install Insulating Window Treatments

Traditional shutters and old-style patio doors are just a few places in your home where heat can escape. Even if your patio door doesn’t leak heat, it’s still a good idea to invest in window treatments that will keep the heat in, too. Plus, they add a bit of style to your home.

Window treatment materials typically include various types of fabric. Choose those fabrics that weigh a bit more and are dyed a darker color. These window dressings should soak up the heat during the warm part of the day and insulate your home throughout the evening hours.

Windows and doors are your biggest culprits for letting out the heat. Protect your bottom line with professional window and door installation from a Milgard-certified dealer. We’ll be happy to show you how Milgard custom windows can improve your home so you can focus on the important things in life.

We often think about the way our homes look within. After all, the interior design industry is estimated to generate about $10 billion in revenue every year. But there is far more to what makes up a home than the way that it looks on the inside or the structural integrity of its exterior. Exterior design certainly matters as well, and in some ways, it is even more important than interior design.

Exterior design is at times more expensive than interior design and may not need to be updated quite as often. But it’s important that you don’t attempt to handle exterior design issues, like replacement doors and windows, on your own. Rather, you should wait until you can work with professional installers. If you attempt to handle exterior design on your own, you may very well find yourself saddled with expensive repairs. In the long term, these could cost more than working with professionals in the first place.

With that in mind, your goal should be to add value to your home. Let’s look into some of the best ways to update the exterior of your home and ensure that your house is putting its best foot forward. The more updated and aesthetically pleasing your home is, the more valuable it will be.

1. Replace Your Windows

There are a lot of reasons why you may want to contact professional installers about changing your home’s windows. Windows do generally need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years, depending on the window types involved and what the window frames are made of. For example, vinyl windows may actually last longer than wood windows, as they are more resistant to the elements and rot. Windows that have been damaged following weather events would obviously need to be replaced prematurely.

But in general, you may also want to explore changing your home’s windows in order to alter the appearance of your house. Windows are often referred to as a home’s “eyes”, and changing your windows can actually change the appearance of your home’s exterior in a big way. You’ll need to look into your development rights and what they permit, but you may very well be allowed to alter the shape and size of your windows. Typically speaking, you should think about budgeting around $200-$500 per window, though your budget may need to extend depending on how many windows you want to replace and what you would like to replace them with.

2. Install New Entry Doors

Much like windows, your doors can actually make your entire house look different. Over time, entry doors can be exposed to a great deal of water, and depending on what material the doors are made of, you may have to replace them sooner rather than later. Wood doors are highly valued due to their classic appearance, but wood is porous. This means that it can absorb liquid, and therefore experience rot. Additionally, wood doors can expand or warp over time, ultimately looking very different over the years.

Entry doors can be replaced and updated, often without necessarily changing the appearance of the doors overly much if you’d rather not do that and simply want an update. Steel doors are favored by some due to their durability but are prone to rust. Like vinyl windows, vinyl doors often last much longer and are relatively cost-efficient.

3. Add Sliding Doors

Sliding patio doors can actually expand the overall sense of space in your home. Technically, you can add sliding glass doors to your home whether or not you have a patio. These doors can let in natural light while making it easier for you to spend time outside.

Even during the winter months, sliding glass doors allow you to have a visual connection with your exterior property. Although it’s important to have professional installers control the installation of these doors, as they can easily be installed incorrectly, they’re ultimately worth the investment.

Don’t hesitate to contact professional installers about updating the exterior of your home. Ultimately, you’ll be glad that you took this step and gave your house a whole new look.

Nothing lasts forever, not even your windows and doors. That’s one of the many reasons why the deck and patio construction industry has grown significantly over the last five years, ultimately hitting a revenue of $783 million in 2019. While there are many factors that go into creating decks and patios, some of the most significant components include the windows and patio doors that really connect the home to that outdoor space. But of course, like any component that’s constantly exposed to the elements, eventually these doors and windows do need to be replaced.

Doors, in particular, should be replaced on a regular basis, as they’re not only key to maintaining an energy-efficient home, but also vital to the security of houses. But determining when replacement doors are needed can be difficult. We often take our doors for granted and don’t take much notice of the damage that they accrue over time. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the main signs that your doors may need to be replaced.

1. You’re Experiencing Drafts

One of the main indicators that you need to start shopping for replacement doors is that you’re starting to feel a draft through the door. Not only does this mean that heat and cool air is escaping through the door, ultimately affect its energy efficiency; it’s also indicative of potential cracks and issues with the door’s sealing ability.

Keep an eye on your bills as you evaluate your door. If you’re paying more each month than you once did, combined with a draft, you should probably start considering different replacement doors. You may even want to opt for a door made out of different materials next time, in order to elevate its energy efficiency.

2. The Door Has Sustained Significant Damage

Obviously, you need to replace a door that has sustained significant damage, whether it’s been vandalized or damaged due to a weather event. You shouldn’t bother trying to repair a door that has sustained this level of damage. You’ll most likely be investing in a product that you need to replace down the road anyway.

Rather, you should go ahead and replace the door, ideally with a door that is stronger and less prone to damage. If your wood door sustained damage during a hurricane, for example, you may want to opt for a steel door the next time around.

3. It’s Experienced Insect Damage

Wood doors are particularly prone to insect damage, due to the fact that termites and other burrowing pests are more able to attack wood than other materials. While you could work on restoring certain parts of your home that have suffered termite damage, it’s a good idea to replace a door outright. It would likely cost more to restore the door than it’s worth.

Again, when shopping for replacement doors you should instead look at fiberglass and steel doors. These are much less likely to fall prey to insect damage.

4. The Door Shows Signs Of Warping And Peeling

Once your door has started to show signs of warping, peeling, and cracking you should begin your hunt for a replacement as quickly as possible. Age and ongoing damage tend to cause these types of issues over time, especially in the case of wood doors.

Wood doors tend to soak in moisture, which causes them to expand and warp over the years. By the time the door has started to show these kinds of signs, it’s usually an indication that it has already weakened to the point that it needs to be replaced.

5. The Door Is Sticking

If your door is having issues with opening and closing, this is probably an indication that it needs to be replaced. This can be a sign that the hinges have become rusted or damaged in some way, and over time the door itself will likely become more damaged as you try to open and close it.

While it’s never fun to invest in replacement doors, it’s something that most homeowners will likely need to do at one point or another. Therefore, it’s advisable that you truly invest, paying more now for a higher quality door that will last for the long term.

Adding a patio to your home is a great idea. Not only does it expand your living space, but it also allows you to add value to your home. While a house without a patio is all well and good, a house with a patio can really differentiate itself on the market and appeal to a broader range of buyers. If you do end up selling your home in the future, your patio could very well be what makes the difference between a buyer choosing your home or an alternate option.

At the same time, you should strongly consider every component of your patio before investing in it. In order to get a proper return on your investment, you should consider your different options, like Milgard patio doors and energy efficient vinyl door frames. It’s important for your patio to not only be appealing, but also capable of offering a proper payoff. With that in mind, let’s look into what you should consider as you build your patio.

1. The Style

Not every patio is going to be identical to those that come before it. You have a lot of different materials to choose from as you plan the “floor” of your patio. While some choose simple concrete, others prefer materials like stones and mosaic pieces as they build their patios. Furthermore, this will be accented by the patio doors that you choose, whether they’re Milgard patio doors or not. For example, sliding patio doors can open up the space further and really connect your home to the patio. French doors can create a sense of elegance and may better mesh with certain architectural styles. Keep this in mind as you plan out your patio.

2. The Materials

Different materials are obviously going to yield different results. While it’s important that you think over your patio furniture and the benefits of different types of base materials for your patio, you shouldn’t forget what your patio doors are made up of. This is because patio doors that are created with energy inefficient materials actually allow heat to escape the home. This will result in your HVAC system working harder to regulate the home’s temperature, ultimately resulting in you spending more on energy than you really should. Materials like vinyl and metal often create more insulation. Fortunately, there are energy efficient options in terms of Milgard patio doors, and you don’t have to stick with inefficient options just because you want a certain look.

3. Lasting Power

The last thing you want is to have to replace elements of your patio prematurely. Keep this in mind as you invest in certain materials. But at the same time, you should remember that no matter what you invest in you’ll need to have the different elements of your patio serviced on a regular basis. With regular service, patio doors can last up to 30 years. But if you invest in patio doors and expect them to last without maintenance, you’ll probably end up replacing them sooner than you may have expected.

4. Broad Appeal

Though you may want to invest in a patio that purely caters to your own tastes, you should consider what appeals more broadly to people on a wide scale. You never know when you may end up selling your home, after all. Therefore, a patio that has been created with brightly colored brick or stone may not appeal to as many people as more neutral tones may. At the same time, you should consider this when choosing your patio doors as well. This is is why Milgard patio doors are so often preferred.

5. Weather

How rainy are the conditions where you live? Is the ground prone to sinking? Consider this as you invest in a patio. For example, if the ground around you is prone to sinking you probably shouldn’t have a patio base that is flat to the ground. Furthermore, if the area experiences high winds frequently you should choose doors that can withstand those winds with a good seal.

There is much for you to think about as you build a patio. Consider not only what appeals to you, but what lasts and increases your home’s energy efficiency and value.

So you’ve decided to get custom windows. There are a lot of benefits to getting customized windows; for one thing, some houses sincerely need them, especially those that are older and were built for windows that aren’t easily available anymore. Another benefit is saving money on energy. A lot of windows that were made in the past are not as energy-efficient as today’s custom made windows and are not as cost-efficient either. But when considering buying custom Milgard windows, you may be confronted by the question of priorities. What should you prioritize when ordering your custom windows, and what will add value to your home as well as a better experience with your windows? For a lot of people, the answer is clear: natural light. Natural light is one major reason homes have windows in the first place, but some window types offer more light than others. If you’re choosing between traditional windows and custom Milgard windows with great natural light, you may be tempted to go with what you know. But you’ll just end up with lower quality windows that’ll keep you in the dark. Let’s look into some of the benefits offered by the natural lighting that comes with Milgard windows.

1. Psychological Benefits

Yes, there is a true psychological benefit that comes with natural lighting. Natural light is hugely beneficial to people who suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. These disorders can often heighten during the winter months, due to the shorter days. However, custom Milgard windows can make a difference in that they let in more natural light so people can take full advantage of the daylight hours. In fact, those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder may even want to expand their windows somewhat, if it’s at all possible. But if they cannot do so, installing windows that brighten up the home can make a major difference.</p.

2. Cost Efficiency

While you may initially be concerned about paying for custom Milgard windows to let in more natural light, you may actually save money in the long term by doing so. This is because the more natural light you have within your home, the less you’ll have to rely upon artificial lighting to keep your home well lit during the day. Artificial lighting puts a lot of pressure on people’s energy bills and can raise them significantly. Ultimately, if you can get your energy bills to decrease through the use of the right windows, you’ll be glad you did.

3. Increased Value

Everybody wants to add value to their home, and custom Milgard windows can certainly help with that. Not only are they appealing on an aesthetic level, but the natural light that they bring can also make the home feel more open and bigger than it actually is. When people buy a house, they consider every last detail. The fact is that if one house has big, open windows while the other does not, the decision becomes a lot easier. And don’t let worries about blinds or curtains deter you; though these can be an extra cost for buyers to consider, many believe that brightness and the illusion of space are worth it in the long term.

4. Physical Benefits

Yes, psychological benefits are not the only health benefits brought forth by natural lighting. There are physical benefits as well. Those without home windows that bring in light are often forced to use special lamps or dietary supplements to get the right amount of vitamin C, especially during the winter. But natural lighting gives that to you automatically and ultimately results in you not only feeling better mentally but physically.

When you’re considering replacement windows, remember that you don’t have to go with what’s already there. Custom windows are an option and can give you that natural light you need!

We all want to add value to our homes, and with good reason. Everyone sinks money into their houses simply by buying them in the first place. But you’re generally advised to look at your house as an investment. This is why most people attempt to buy homes in good areas with pre-existing features that are already appealing to the local housing market. However, just because you follow that advice and buy a home that has a lot of value, doesn’t mean that it’s going to gain value over time. By the time you sell your house down the road, it could have eventually lost value. It won’t matter if you bought a house in the perfect area, with traditional shutters and high tech sun control systems. Simply because of issues out of your control, like your area’s school district falling in esteem, your home could naturally lose value. Or perhaps very little will happen, and you’ll sell it without a loss or a profit. No matter what, you need to keep these issues in mind as a homeowner simply because you may need to sell it someday even if you don’t see that as a possibility now. Ideally, you’ll want to add value to your house so that you can sell it at a profit, and the best way that you can do that is by investing in it further and making unique additions that can set your home apart from the others. People want more than just a nice house that’s in good shape. They want unique details that will catch the eye and set it apart. With that being said, let’s look into some of the details that can add value to your home.

1. Shutters

Believe it or not, traditional shutters, whether or not you consider them old-fashioned, can add value to your home. There are a lot of benefits to adding shutters to a home. For one thing, if your house is already somewhat classic in appearance, traditional shutters will only enhance that appeal, perhaps even giving your house that coveted historic look that plenty of buyers love. But there are benefits based on practicalities and comfort alike to shutters. Unlike blinds, shutters don’t pose potential strangulation risks to babies and young children. For that matter, they’re actually more effective. Whereas blinds merely block out most of the light, shutters can go so far as to block out all of the light in an area. Therefore, those seeking to sleep in on the weekends would be better off with shutters. Shutters can act as excellent accents for a home, adding a pop of color and creating a different look. Of course, synthetic shutters, made of a different material than traditional wood shutters, are also available and are preferred by some. Either way, know that you have options available!

2. Patios

It should come as no surprise that a patio adds value to your home. It essentially adds an additional layer of value to your home by making it bigger and creating an outdoor living space, sometimes even with the added element of an outdoor kitchen or at least a grill. Patios can be more or less structured depending on whether you rely on gravel or sand, as opposed to cement or a deck. For that matter, they offer an additional bit of flair when they come with patio doors, like French doors or sliding patio doors leading into the home.

3. Landscaping

Of course, you don’t have to add directly to your home. If you have outdoor space, you can also add some flair to your garden through professional landscaping. This landscaping could include a flower garden, nicely trimmed hedges, or fruit trees. A well-groomed landscape can make a home much more aesthetically pleasing to the outside eye, and can for that matter catch the attention of buyers simply driving through a neighborhood much faster than a fresh coat of paint.

Whether you want to stay as minimal as traditional shutters or go all out and add a patio, adding to your home is about more than just your wants. You’ll also want to make sure that your home appeals to future potential buyers, therefore adding value in the long term.