Get the Most out of Outdoor Home Improvements

Maximum Value Project Ideas from HGTV’s FrontDoor.com and DIYnetwork.com
by Stephen M. Fells on June 8, 2010

Summer Project Ideas Focus on Outdoor Living and Home Exterior

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Take advantage of the warm weather by jumping into an outdoorsy home improvement project this month. HGTV’s FrontDoor.com and DIYnetwork.com offer expert advice, inspiration and step-by-step instructions to make the outdoor space as comfortable as the home’s interior. With new installments in the monthly ‘Maximum Value Projects’ series, these expert sites have tips for getting the most value out of outdoor renovations. (www.frontdoor.com/mvps)

Lighting:

Outdoor fixtures with a faux-finish or a higher-end metal can add beauty and value to any outdoor space. Artistic lighting also boosts curb appeal.
Pre-packaged outdoor lighting kits can be the perfect solution for a homeowner on a tight budget. These kits provide a dramatic effect without breaking the bank.


Patio:

Use colors, stains or stamping to turn an average slab of concrete into a visually appealing extension of the home.
Constructing a patio with regard to the proportion and property of the home will ensure the biggest return on investment.

Deck:

Multi-level decks with room for outdoor accessories and activities are becoming a trend. Depending on the size of the house, however, bigger is not always better.
“Go green” by constructing a deck with sustainable materials such as pine or composite wood. These materials are both long-lasting and environmentally responsible.

Outdoor Kitchen:

Outdoor kitchens can range from a basic island design to a wow-factor area filled with all a chef’s necessary appliances.
Stone veneers are a cost-effective way to give the outdoor kitchen a high-end look. They weigh less than regular stones and come in almost any texture, shape and color.

Simply renovating parts of a home’s exterior can give it a fresh new look for summer:

Gutters – rainwater collection systems allow collected rainwater to be recycled for reuse. This can cut down on water bills while also serving as a decorative piece.
Siding – siding can be vinyl, fiber cement, brick or stone, depending on the homeowner’s budget. Thanks to technological advancements, colors, textures and new grains make even vinyl look like higher-end material.

Windows – energy-efficient windows will update the look of the home as well as cut down on utility costs. The right windows are a perfect way to bring out a home’s unique architectural features.

Doors – consider steel doors to incorporate style and energy efficiency on a budget. Consider clean lines and rich colors over intricate designs for front entryways.
Roof – red, orange and even green shingles can add pizzazz and complement the surrounding landscape. Solar roofing panels can blend with almost any type of shingle.

For more ways to get the most value out of outdoor renovations, visit DIYnetwork.com or FrontDoor.com/mvps. Check back in July for Maximum Value Projects on big-ticket upgrades.