Using an Exterior Remodel to Improve the Value of Your Home

Within the current real estate market, many homeowners are becoming increasingly concerned with the values of their homes. Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can improve the value of your home, helping you secure a better return on your investment if you decide it’s time to sell.

At Sunshine Contracting, we have been helping homeowners in Northern Virginia increase home values through exterior remodels since 1993. We have the experience and the knowledge to assist you when you’re ready to take on a large, outdoor remodeling project.

But many homeowners are unsure of what specific options they have when it comes to exterior remodels. So with that in mind, we have collected some of our best thoughts on exterior remodeling so you can get started imagining what your home could become.

If you are curious about where to start, first ask yourself about your windows. How old are they? Are they energy efficient? Potential buyers who are concerned about energy costs will often look at the windows first when touring a home for sale.

So if your windows are aging or are simply drafty, we recommend replacement windows as the first step toward improving your home’s value.

But what will you get if you choose to replace your windows with Sunshine Contracting? Here are just a few of the features:

Limitless design options.

Windows can really define your home. We are committed to offering a wide variety of window designs so you can really make your home’s exterior express itself. Of course, sometimes traditional double hung windows are still the best approach. They are a classic design with proven functionality.

However, there are a number of other options that can transform your exterior. Sliding windows and casement windows are great if your windows are larger. You also don’t want to neglect your basement windows.

If you really want to install some statement windows, we also offer bay windows, geometric windows and garden windows that add a specialty touch to your exterior.

Plus you can choose between traditional wood frames and lighter vinyl windows along with a number of colors, giving you even more options.

So don’t limit your vision. If you can dream it, we can make it into reality.

Durability and quality.

Window design has come a long way over the years. New windows are more durable and last longer than windows installed decades ago.

We install high-quality Simonton brand windows. They are designed to be easy to maintain, extending the life of your windows.

With a quality window installation, you will instantly improve the value of your home. Potential buyers may be more confident making an offer, knowing they won’t have to invest in new windows for a long time.

Increased energy efficiency.

New windows are also more energy efficient. As fuel costs continue to increase (with no sign of slowing down anytime soon), new windows won’t just improve your home’s value, but they’ll also decrease your energy costs.

Simonton brand windows meet Energy Star guidelines, come with standard features such as high-performance weather stripping and Lap Lok meeting rails, along with increased efficiency options such as the Supercept Space System, ProSolar Softcoat and argon gas-filled panes.

All of these high-performance features are designed to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Most importantly, they are selling points for future home buyers.

Often, we don’t think to replace our roof until we have to. A harsh winter or a severe storm can cause your roof to become damaged and leaky.

However, you should also be considering whether you can replace an old roof to improve the value of your home.

Excellent roofs combine function and beauty. Not only do they keep the rain from getting into your home, but they tie the exterior design of your home together.

At Sunshine Contractors, we have been installing new roofs and underlayments for over twenty years. We understand what kinds of roofing and shingle designs fit your home’s architecture along with the surrounding neighborhood.

What should you be considering when thinking about installing a new roof? Here are some components to keep in mind:

A number of roofing styles.

Not all roofs are the same. There are a number of shingle and roofing styles to choose from. The best option will depend on both the shape and style of your preexisting roof and your own design tastes.

Asphalt 3 tab style shingles are by far the most popular. They are both affordable and durable, and they come in a variety of colors, making them a versatile design option. We use either GAF or CertainTeed brand 3 tab shingles on all of our installations. Both brands are high quality, meaning you can feel confident any new roof installation will last.

Architectural style shingles are similar to the standard 3 tab, but they are slightly thicker, adding extra texture and depth to the visual appearance of your roof. Designer shingles take the attention to detail even further, and cedar shake shingles are the pinnacle in design and durability.

Expert installation increases roof life.

Regardless of what kind of roof design you choose, its durability will depend on how well it is installed.

Because we have spent so many years focused on high-quality installation, we bring the attention to detail required to make sure your roof is installed perfectly.

Expertly laid flashing will ensure your roof is well sealed against other architectural features like vents and chimneys. Our roofing installations also include premium ice and water shields, giving you another layer of protection against leaks. Aluminum drip edges and pipe collars are installed to ensure rain water and snow melt goes where you want it to. Any seams are aproned and caulked to further guard against water damage.

Not only are our installations of the highest quality, but they are also rigorously up to code. This is important because home inspectors will check to make sure your home meets local building codes before recommending your house to a potential buyer.

So, regardless of what kind of roof you choose, a new, professionally installed roof will dramatically increase the value of your home. Potential buyers will feel more confident if they know a new roof was recently installed. Plus, a roof that is perfectly paired with the architectural design of your home will also increase your home’s curb appeal.

Increasingly, home buyers are interested in purchasing a house with usable and attractive outdoor spaces. Buyers come to open houses with visions of family time spent outside grilling or relaxing in a hammock.

By installing a new deck or porch, not only will you be creating these relaxing and versatile spaces for yourself, but you’ll also be making your home more marketable to future buyers.

What kind of deck and porch options are available to help improve your home value? Here are some suggestions:

Decks built from various materials.

You have a number of options when choosing to build a new deck. Traditionally, outdoor spaces have been built with pressure treated wood. Durable, beautiful and affordable, pressure treated decks are constructed using wood that has been specially treated with chemicals designed to be weather resistant when combined with a water resistant stain. While typical lumber can rot when left exposed to the elements, pressure treated wood will last through even the harshest winter.

Considering how affordable pressure treated wood decks are, they are a great way to dramatically increase the value of your home.

More recently however, many homeowners have turned to composite decking to transform their outdoor living space. Composite boards are made from recycled plastic, come in a number of colors and are an environmentally-friendly option. At Sunshine Contractors, we use TrexPro Gold brand composite decking, which provides you with unrivaled quality.

With more home buyers looking for environmentally-friendly houses, a composite deck is a great way to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Front porches frame your home.

A good front porch draws attention to the entrance of your home. Additionally, it gives you a space to relax along with opportunities to socialize with neighbors, family and friends.

While front porches are the most typical, porches can be added to any portion of your home. Don’t be afraid to let your own design choices influence how you position your porch installation.

A new porch will pay incredible dividends with regard to your home’s curb appeal. Buyers touring available real estate will be instantly pulled toward a home with such an inviting design feature. So if you can see yourself sipping tea out on the porch during a summer evening, don’t hesitate to spring for one — you will also be increasing your home’s value in the process.

Screened porches provide Southern charm.

Living in warmer climates like Northern Virginia influences home design. For many of us, we have found screened porches to be the perfect solution for enhancing an outdoor space.

Screened porches provide you with a cool outdoor living area without the exposure to pesky insects. They also give your home a certain Southern aesthetic quality.

Such design choices are a great way to increase home values. It gives your home character while also giving you additional outdoor space for a variety of things, whether it is reading a book on a summer afternoon or hosting a cozy dinner party. As always, our years of experience ensure your screened porch won’t just look good — it will also be durable and functional.

We understand siding isn’t very exciting. For most homeowners, as long as the siding is in decent shape and a good color, they don’t give it much thought.

But new, high-quality siding can be incredibly effective at increasing your home’s value.

So, how should you approach siding upgrades?

Think about a design transformation.

New siding may seem like a big investment, but it is a good and relatively quick way to make a dramatic design change for your home. If you feel your house is beginning to look drab, new siding can quickly spruce it up.

Design and curb appeal are important contributors to your home’s value. As soon as home buyers turn down your street, they will notice the color and sparkle of your home. Even if everything else about your home is new and attractive, you can’t undo the first impression of dingy siding.

So don’t hesitate to make a transformative design choice. Siding comes in a near limitless variety of colors and styles, so you will only be limited by your imagination. You want to your home to be eye-catching for all the right reasons!

Improve your home’s durability.

Today’s new siding products are more durable and easier to maintain than siding types of the past. While durable siding may seem mundane, potential buyers will be assured your home won’t require additional maintenance in the near future.

Plus, because new siding products are resistant to unattractive and potentially damaging mildew and other grime, a new siding installation will go far in improving your curb appeal.

Of course, your siding’s durability is dependent upon an expert installation as well. That’s why you want to hire a contractor who not only works with the best siding products, but who also knows how to install them properly. We have over twenty years of experience installing siding in Northern Virginia, so you can rest assured you will be getting the maximum value out of your new siding.

Consider less common materials.

Though siding is the standard choice because of its attractiveness and durability, some homeowners want to explore other options.

Stone veneer is a dramatic yet highly functional siding option. Stone is tough and long lasting, regardless of what kind of weather you throw at it. Plus it comes in a surprising variety of colors and styles, so you can really let your imagination lead. And just like our vinyl siding, we have the experience and expertise to make sure you get the most out of your investment.

So if you want a home that really stands out on the block, think about stone veneer. It is sure to make an impression on potential buyers while also improving your home’s overall value.

Update Your Home’s Exterior With Sunshine Contracting Corp

Exterior remodels are a great way to increase your home’s value. Whether you are adding an outdoor space or porch, installing a new roof, replacing your home’s windows or giving your house a facelift with some new siding, any increase in curb appeal will pay dividends when the time comes to sell.

But not all exterior remodels are equal when it comes to increasing the value of your house. You want a redesign that is installed by professionals who will get it right the first time. New decking, siding, windows and shingles may be created to be durable and long lasting, but if they aren’t installed properly, their value and duration of use will both be drastically diminished.

At Sunshine Contracting Corp, we have been using our years of experience and expertise to install exterior remodels throughout Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William Counties. So if you are a Northern Virginia homeowner who wants to increase your home’s value, whether for immediate sale, in preparation for a future sale or simply for your own enjoyment, look no further than Sunshine Contracting. If you have any questions please contact us today.