When it comes to making exterior upgrades, it all comes down to how much you’re willing to invest, and how much work you’re willing to do. Some of these suggestions require very little upfront investment, while others require a bit more. But in the long run, all of them should make a positive impact on your pocketbook. Read on to discover nine updates that are worth the extra effort.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
Outdoors
9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You Money
June 27, 2018
When it comes to making exterior upgrades, it all comes down to how much you’re willing to invest, and how much work you’re willing to do. Some of these suggestions require very little upfront investment, while others require a bit more. But in the long run, all of them should make a positive impact on your pocketbook. Read on to discover nine updates that are worth the extra effort.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
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Replace Windows
1/9Replace Windows
1/9Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
Yes, windows are a big investment, however over time they can actually save you money on your heating and cooling bills. Replacing drafty windows can save as much as 30% in energy costs, and that adds up to a lot of money over the years. With a number of government rebates available across Canada, you can save even more. <br /> <br /> For more inspiration, check out these <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/rehab-addict/photos/12-ways-to-freshen-up-those-tired-exteriors-1052837/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 ways to freshen up those tired exteriors</a>.Outdoors9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You MoneyReplace Windows
PHOTO 1 of 9READ LESS -Yes, windows are a big investment, however over time they can actually save you money on your heating and cooling bills. Replacing drafty windows can save as much as 30% in energy costs, and that adds up to a lot of money over the years. With a number of government rebates available across Canada, you can save even more. <br /> <br /> For more inspiration, check out these <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/rehab-addict/photos/12-ways-to-freshen-up-those-tired-exteriors-1052837/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 ways to freshen up those tired exteriors</a>.Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
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Replace an Old Front Door
2/9Replace an Old Front Door
2/9Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Year after year, a new door is cited as the number one source of remodeling return on investment. A new steel or fibreglass model adds additional safety and security, and like windows, a properly insulated front door will help limit air leaks and save you money.Outdoors9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You MoneyReplace an Old Front Door
PHOTO 2 of 9READ LESS -Year after year, a new door is cited as the number one source of remodeling return on investment. A new steel or fibreglass model adds additional safety and security, and like windows, a properly insulated front door will help limit air leaks and save you money.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Install Solar Panels
3/9Install Solar Panels
3/9Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
I recently had solar panels installed on my roof. It’s great because the panels generate electricity that I can then sell back to the grid. So not only do I save money on my energy bills, I can actually pocket a few extra dollars too.Outdoors9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You MoneyInstall Solar Panels
PHOTO 3 of 9READ LESS -I recently had solar panels installed on my roof. It’s great because the panels generate electricity that I can then sell back to the grid. So not only do I save money on my energy bills, I can actually pocket a few extra dollars too.Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
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Paint the Exterior
4/9Paint the Exterior
4/9Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
Is your siding looking a little sad? A new coat of paint is almost always a good idea because it provides dramatic results with a minimal investment. If you’re selling your house, this small investment can add tons of value. Even when you add in the cost of a professional painting team. <br /> <br /> See here for <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/major-curb-appeal-mistakes-thatll-scare-away-potential-home-buyers-1914482/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 major curb appeal mistakes that'll scare away potential buyers</a>.Outdoors9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You MoneyPaint the Exterior
PHOTO 4 of 9READ LESS -Is your siding looking a little sad? A new coat of paint is almost always a good idea because it provides dramatic results with a minimal investment. If you’re selling your house, this small investment can add tons of value. Even when you add in the cost of a professional painting team. <br /> <br /> See here for <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/major-curb-appeal-mistakes-thatll-scare-away-potential-home-buyers-1914482/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 major curb appeal mistakes that'll scare away potential buyers</a>.Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
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Replace the Siding
5/9Replace the Siding
5/9Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
If your siding has seen better days and a new coat of paint won’t cut it, you can replace it with the confidence that you’ll likely make your money back when you sell. It can help make your house look (almost) brand new, and in some cases, the added insulation can save you money on energy bills over time.Outdoors9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You MoneyReplace the Siding
PHOTO 5 of 9READ LESS -If your siding has seen better days and a new coat of paint won’t cut it, you can replace it with the confidence that you’ll likely make your money back when you sell. It can help make your house look (almost) brand new, and in some cases, the added insulation can save you money on energy bills over time.Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
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Invest in New Gutters
6/9Invest in New Gutters
6/9Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
Gutters may not be the most glamorous investment, but they’re well worth it in some cases. Gutters that are damaged, sagging, or choked with leaves will actually take value away from your house, and they can cause damage. If cleaning and securing doesn’t cut it, get new ones. They’ll save you money in potential damages, I promise!Outdoors9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You MoneyInvest in New Gutters
PHOTO 6 of 9READ LESS -Gutters may not be the most glamorous investment, but they’re well worth it in some cases. Gutters that are damaged, sagging, or choked with leaves will actually take value away from your house, and they can cause damage. If cleaning and securing doesn’t cut it, get new ones. They’ll save you money in potential damages, I promise!Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
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Rain Barrels
7/9Rain Barrels
7/9Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
Rain barrels are great for water conservation and can save you a little bit on your water bills. You won’t get rich off of it, but every little bit helps! That said, where it can save you money is with its potential to help avoid erosion and flooding close to your house.Outdoors9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You MoneyRain Barrels
PHOTO 7 of 9READ LESS -Rain barrels are great for water conservation and can save you a little bit on your water bills. You won’t get rich off of it, but every little bit helps! That said, where it can save you money is with its potential to help avoid erosion and flooding close to your house.Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
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Build a Raised Garden Bed
8/9Build a Raised Garden Bed
8/9Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
Save yourself money and do something good for your health by growing your own vegetables. Raised garden beds are easy and inexpensive to build, and over time, you can save a ton on fresh vegetables. And don’t forget to use the water from your rain barrel to nourish it!Outdoors9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You MoneyBuild a Raised Garden Bed
PHOTO 8 of 9READ LESS -Save yourself money and do something good for your health by growing your own vegetables. Raised garden beds are easy and inexpensive to build, and over time, you can save a ton on fresh vegetables. And don’t forget to use the water from your rain barrel to nourish it!Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
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Shady Plants
9/9Shady Plants
9/9Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
Natural light is almost always a plus in a house, but keep in mind that if you have shady plants and trees around the home, you can save money on your cooling bills. Just be sure to keep them well maintained so that branches don’t get too close to the house.Outdoors9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You MoneyShady Plants
PHOTO 9 of 9READ LESS -Natural light is almost always a plus in a house, but keep in mind that if you have shady plants and trees around the home, you can save money on your cooling bills. Just be sure to keep them well maintained so that branches don’t get too close to the house.Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com
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