Curb appeal

At first, I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but then it hit me...the birds were singing. And thankfully this past weekend they had something to sing about. The sun was shining, the early crocuses lifted their purple heads above the earth, and the whirr of lawn mowers stirred up the first summer scents. Yes indeed, spring is here and home enthusiasts instinctively turn their attention to outdoor projects.

Maybe you've been dreaming of a new garden pergola all winter or by necessity it's time to resurface the driveway. Home maintenance and home improvement projects will generally fall into one of three categories.

Maintenance Musts

After a long winter, nearly every exterior requires some maintenance. To determine which projects are priorities, take a walk around the property with a notebook and digital camera in hand.

Siding

Aluminum or vinyl siding that looks chalky may need replacing for aesthetic reasons; however, cracks or gaps compromise weather resistance. The good news, according to Remodeling magazine's Cost vs. Value report at www.remodeling.hw.net, siding replacement offers homeowners 98.1% recoverable cost.
Peeling or blistering paint on wood siding indicates the moisture seal is broken; a problem that requires immediate attention. You can expect to repaint after five - fifteen years depending on quality of paint job.
Exterior brick mortar lines need to be pointed up every 10 years, sooner if cracks appear.

Roof

Inspect the roof for cracks, loose and worn flashings, and loose and missing shingles.
Make sure to keep eaves clear and free of debris.

Doors and Windows

Inspect windows and doors for wear and replace damaged screens.
Single pane non insulated glass windows or windows with poorly sealed frames drive up energy bills. If you plan to live in a home for 5 years or more, it may be worth the investment to buy replacement windows with argon gas between panes and low-E coatings.

Outdoor Structures

Inspect outdoor structures such as garage, shed, pergola, and fences.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Clean debris from heat pump and service central air conditioning unit.

For some, money is more plentiful than time says Wendy Davis, owner of Zebrano Life Style Solutions. A home concierge service, Zebrano arranges on-site appointments and manages home maintenance projects for busy clients. Their own spring maintenance packages includes air conditioning installation and maintenance, BBQ maintenance, chimney sweeping, driveway surfacing, handyman repairs, and junk pick up.

Façade Fixes

To improve the curb appeal of your home, consider these ideas.

Replace a front door with a more stylish or authentic version. Sidelights (windows at the side of door) or a transom (window above the door) will bring more light into entranceways.
Border concrete walkways with brick or stone edging.
Update lighting by installing pathway lighting that leads to the front door. Consider adding an uplight to highlight an ornamental bush or tree.

Exterior Enhancements

Even without a major face lift there are many ways to spruce up the exterior of your home.

Install window boxes. To ensure pleasing proportions create boxes that are slightly wider than window sills.
Purchase and install or hand paint personalized house numbers near the front door.
Add trellis to blank expanse of siding.
For country, Georgian, or colonial homes, shutters add a great deal of interest.
Flank a pair of wrought iron or cast iron garden urns on either side of the front door. Plant with seasonal flowers.

Sources

Zebrano life style solutions
160 Bedford Road, Suite 302, Designer's Walk
Toronto, Ontario
M5R 2K9, Canada
t 416.960.0190
e info@zebrano.com
w www.zebrano.com