Your home’s exterior reflects your design sensibilities and gives a glimpse into what the interior of the home may look like. Exterior home improvements are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also maintain the structure of a home. Here are some home improvements you may need to make on the exterior of your home.

Windows and Doors

Improving windows and doors can enhance their appearance as well as improve their functionality. Older wooden doors and windows should be checked regularly for wood rot or insect infestation. If any damage is found, consider replacing them with a more modern, weather proof model.

Doors and windows can be spruced up to improve your home’s appearance. Shutters and doors can be painted to complement the home’s exterior. Plantation shutters make a lovely addition to any home. When updating windows and doors, choose colors that go with the exterior siding and the overall style of the home.

Lighting

Exterior lighting provides a strong sense of safety to a home. Not only do exterior lights keep homeowners safe from trips and falls when walking outdoors at night, they also dissuade would be thieves from coming near the home. Exterior lights should be checked regularly to make sure that they are in good working condition.

Motion lights are especially helpful in areas that are not used very often. Should a person walk by and trigger the motion light, the area will be illuminated immediately. All exterior lights should be rated for exterior use and fitted with the proper watt bulbs.

Gutters

Gutters can be the bane of a homeowner’s existence. They frequently get clogged with leaves, pine needles and debris, preventing the proper flow of water. When gutters are clogged or broken, water is not diverted away from the home and can collect on the roof or near the foundation, causing major problems.

Homeowners should clean out their gutters regularly. It is often a good idea to install gutter covers meant to keep debris out of the gutters. These gutter covers save homeowners a great deal of work and will ensure that rain water is properly moved away from the home.

The exterior of your home requires as much attention as the interior does. Fix little problems as they occur so you don’t feel overwhelmed by exterior home improvement projects. Spending time on these projects will give you a sense of accomplishment and allow your to further enjoy your home.