Your home’s exterior creates first impressions; it’s the first thing people notice, whether it’s a friend, relative, or service professional. Exterior aesthetics also play a big role in how you feel about your living space. If you’re not feeling fully connected to your home because of how it looks when you pull into your driveway, performing certain exterior upgrades can help.
By making a handful of changes, including those listed below, you can transform an ordinary house into your dream home that reflects your personal style.
1. New siding
When you want your home to feel more welcoming, one of the best exterior upgrades to start with is your siding. Fresh siding will instantly improve the appearance of your home, making it look clean and well-maintained. On the flip side, worn and dirty siding can make your home look older and dingier than it really is.
New siding is a practical upgrade that will protect your home from the elements while also boosting the aesthetics. It enhances curb appeal, makes your home look polished, and allows you to customize your preferred look. With a wide range of materials, colors, and textures available, it’s easy to make your home’s exterior match your personal style. Some transformations are dramatic. For example, if you switch from brick to vinyl or fiber cement siding, your home will look like a completely new property.
2. A roof upgrade

There are three ways to upgrade your overall roof: fix what’s broken, restore it, or replace it. In any case, the goal is to enhance curb appeal while improving your home. For example, if you have a brick chimney that’s crumbling or leaning, getting a new chimney can dramatically change the look and feel of your home.
If your roof is in really bad shape, a new roof can improve your home’s appearance by making it look more inviting. If you plan on selling your home, a new roof can boost the resale value and attract more buyers.
3. A fresh paint job
A new coat of paint with complementary trim can dramatically change how you feel about your home. If your exterior paint is peeling, cracking, stained, or faded, that’s probably contributing to your discomfort, and it’s a sign you’re due for a fresh paint job.
New paint not only protects your home, but will project a clean, crisp, well-maintained image regardless of the color you choose. Even using the same color can produce dramatic results. Keep in mind that you’ll need to stick with colors approved by your local laws or HOA rules, but even when you’re limited you can still get creative. For example, if you have to stick to blues and grays, choosing the right shade and painting your trim with the right level of contrast will make all the difference.
4. A new garage door
A high-quality garage door will provide you with security and better insulation, but also has the power to make you feel amazing when you or your guests pull into your driveway. Garage door replacements can get pretty fancy if you have a big budget, but if not, all you need is a color scheme that matches your style.
5. A new chimney

Although chimneys are functional, they significantly influence the way a home is perceived. For instance, a chimney can add charm and style to a home, provided it’s intact and not too dated. If you’re not excited to see your chimney when you come home, there’s a good possibility it plays a role in your discomfort.
If you’re interested in getting a new chimney, be intentional with the material you select. Brick chimneys are nice, but they require a lot of maintenance and when they start to crumble, they look really bad. Stainless steel and granite are more durable. Getting a new chimney and having it painted to match your new exterior paint job will significantly improve your home’s aesthetics.
6. Landscaping
Landscaping alters the visible features of a particular area, which often involves using plants to create an aesthetically pleasing view. If the front of your home looks bland no matter how well you trim the trees, it’s time to consider a complete overhaul that can include creating walkways, adding brick barriers around trees, and planting ground cover.
Build your dream home one upgrade at a time
Exterior upgrades are an investment in your home’s value, but they can also help you create your dream home one change at a time. By upgrading key elements, like your roof, siding, and garage door, you can create a home that makes you feel good.