We love a good DIY project. Tackling odd-jobs and fixing things around the house is what gets us out of bed in the morning! But, like most DIYers, we tend to stick to projects inside the house. We forget that there’s a ton of work to do outside. We’re not talking about gardening here. That’s a whole other set of skills. We mean taking a look at the outer fascia and exterior of the home. It’s something that rarely gets a look at once at the house is built. But, left to its own devices, the front of the home will slowly deteriorate. It’s battered by the winds and rain through the harsh winters, for example. Today, we’ll show you how to take on a new project outside. You might learn some new skills along the way too!
New rendering and fresh paint
As you can imagine, exterior plaster and rendering takes a slow and steady beating. It may have been decades since your home was last plastered and painted. In that time, all sorts of damage and wear will have occurred. Perhaps it’s time to get the ladder out and give it a fresh coat. If you’ve attempted any sort of plastering before, you’ll know it’s not easy to get a smooth finish. So, if you’re not confident about tackling the rendering, call the experts. The painting, on the other hand, is an easy job. A fresh lick of paint will improve your property aesthetic no end.
Install a new door
Replacing your door is a relatively simple job for the experienced DIYer. A door upgrade can give your home the appearance of a much newer property. It’s also a good chance to install a door canopy or similar exterior feature. It looks great and it will provide protection from the elements.
New windows
If you own an older property, you may still have the original single-glazed windows. They were often set in timber frames and outlines. Over time, these timber supports rot and deteriorate. The paintwork is usually the first to go, and wood rot is rarely far behind. Take this opportunity to replace these old windows with double or triple-glazed alternatives. The professional, modern finish will add beauty to the home. You’ll improve the insulation and energy efficiency in the house too.
Repair roof and guttering
It’s easy to forget about the roof. After all, how often do you look up at the top of your house? The guttering requires regular maintenance and repair, so start there. It’s a job that’s best tackled after winter when lots of debris can build up and cause blockages. When there is a lot of material stuck here, the guttering can bend and break. If you’re confident in your abilities, take a look at the roof itself or check the chimney stack. There may be loose tiles or crumbling cement. These tasks are easily handled, but take the appropriate safety measures to protect yourself.
You can take on each of these projects over the weekend. So, clear a couple of days and get to work!