March 2019

When it comes to thinking about areas of your house, there’s a good chance that you will think about some of the major areas, namely the kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Depending on the size of the property, you might even think about your front and back yards. Each and every one of these parts of your property play some role in the functionality of your life and of your house. With that being said, there is one area of the house that most people really don’t think about all that much, and that is the driveway. After all, the driveway really isn’t that important, right? This is far from true. In reality, your driveway is a pretty important part of your property. Without one, you would be spending far more money on tyres, as parking on gravel and grass will wear them down faster.

On the other hand, when you choose to invest the time and money into considering the driveways in Melbourne and how you can turn your driveway into something magnificent, you will not regret the outcome. Having a proper driveway installed and paved on your property is a choice that will benefit you and your house in the long run. As you are considering what you want to do for your brand new driveway, you will also want to consider which material you want to choose for your driveway. Out of all the materials that you can choose from, concrete has proven itself as one of the most efficient materials.

How Can a Concrete Driveway Improve Your Life?

Concrete is a material that is often used in buildings, especially multi-storey buildings. This is just one of the examples that goes to show just how strong and durable concrete can be for your driveway. Even if you have more than one car to park on the driveway, you aren’t going to have to worry about the concrete cracking under the weight of your cars anytime soon. In addition to this, concrete is pretty resilient. It can stand up against all kinds of weather, ranging from blistering heat to storms of dust and droughts. By choosing to have a concrete driveway installed, you can rest assured knowing that you will now have a driveway that can, quite literally, last you a lifetime.

What Can You Do in Terms of Appearance?

Some people might be concerned about the appearance of a concrete driveway compared to some of the other paving materials that you can find. There are actually quite a few ways that you can improve the appearance of the concrete. One of the most basic ways is to consider the type of concrete you want. Some people prefer the appearance of exposed aggregate, with the assorted pebbles and shells scattered throughout. Others enjoy the smooth, almost sleek appearance of coloured concrete. Coloured concrete also provides an opportunity for self expression, which is something that many people care about. No matter what your standards are for a driveway, you will surely be able to find a concrete driveway that suits your needs best. Before you know it, you will have a durable and tough driveway on your property, and you won’t have to worry about taking care of it for a long, long time.

Whether you’ve just bought a house or planning to remodel it, it is essential that you look at the steps required to make it look inviting, spacious, and clean. It would be wise to plan your costs and ensure they are well in tune with the value of your house. Going overboard may decrease your profits if you’re planning to sell it.

As an experienced Penticton real estate agent, and having dealt with various homes and their remodeling, I would like to share my expertise on how you can increase the value of your home through these tips and techniques. The following tips will not only make your home look pristine for an open house or a lovely family occasion, but also liven it up with little easy-to-do ideas.

Increasing Exterior Aesthetics and Appeal

First, it is paramount that the exterior of your home is presented in a way that makes it look fresh and new. For instance, a fresh coat of paint, to match your architectural style canhide unnecessary defectssuch as chips or cracks or two-toned shades due to the weather. You can add additional accents such as new shingles on your roof or decorative trims to make it look eye-catching.

Another way is to add a texture to the exterior by adding a brick, wood, marble or stone wall to one section, which makes your home stand out. A change in the size of your windows can help attract more light into your home and brightens it up naturally. While you do this, make sure the windows and shutters match the exterior and are all updated and in working condition.

Enhancing Curb Appeal with Minor Details

You can add color by placing plants in different sized pots on the doorway, porch or deck to create a vibrant green accent.  Evergreen plants or shrubs placed against your home walls can give it more appeal. Exterior lights to illuminate a nicely trimmed lawn or the front doorway or garage can help guide visitors to the home and add richness to its style.

Your entryway is just as important and can be enhanced by updating the driveway, by repairing broken paving stones or bricks, improving the landscape and painting the concrete. The front door can be given a fresh coat of paint or replaced with a more modern look with metal, steel atrium, pivot, glass, or wood and steel doors.

You can enhance the doorway further with an antique or modern door knocker. A beautiful lantern at the entrance, a nice rug, or small details such as a nook or a classic pair of chairs on the porch or deck, give it a warm appeal.

Improving Interior Aesthetics and Design Appeal

Softening the color of your wall can make rooms look warmer and inviting, especially if they are smaller in size. You must avoid cramping your rooms with a lot of furniture, so make sure that you have only a few pieces, and mirrors to reflect light and give your home an illusion of bigger space. Darker colorsmake the room feel small and enclosed, which reduces the overall appeal of the house.

Try mixing and matching your furniture with the old and new, as it adds character to the room. Mixing patterns and textures on your furniture to add a bit of color such as rugs, cushions, and pillowsgive your home an ethereal feel. Add paintings which also stand out against the light walls and make your home look chic and stylish.

Accessorizing your Indoorsto Accentuate the Overall Feel

You probably have items lying around your house that can be used to liven up your bookshelf, tea carts or that coffee table in your living area. Make sure you use various forms of textures such as wood, metal or glass, by using different books, trays, ornaments, candles, and antique items etc. Add plants to your living space as they not only add an element of beauty but also keep the air clean by absorbing pollutants.

Make sure your bathrooms are stocked with fresh towels and your faucets, showerheads, lights, soap dishesand towel bars are spic and span and updated to match modern or antique looks. Add a freestanding tub as it gives that modern Victorian feel and makes it look a class apart from usual bathrooms.

Your kitchen is meant to be warm and inviting, so it must flow with the overall look and feel of the house. Yourcabinetscan be updated with a fresh coat of paint and knobs changed to match the appliances. The faucetsand cookware should not be a mismatch and be updated with your home’s living space. You can add a hanging pot rackwhich looks quite elegant and givesyou more cupboard space to store additional items.

To wrap it up

These handy tips give a modern look to match the rest of your home and add to its appeal.