Increased Curb Appeal Heats Up the Housing Market This Spring

CHESTER, Pa., April 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring continues to be the best time of the year to sell a house, with buyers coming out of the woodwork during the warmer months and throughout the summer. With the first day of spring now here and renovation projects in full gear, a recent study by Remodeling Magazine reveals that home improvement projects that specifically focus on improving the home's exterior and curb appeal will make it more marketable when they are placed for sale. According to the 2015 Cost vs. Value Report, several exterior projects are contributing to an increased value and return on investment (ROI) for homes across the country, more so than previous years, including new entry doors, siding and roofing.

"The housing market remains a competitive space due to the abundance of homes available for sale, especially at this time of year, said Matt Hess, vice president of operations for Power Home Remodeling Group. "Choosing the right renovations to ensure your home stands out among the rest is key, and with the intense focus on increasing curb appeal this year, we recommend moving that to the top of the to-do list and avoiding over-upgrades or mammoth projects where you won't get your money back."

Power Home Remodeling Group, the nation's second largest exterior home remodeler, shares the top five trends to help homeowners boost their curb appeal and ready their home for sale this year:

• Replace Entry and Garage Doors – Simple updates like updating a home's front door (whether fiberglass or steel) or refreshing the look of a garage door can drastically impact its value and draw in a potential buyer. Think about replacing a door for an option with half-glass panels or a change in color, and modernize the look by swapping out an existing lockset with a newly popular mortise lock with a lever handle and matching finish. Installing a new 4-section garage door on galvanized steel tracks would also be a nice touch – and while you're at it, think about organizing the inside of the garage too!
• Create a Fully Functional Outdoor Living Space – Outdoor living spaces are becoming the new fad in 2015. Think about enhancing your backyard with a new high-end feature or large gathering area like a decked out patio area with comfortable furniture, a stone fire pit, an outdoor kitchen or a fireplace with an out cove for making brick oven pizza.
• Modernize the Siding – New vinyl siding and trim can make a home look brand new. Choose a color that balances both personal taste and long-term ROI. Newer trends include bolder shades like deep blues and heavy greens, while bright white homes continue to resurface. For those who like a pop of color, consider a neutral siding – maybe a taupe or gray – with a bolder trim color.
• Make Minor Updates to the Landscaping – Give the home's exterior a final touch by making minor updates to the yard's landscape for a fresh, revived look. Add a pop of color to your garden with a variety of seasonal flowers and think about adding a stone border to spruce it up a notch. You could also consider creating your own wall garden to grow your favorite herbs in mason jars. Rosemary, cilantro and basil are always good to have handy and would go well with several spring and summer dishes.
• Light up your home with LEDs – LED lights continue to be a popular, inexpensive trend and are a great way to subtly lighten up your yard. From rope lights, to walkway or garden fixtures there are all sorts of LED options to light up your home's exterior. They can be found in dimmable or multicolored, and the best part is you don't have to worry about going outside to turn them off or on.

For more ideas and inspiration to increase a home's curb appeal, check out Better Homes and Garden's Pinterest page at www.pinterest.com/bhg/curb-appeal.

About Power Home Remodeling Group
Established in 1992, Power Home Remodeling Group is the nation's second largest exterior home remodeler with more than 1,400 employees, 150,000 customers and $310 million in annual revenue. Headquartered in Chester, Pa., Power provides energy-saving and environmentally friendly remodeling solutions to residents across its operating territories, including Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. A five-time Inc. 5000 company, Power is recognized as a Master Elite contractor by GAF, Inc., a Green Product Award winner by Door & Window Manufacturer Magazine and a home improvement leader by its two-time "Dealer of the Year" award from Window and Door Magazine. 

For more information, please visit PowerHRG.com or WorkatPower.com. You can also follow the company on Twitter @PowerHRG and Facebook at facebook.com/PowerHRG. 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150409/197652-INFO

SOURCE Power Home Remodeling Group

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