Two things that can spoil a property's kerb appeal

Posted on: 17 November 2016

When it comes to selling a property, its kerb appeal is a crucial determining factor.  Many buyers base their decision to buy partly (or sometimes entirely!) on what a house looks like from the outside. As such, if you intend to put your house on the market, it's worth looking for ways to improve its kerb appeal. Here are a couple of common flaws that can spoil a property's exterior appearance, along with some tips on how to address these issues.

An aging, dilapidated garden fence

A fence that has fallen into a state of disrepair can spoil the look of even the most beautiful of houses. All types of fences will eventually begin to deteriorate over time; wooden ones for example, can develop rot after prolonged exposure to moisture and may even begin to warp if located in a climate where the temperatures tend to fluctuate quite regularly. Both of these issues can affect a fence's structural integrity and cause sagging. The staining on wooden fencing also tends to fade after a while, often resulting in the panels turning an unattractive greyish-brown colour. Cast iron and other forms of metal fencing can also deteriorate; with this type of material, corrosion is usually the most common issue. This can give a fence an unsightly, scaly appearance.

In addition to establishing clear property boundaries and providing you with privacy, a garden fence should also help to improve the overall look of your home. If the description above sounds like an accurate representation of your current fence, then it may be time to replace it.

If your budget is tight, you may want to try repairing the damage instead; however, it's important to recognise that in some cases, repair work may be pointless. For instance, whilst you may be able to repaint a discoloured wooden fence or reseal a splintered section, there is little point in replacing multiple panels that have been affected by wood rot, as this would probably cost almost as much as buying an entirely new fence.

A damaged driveway

Driveways are usually made from strong, durable materials such as concrete or asphalt. However, a driveway that is used with any kind of regularity will inevitably begin to show signs of wear and tear.  Asphalt tends to be most prone to damage during the warmer months, when its texture softens slightly as a result of the higher temperatures. This can cause indentations when motorbike stands, heavy vehicles and ladders are placed on opt of it. It may also form cracks when the temperature drops very low.

Concrete too, can develop unsightly flaws over time; oil spillages from cars, along with the weight of vehicles driving over it and the constant exposure to changing temperatures can lead to pitting, pot holes, cracks and stains, all of which can ruin not only the look of a driveway itself, but also that of the property it is attached to.  

Fortunately, the solution to this issue is quite simple. Whether your driveway is made from asphalt or concrete, you can disguise or repair most forms of damage by having it resurfaced by a contractor who offers asphalt or concreting services. If you're determined to sell your home for a good price, this really is a worthwhile investment, as a well-maintained driveway can completely transform the look of a property. For more information, contact a company like Liquid Rock Constructions Pty Ltd.

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