Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Oct22

The Best Ways To Add Value To Your Home

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The Best Ways To Add Value To Your Home

There are many reasons why you may be looking to add value to your home. For example, you may be considering moving house and selling your property or simply feeling like your home is looking a little worse for wear. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to add value to your home, like the following:

Turn your garage into a functional space:

Turning your garage into a functional space is a great way to add value to your home. It could be the perfect spot for a man cave, home gym, or as a smart setup for extra storage. There are many different ways in which you can complete this task, but it’s best to start from the ground up. For example, you could wipe away years of wear and tear and improve the overall look of your garage floor by applying epoxy garage coating.

Deal with necessary maintenance:

One of the easiest ways in which you can add value to your home is by resolving any maintenance issues you are facing, no matter how minor. While these problems may start out small, they can quickly become costly to deal with and cause significant damage to your home. There are plenty of guides online that will talk you through the basic home maintenance tasks, such as fixing a leaking tap or pipe or that one stair that always creaks when you stand on it. However, it’s also important that you know when a certain task falls beyond your skills as a DIY-er so that you can call in experts for help.

Upgrade your kitchen:

Adding value to your home often means that you’re able to sell your property quicker when it hits the market. As such, when it comes to adding value, you should be mindful of what buyers are looking for – with an excellent kitchen often being at the top of the list. It’s estimated that a new kitchen can add 5-10% to the value of your home! Now is the perfect time to revamp and redesign your kitchen. When doing so, think carefully about the kind of aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Do you want a clean, modern kitchen full of the latest gadgets or do you want something a little more cozy and retro? If your kitchen is already relatively new, you may want to consider upgrading other key areas of your home, such as the bathroom.

Go green:

Another option that can add value to your home is by making it more sustainable, such as by switching to a renewable energy provider, investing in double-glazed windows, or installing solar panels. While these upgrades can be costly, you’ll likely find that they help you save money in the long-run by lowering your energy bills. This will also make your home much more attractive to potential buyers, especially as society becomes more and more environmentally conscious each year. In fact, many buyers are on the lookout for eco-friendly properties for this very reason.

Investing in meaningful upgrades to your home will result in a boost in property value when it comes time to sell. Pick out a project and see how you can transform your space!

Featured Image By: Brian Babb on Unsplash

Oct22

Moving House: What To Do Before Settling In

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Moving House: What To Do Before Settling In

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it also can be stressful, to say the least. Between unpacking boxes and figuring out where everything goes, it can feel like there is a whole mountain of tasks ahead before you can truly allow yourself to settle in. But the thing is, moving doesn’t have to be so overwhelming! If you approach it with a little bit of creativity and some smart planning, that new house will feel like home right away:

Create A Home Setup Plan Before You Move In:

Just imagine for a second that you are standing in your new living room, boxes surround you on each side and you have no idea where to put anything. All of this stress can be avoided by planning ahead! Measure your new space, sketch out where your furniture will fit, and imagine the flow of each room. It is all about putting together a puzzle, but without the missing pieces. When you walk in on moving day and know exactly where everything belongs, it will feel like you’re already home.

Schedule Pest Control Before Unpacking:

There’s something no one tells you and that is that before you even start unpacking, call in pest control. It is one of the best things you can do. The last thing you want after moving all your stuff is to find out you’ve got unwanted roommates. With the house still empty, it’s the perfect time for a thorough inspection. You’ll prevent any issues down the road and can settle in knowing there won’t be any critters creeping around. It’s a simple step, but it makes a world of difference.

Check Your House’s Electromagnetic Profile:

Now, this one’s for the detail-oriented or anyone who’s big on creating a clean and calming space. Have you ever thought about the invisible energy around your home? Walking around with a simple EMF (electromagnetic field) reader can help you spot areas where electronics and wiring might create high energy levels. Why does this matter? Well, too much EMF exposure, especially where you sleep or work, can make some people feel off. It is an easy way to create a more peaceful environment by relocating electronics or even considering shielding devices in high-EMF zones.

Invite Positive Energy With A House Blessing Or Ritual:

Moving is more than just a physical shift, it is an emotional and energetic one, too. Whether you’re into traditional rituals or just want to start fresh in a new home, a house blessing can help bring some good vibes into your new space. Have you ever heard of smudging with sage, or just burning some incense? It works on a principle wherein residual negative energy is cleared out and replaced with as much positive energy as possible. You could also use plants like lavender or rosemary to invite calmness. The aim is to start from scratch so that this new house may feel more like your home.

This is a new beginning of one whole big chapter in your life, so don’t forget to take a moment to pause, take a big breath, and enjoy the process. And before you know it, your new house will feel like the perfect place to call home sweet home.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct22

New Hair Sneak Peek

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New Hair Sneak Peek

Hello!! My preferred form of self care definitely falls under the “pampering” category. I love getting my hair and nails done, getting dressed up, and shopping for pretty little somethings to spoil myself with. Whenever I am done with any of these treats, I feel like a billion bucks and nobody can tell me NOTHING – especially after getting my hair done. This Friday, I have an appointment at the Shear Shop with my beloved stylist, Anna, to transform my hair. A few weeks before it’s time for me to come in, Anna will message me and we’ll discuss what I would like and she sends me different color options which she orders just for me. I don’t want to speak prematurely, but I think this is going to be one of my favorite hair makeovers yet! Check it out:

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^^^ The “10” shades will be more true to what my hair will look like as it is the colors after bleaching!

Anna has been my stylist for over two decades and she knows me and my personal style like the back of her hand. For example, she predicted without me even hinting at it that I wanted to go back to dark hair after my summer colors of red, pink, and yellow. She was so right. I have been itching to get back to darker hues because the regrowth of my natural dark brown hair looks hit with lighter colors. After that matter was settled, she sent me pictures of some gorgeous new Pulp Riot shades. We have been loyal to Pulp Riot ever since the first time Anna used it on my hair. The colors are vibrant, the dye smells like Sweet Tarts, and it creates hair magic without fail every time.

The one color I was particularly entranced with was Eloped, but I wasn’t sure how that would mesh with the shade I had in mind. One of my favorite Pulp Riot colors ever is Nightfall (navy) and I want it back desperately. And, of course, I need some red mixed in there too! I told Anna as such and she fired back with the most stunning color story combining Eloped, Nightfall, and a new red hue called Vintage Vegas. I literally clutched my pearls because it was absolutely perfect. With that, Anna placed the order for my dye and all I have to do is count down the minutes until I can be in her chair to make it happen!

It’s natural to be nervous when you make a drastic change to your hair, but I never am. Anna is a true master of her craft and I know I am in the best, most capable hands. I am on pins and needles to see the outcome with these divine new Pulp Riot colors!

Do you have a close relationship with your hair stylist? How long have you been going to them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct21

Dr. Wellness Lip Balm Review

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Dr. Wellness Lip Balm Review

Hello! My favorite brand of chapstick has got to be Pacifica. I was introduced to it a year or so ago at TJMaxx and have loyally used the brand ever since thanks to their multipack on Amazon. I am one of those people that always needs to have lip chap on them. I have one by my bed, one by my computer, and one in my purse. In the past week, I have reached the bottom of the tube on literally every chapstick I own. It feels like such an accomplishment to finish an entire chapstick, but it was terrible because I was legit jonesing for more lol. During my skin care haul at TJMaxx, there were no tubes of Pacifica to be found, but I did purchase a multipack by a brand I have never used before called Dr. Wellness:

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I was drawn to the pretty packaging on this chapstick set, the price was nice at five dollars, and it came with five tubes so I could replace my fallen friends and still have two extras. I thought it was a total steal and couldn’t wait to try them out! My first impression upon my first application was honestly that it wasn’t as good as my beloved Pacifica. That’s not to say that it wasn’t good, though, and I liked it more and more with each use. Actually, these Dr. Wellness balms are kind of amazing. In just one swipe on your lips, full coverage is achieved with a pillowy soft balm. And, even after the product has absorbed, my lips still felt smooth and hydrated without needing a reapplication. I have a hunch that these balms are going to be a total lifesaver come winter!

I always prefer a scented balm so let’s discuss the smell good factor for each of them:

Berry: If you recall the scent of the Mixed Berry Lipsmackers, then that is exactly what the Dr. Wellness Berry lip chap smells like. I can especially detect the raspberries, which is great because that is one of my favorite fragrances!

Pink Grapefruit: Grapefruit scents tend to be hit or miss for me because they can be overly pungent. I love this lip balm’s scent, though! It is bright and zingy without burning my nasal passages and is actually my favorite one of the bunch.

Mint: I am a huge fan of mint scented anything and nothing will ever be “too minty” for me. Unfortunately, the mint scent of this balm is light. Really light, as a matter of fact, and it certainly left me wishing for way more oomph.

Aloe: I was expecting the Aloe balm to be relatively scentless and, happily, that wasn’t the case. The Aloe lip chap smells a lot like cucumber melon which was a pleasant surprise. It is a close second favorite after Pink Grapefruit.

Cooling Water: Now, the Cooling Water is what I expected the Aloe balm to smell like: Not much of anything lol. It has the softest hint of a fresh rainwater scent but that is about it.

These Dr. Wellness balms might not be from my go to brand and after a few uses, that was a-okay. I would definitely recommend buying a tube or two to combat chapped lips this winter!

Do you have chapstick stations in your house? What is your favorite lip balm brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct20

TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

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TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

Hello!!! During my Tuesday afternoons, I have an hour and a half or so in between shifts of time to kill. Usually, I will spend it posted up in a cafe working on the computer. If I don’t have much to do online, I will read a book or graphic novel OR go to TJMaxx as it is right next to the cafe. I’m sure you all can guess what my preferred option is! This past Tuesday was one of those days where I didn’t have much of anything to do and nothing to read, either. So, TJs it was to knock out some holiday shopping! I completed purchases for several people on my list and I didn’t even look at clothes – shocking, I know. I did, however, need to reup my skin care stock pile so I walked away with some goodies for me too:

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^^^ All of these products are cruelty free!!

Nothing will ever please me more than a good clothing haul. Skin care is a very close second, though! I absolutely love the skin care department of TJMaxx and it is a very rare occasion that I don’t find everything I need and then some when it’s time to replenish products. My general rule of thumb when it comes to skin care is to get three of everything – moisturizers, serums, and eye creams. Then, I don’t have to keep returning back every month for more (No matter how much I would like to!). I haven’t had a skin care haul since the end of May and according to my normal time frame, I was right on time to find what I hope will be some new favorite products and brands!

When I started perusing the skin care department, I was already a happy girl. The shelves were stocked to the brim with bottles and jars and it was like the staff knew I would be in for a visit! In no time at all, my cart was full of five dollar or less products to keep my skin care on lock beyond the new year. I ended up with three moisturizers, two serums, two eye creams, a cleanser, micellar water, and some desperately needed lip balm. I realize this doesn’t follow my rule of threes but my stock pile wasn’t completely bare before this haul. I am really looking forward to trying the Dirty Works moisturizers because I have never used that brand but have always been interested in testing it out. What I am most excited for is the lip balm, though. In this past week, I have finished almost all of the lip chap I have been painstakingly working through which was highly inconvenient albeit highly satisfying. 😀

Stay tuned for new product reviews coming soon here on lifewithlilred and we’ll find out what works and what doesn’t together!

How often do you shop for skin care? What is your favorite skin care brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

Chilly Day OOTD Bloopers

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Chilly Day OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Chilly Day OOTD! These pictures were taken before an amazing afternoon with my main squeeze. That day, Johnny and I drove to Burton, Ohio so he could be a featured musician on the PBS show The World According To Polka. It was the best experience and Johnny absolutely crushed. I always say that we are a power couple but that week further solidified the sentiment. While Johnny filmed for PBS on Monday, one of the videos that I shot for Tim Misny aired on CBS that Friday! How cool is that?! Thankfully, none of these yikes shots were on TV so, naturally, I put them on my blog instead. Lol, check it out:

WOW. Talk about a come hither shot! 😉

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Disregard my roots that desperately need touched up… And my face.

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Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down!

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I’M SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I appear to be malfunctioning so big ups to Johnny for capturing it

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Who’s up for a game of Peek A Boo?!

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A bow or a potential face plant? The world may never know! End scene.

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During the work week, I feel like I am ALWAYS driving and that’s probably because I am. Driving to the homes of clients, driving clients, making the voyage to Misnyland, errands, appointments, it’s never ending. With the amount of time I spend in the Little Red Love Machine, you would think that I would listen to a book tape or perhaps a podcast. While Johnny loves them, they are not my bag at all. So, I opt for radio stations that play either rap (My favorite!) or Top 40 hits. Do I enjoy what I listen to? Not always – it often feels like there is literally nothing on. But, the music I do hear keeps me company and is familiar enough that I can perform solo concerts in my whip. It’s fun, keeps me alert and focused, and makes constantly being in my car something that doesn’t feel like a complete chore.

One thing that I have been living for recently as I listen to the radio is a new emergence of pop singers. IE: Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Chappell Roan. I was born and raised on Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera and have never stopped loving them. These new gals on the scene bring such a fresh take to old favorites and I am so there for it. As soon as I hear ANYTHING by my three main baddies on the radio, it’s game over. I transform into lead singer, backup singer, and musician at the drop of a hat. I’ve got to say, I sound excellent (Not) and maybe Sabrina, Olivia, and Chappell could learn a thing or two from Lil Red (Still not)!!

It’s basically one person Carpool Karaoke all day every day for yours truly. It’s a lot, yes. But, when the jams are on nobody can tell me NOTHING!!

What is your favorite genre of music? Who is one of your favorite new artists? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct18

Halloween Costume Sneak Peek

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Halloween Costume Sneak Peek

Howdy! It is no secret that Johnny and I revel in all things Halloween – not just during spooky season but all year round. We simply love it and, normally, something like costume shopping would be a complete joy. This year, however, was a totally different story because it proved to be a nightmare. I thought it would be easy as pie to find a costume inspired by sweet treats for our Candyland themed couples costume dreams. This was far from the case and I ended up striking out HARD twice before snagging my last resort costume. Is it what I really wanted? Not really. But, I think with the right accessories I will still be a Candy Queen yet! Check it out:

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Prior to purchasing the Candy Heart costume seen above, I had two options that I wanted badly. The first one was rather expensive but I was willing to pay the top dollar price tag for it until I ran into Issue Number One. The costume was only available in what I guesstimated was my size on a website where all sales were final. Had I been absolutely certain that it would have fit, I would have went for it. Suppose it didn’t, though. Then I would be stuck with a too small costume, no way to return it, and my bank account would be down a pretty penny. So, Option One was a no go.

After having my first plan fall through, I had to pivot and scour through a million costumes I had seen before and hoping something new would pop up. What felt like an endless search resulted in me finding a costume I liked even better than Option One and I eagerly placed my order. Everything was coming up Lil Red for like a day and then… I got an email saying JK because my size wasn’t available after all. I was honestly crushed because the costume was perfect. It was exactly what I wanted, the price was nice, and I had all but forgotten the disappointment of failure for Option One.

With both of my desired costumes officially off the table, I was back where I started – with absolutely nothing. At this point, I was getting straight up pissed lol. In fact, I was ready to just throw in the towel and wear my costume from last year. Had I not made a premature announcement of our couples costume on social media, I would have! So, it was back to the drawing board and fruitless browsing, scrolling, begging, and pleading for something – ANYTHING that would work. You all know I live for online shopping, but this was getting ridiculous.

As I painstakingly searched through every corner of the internet for a candy costume, I came to the realization that I was just going to have to make do. Which brings us to the Candy Heart costume. It is super cute and I love the lace up front with the huge heart smack dab in the middle. While it is cute, it is also pretty basic lol. This is where shoes and accessories come into play. I found a darling pair of candy button platforms to wear with it, which I think will be simply charming. Then, I ordered a candy headband, a giant lollipop to hold, and a pair of lollipop earrings too. When Johnny and I visit Spirit Halloween this weekend, I will buy a pink tutu because the skirt is REALLY short, some sheer pink thigh highs, a pink wig, and pastel hued fake eyelashes. Like I said, I will be a Candy Queen yet!

Shopping for my Halloween costume was legit the worst and I am SO happy to be done with it. Although I had to settle for my last resort option, I still think this costume will offer Candyland vibes once it’s all put together!

What is your favorite thing to shop for? How about your least favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct17

4 Strategies For Dealing With Chronic Pain

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4 Strategies For Dealing With Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be debilitating to live with on a daily basis. According to the National Health Interview Survey, a comprehensive study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 21% of adults in 2021 experienced daily pain, while a more recent study for 2023 found higher numbers of chronic pain cases at 52.4 per 1,000 persons per year. Chronic pain can stem from a multitude of conditions, each with its unique challenges. From arthritis and fibromyalgia to cancer, injuries, and many more, these conditions inflict the body, causing persistent discomfort and disruption to daily life.

Chronic pain often persists despite medications, necessitating a shift in lifestyle to accommodate fluctuating pain levels, energy, and capabilities. This adaptation empowers sufferers to take control of their condition and live their lives to the fullest, even on challenging days. This post is going to look at some ways that you can help ease chronic pain levels to reduce the impact it can have on your life:

Move:

The last thing you probably want to do when you’re in pain is move. However, being sedentary can make pain levels worse and cause a whole heap of issues for your body. It’s important to look at the type of movement you can do within your capabilities and incorporate as much or as little as you can each day. Movement for chronic pain can be simple stretches from bed as much as you can manage. It can be taking a short walk or even walking in place at home. For some people, it can be more intense movement like Pilates and yoga that helps build strength and keep the body moving. Find what works for you without making the pain worse, and move your body as much as possible.

Alternative Treatments:

Alternative treatments for chronic pain can be beneficial in helping when traditional medicines cannot. Acupuncture, using an acupressure mat, or visiting a chiropractor can provide some relief. Using products like CBD or THCA pre-rolls can assist in relaxing the body and help to soothe pain. Other treatments that can be beneficial for chronic pain include massages, cupping, meditation, and even biofeedback. It’s essential to use these strategies as part of your overall plan for dealing with your pain levels.

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Go Easy On Yourself:

One factor that can make chronic pain worse is forcing yourself to be “normal” when you’re in constant pain, and if you’re trying to live your life as if you’re not in pain, the likelihood is, you will only make things worse and more painful for yourself. Instead of forcing yourself to do more, do less. Make adjustments for your capabilities, find workarounds, and cut yourself some slack. By accepting your condition and health status and working with it, not against, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Therapy:

Getting therapy for your chronic pain can be an excellent tool for helping you to move forward and cope with the stress of being in pain on a near-constant basis. That’s not to say the pain is in your head, but more that the mental toll of being in pain can be a lot to deal with, and many people experience depressive thoughts as they can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. If beginning therapy is the step you want to take to improve your chronic pain, start by browsing websites like https://onebodyldn.com/physiotherapy-london (or similar clinics in your local area). Opt for a location with lots of good reviews and patients who expressed success in their testimonials. Therapy can help you to find coping strategies and methods for living your life while navigating complex pain.

We hope these ideas provide relief and lift your spirits!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct17

Ice, Ice Baby

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Ice, Ice Baby

Howdy!! There is always something crazy happening in my apartment community, good old Timber Top. Most notably, we had a building on fire, a carbon monoxide leak, a literal dumpster fire, people falling through stairs, and a recent collapse of a road that we use to enter and exit the property. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment. And, as of late, these moments are cold AF. We will not have heat in our apartments until the end of October and I have been freezing my nads off thanks to a plummet in temperatures. Johnny and I have had to take the heat situation into our own hands with the following:

Space Heaters:

I’ll be perfectly honest with you, I freaking hate using space heaters because they make me nervous. Why? Oh, just because of years of my parents peppering me with proper space heater techniques. IE: Don’t use them because you will burn your house down lol. In this case, it is a necessary evil so whenever we are home, the heater stays on with constant supervision. Thankfully, we have a pretty nifty space heater that we got a few winters ago when our heat was out and it does an okay job of at least getting our drafty first floor warmed up.

Board Up:

One unfortunate thing about our apartment is that there are gaps in the front door that invite cold air in all day. Not anymore! Before either of us leave the apartment, we place a towel around the bottom gap and before we go to bed we tack a blanket above the door. And, of course, we put all of our curtains down too to hold some heat in. I really don’t like covering up the window by the bunny hutch, but desperate times and it at least helps a little.

Bundle Up:

When I am at home, I would much rather be in lighter lounge wear. Like I said, though, desperate times. I have taken to wearing my heaviest sweatshirt and sweatpants with leggings and a sweater underneath. I also have been sporting a beanie all day every day. When the mornings are especially frigid, I’ll even bring my comforter down and wrap myself in it while I work. Effective? Yes. Makes me SO tired? Every time lol.

Hot Beverages:

My hot beverage limit normally peaks at two cups of coffee every morning. Now, Johnny and I will have a cup of decaf tea or two in the evenings simply to drink and hold something warm. Does it do much of anything? The jury is out but the sentiment is nice – there is something so comforting about holding a steaming mug of tea!!

Please send warm thoughts my way because brrrrrrr. In the meantime, I will be manifesting the beach!

What is your favorite way to warm up? What is something that comforts you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct16

Exterior Upgrades For Your Home

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Exterior Upgrades For Your Home

There are a number of ways that you can upgrade the outside of your home to get your property looking its best. Boost your curb appeal and let your house become the talk of the town with these projects:

Paint:

Painting the outside of your home is one of the fastest ways for you to freshen up your property if it is either tired or dated. Whether you are applying the same color as the paintwork you have right now or are trying to make a more drastic change, it’s very easy for you to give your home an immediate face lift. The cost of painting the exterior of your home will vary depending on its size and shape. It’s always a good idea to speak with the local paint experts in your area so you can better determine which colors will make your property pop.

Driveway Upgrades:

Another thing you need to do is look into driveway upgrades. If you do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to freshen up your home’s exterior. Driveway upgrades can mean laying down a new drive or perhaps installing a new gate. If there is anything you aren’t quite sure about when it comes to getting a new drive, then you can always ask your local driveway gates builder for advice. They can then inform you on a range of materials, including wood, aluminum, and timber.

Repointing:

Repointing brickwork is a big job, but at the same time, it’s one that you should be trying to get done. If you repoint an entire home, then you need to take into account the size of the area and the accessible walls. Rendering is also worth considering. This is when you cover the exterior wall with a rendering substance. This is usually made out of either sand or cement. It also contains lime or resin. When you render your home, you will be able to transform its whole appearance.

Cladding:

Cladding is a very popular choice for homeowners and it adds a fresh look to your property. If you want to add or replace cladding, then you need to look into the different types available and you also need to understand the benefits of each one too. Also make sure that you are taking into account the cost of maintenance. The main types of cladding used in modern architecture are stone, brick, metal, and wood. You could even opt for something like scorched larch cladding which is unique and eye catching. This style of cladding is a sure fire way to boost your curb appeal! You also have UPVC, which is good if you would rather go for a more interesting color. If you can keep this in mind then it will help you out a lot, as it gives you way more freedom when the time comes for you to update your home.

Make the exterior of your home just as inviting as its interior with these upgrades!

Featured Image By: Pexels