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Exterior decor

House Cleaning Guide: Tips to Clean House Exterior Like a Pro

October 6, 2022
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Nothing feels more satisfying than coming to an immaculate home after an exhausting day. But are carefully ironed drapes, gleaming floors, and sparkling countertops enough to make your home look well-maintained? What about the exterior? Your house’s exterior speaks volumes about your housekeeping skills. From the leaves sprawled on the balcony to the green slime on your windows, every element in the open passes through strictly vigilant eyes. That’s why, alongside taking care of the interiors, you must also think about ways to make the exteriors of your home look presentable.

But where do you start? What do you need to carry out this task, and how often should you do it? Here are our top tips that will help you take care of the exteriors of your home like a pro.

Clean Your Windows

Do you know what makes homes look unkempt? Windows with water streaks, bird droppings, and grime. Regardless of how often you clean your windows, something always manages to escape your cleaning solutions and leave behind a trail. But you can change that by using the right tools and solutions. Regularly cleaning your windows with a good quality glass cleaner will help eliminate unwanted stains.

Depending on the material of your windows, you can also use vinegar or alcohol to clean them. Ensure to use a soft cloth or sponge so that you don’t end up damaging the glass. If you’ve neglected your windows for long enough to have stubborn stains, you can use a pressure washer, like one from Greenworks, with the right attachment to clean them. Be careful with the pressure setting to avoid damaging the glass.

Maintain the Siding

Due to its low pricing and easy maintenance, vinyl siding is a favorite among homeowners. It’s also loved for its durability as it can last for decades without requiring replacement. But that certainly doesn’t mean you can completely forget about it. You still need to regularly inspect the siding for any cracks or holes and seal them as soon as you spot them. Usually, people prefer hiring a general contractor to do this job, as caulking can be tricky.

If you have loose panels, screw them back in place. You should also regularly wash the siding to eliminate dirt, dust, and other debris. Your garden hose can do the job just fine. Just close the windows and protect your shrubs before you start spraying water all over the place.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

Your home’s gutters tend to collect a lot of debris, leaves, and twigs. If you don’t clean them out regularly, this debris can lead to clogs and leaks. That’s one gross and unwanted mess you wouldn’t want ruining your house’s aesthetic appeal. Every few weeks, take some time out to clear the debris from these areas. You can use a garden hose to push out the dirt and then use a broom to sweep it away.

If you have a lot of trees in your backyard, you might need to do this more often to prevent the gutters from getting clogged. Installing gutter guards is one fail-proof method of keeping critters and debris from clogging your gutters. These mesh screens fit over your gutters and prevent leaves and twigs from clogging them.

Inspect Your Roof Often

Homeowners tend to neglect this valuable asset of their homes unless there’s an obvious problem. Since your roof is most exposed to the elements, it requires the most attention. Spring and fall are ideal times to inspect your roof and clear away any debris that might have accumulated over the seasons. A leaf blower is your best bet here. Also, look for cracked or missing shingles and replace them as soon as possible. If you spot any leaks, patch them up immediately. You can use a sealant or roofing cement for this purpose.

And lastly, don’t forget to clear the gutters and downspouts on your roof. Clogged gutters allow water to seep into your home and damage the roof. If this happens, you’ll have a bigger home improvement project to tackle. Roof replacements and repairs are not cheap.

Take Care of Your Porch and Deck

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors on your porch or deck? Whether hosting a barbecue or just relaxing with a book, your porch and deck help create lasting memories. But these areas can also get dirty pretty fast. Warped floors, loose boards, and cracked paint are just some of the problems you might face if you don’t take care of your porch or deck. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect these areas for any damage and make repairs as soon as you spot them.

Some handy tips are:

  • Protect your flooring with a sealant to prevent warping
  • Tighten any loose boards or replace them if necessary
  • Repaint the railing and furniture to brighten up the area
  • Use soft, non-abrasive cloths to clean the surfaces
  • Cover the furniture when it’s not in use to prolong its life

Invest in Hardscaping

Hardscaping refers to the paved areas around your home, like your driveway, sidewalk, or patio. These areas can take a beating from the elements and foot traffic. That’s why investing in good quality materials that can withstand the test of time is important. Concrete is a popular and reliable choice for driveways and sidewalks because it’s durable and low maintenance. But you must sweep it clean and hose it down now and then. Asphalt is another good option for driveways since it’s less expensive than concrete.

When choosing materials for your patio, ensure to pick ones that are non-slip and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Brick pavers are a good choice as they’re both durable and stylish. But it doesn’t end at installation. You also must regularly maintain these areas to prevent them from cracking or deteriorating. For instance, oil stains from your car can damage your driveway if not removed immediately. So, ensure to clean up any spills as soon as they happen.

Conclusion

Cleaning your house’s exterior can take a lot of time and energy. Scrubbing the siding, sweeping the porch, and power washing the deck can physically and mentally drain you. But if you keep up with it and establish a routine, it’ll become second nature in no time. Plus, you’ll enjoy your home’s curb appeal for years to come. So, what are you waiting for then? Get out there and let the cleansing begin.

If you’re planning on raising a family, Baton Rouge in Lousiana is an excellent option. The pleasant neighborhoods, lots of green spaces, friendly people, calm weather, and the best schools for children; make it a very attractive city. 

Being the capital of Lousiana isn’t a complete description of Baton Rouge; the affordability of common stuff makes this city the go-to for most families. 

If you’re a resident of Baton Rouge and own a nice house here, congratulations. You’ve made it, haven’t you? 

The weather is great, isn’t it? Summer is a time for indulging in backyard barbecue parties and swimming pool splash dates with family and friends. 

It’s also a great time to get creative and have fun in your backyard. From putting together an Obstacle Course to playing games like badminton or Frisbee, you can do plenty of activities right in your backyard. 

It’s time to get outside and start having some fun!

Oh, wait! Before you can start having fun, you need to have a backyard worthy of summer gatherings. And that means you need to put some thought into your backyard landscaping! 

Take your backyard from “blah” to “wow” without spending a fortune with these brilliant ideas! We’ve got something for everyone, from pergolas and water features to rambling gardens and fire pits. 

No matter what your style or budget. So get ready to fall in love with your backyard all over again! 

Deal with Overpowering Trees

When you stare at the sky and take in the beauty of stars on a summer night, the last thing you want to see is a big, leafy tree blocking your view. 

Oh, what a pain it is to deal with leaves, branches, and falling acorns constantly! But before you grab your chain saw and go all “The Shining” on that tree, take a step back and think about other options. 

Maybe it’s time to pull out your tech-smartphone and find a specialist who could deal with it? Type in tree cutting service baton rouge la on Google and hit Enter to get a list of tree surgeons in your area to handle the issue.

If your love for the tree goes far and beyond those glimmering stars, then you may want to find a way to work around it. 

You could also be creative and use the tree as an advantage. For example, build a tree-house or a swing! Try planting low-lying shrubs or flowers at its base.

Spectacular Stepping Stone:

Have you paved your backyard paths yet? If not, you’re missing out on a dirt-cheap and easy way to add some real personality to your outdoor space. Stepping stones come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. 

You can find them at your local home improvement store or online. And the best part is that they’re relatively easy to install! Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

If you want something more unique, try using different materials like glass, ceramic, or even shells. You can also get creative with the shapes. Try something more abstract instead of going for the traditional round or square. Just have fun with it!

Greece Up Your Garden:

Remember those big creative plant containers you saw in Santorini last summer? The ones so big you could fit a small tree in them? 

Well, it’s time to get your own! Over-sized planters are a great way to add instant drama to your garden. Plus, they’re a great way to show off your green thumb!

Try something more modest if you’re not ready to go all-out with a giant planter. A simple terracotta pot can be just as effective. 

Splatter paint it or wrap it in twine – get creative! Just be sure to choose a plant that will thrive in the pot. And don’t forget to water it!

Make it a Honeymoon Backyard:

Romance your backyard with some beautiful lighting. String lights are a classic choice, but they can be boring. If you’re looking for something with more personality, try lanterns or paper lanterns. You can even make your own!

If you wish to gee-whiz your guests (or that special someone), try hanging lanterns from tree branches or installing floor lamps and tiki torches

A floral-container-tiki torch combination is ideal for creating a Punta Cana -style backyard appearance. This fantastic combination combines earth, flowers, and fire to demonstrate that you may make your yard seem as beautiful as you desire. Just be sure to use safe, weatherproof materials.

The Succulent Fairy:

Think Peter Pan, but with succulents instead of Tinkerbell. If you love all things miniature, this is the perfect backyard trend! 

Plant your favorite succulents in tiny pots or teacups and arrange them around your garden. You can even make a fairy village complete with houses, bridges, and paths.

Don’t have a green thumb? No problem! There are plenty of faux succulents on the market that look just as good as real. Just be sure to get your hands on weatherproof and durable ones.

Sing-Along the Birds:

That melodious singing contest between the birds is not just for their sake; it also signifies their affection towards one another. As we all know, nature is the best musician, and the bird’s song is one of the most beautiful music.

One of the perfect ways to enjoy the birdsong is hanging birdhouses in your backyard. No backyard is complete without a bird feeder or two. But why stop there? 

If you want to attract some feathered friends, try adding a birdbath or birdhouse. You can even make your own! Please make sure you’re using non-toxic material!

Birds are beautiful creatures, but they can also help keep your garden pest-free. So go ahead and give them a little love!

Minimum is the New Maximum:

We’re all about going big here, but sometimes less is more. That’s why we love the minimalistic trend. Just because your backyard is shrimpy doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful!

Try using a few large pieces instead of a lot of small ones. A few well-placed potted plants or a single piece of patio furniture can significantly impact. 

And don’t forget about the power of negative space! Sometimes the best way to make your backyard look bigger is to leave some room.

Maybe plant a huge palm in the heart of a freshly mowed and trimmed lawn. Or place a large, comfortable hammock under a shady tree. Whatever you do, keep it simple.

Rockin’ Rock Beds:

Oh boy, this trendy yet straightforward backyard landscaping idea is music to our ears! We’re talking about rock beds, people. And no, we don’t mean the kind you have to sleep in.

A rock bed is simply a garden that uses rocks instead of (or in addition to) soil. And they look pretty darn good too! They’re perfect for areas that are prone to drought or erosion.

Handpick your favorite rocks and arrange them in a pleasing design. Then add some drought-resistant plants, and voila! 

The Gist:

Your backyard should narrate a story and be an extension of your home – a place where you can hang loose and enjoy the outdoors. 

With a little creativity (and maybe a small budget), you can transform it into a space that you’re proud of. So get out there and start landscaping! And don’t forget to have fun!

Spending time on your patio is one of the best ways to relax and recuperate after a long week. This is where you can welcome your guests, hang out with your family, or regain your inner peace. However, not just any patio will be good enough for all these things, which is why you need to spice up your patio from time to time. Doing this might not always be easy or simple, but it’s something you just have to do. Introducing unique features might be one of the ways to go and a solution that will take your patio to the next level. If this is something you’d like to do as well, here are a few ideas you could explore.

Unique patio furniture

If you want to be able to spend time on your patio, you’re going to need some furniture first. There are lots of materials, designs, and ideas you could explore, and finding your perfect fit could take some time. But, it’s all going to be worth it in the end, and your patio will become the most comfortable spot at your home. Start with some comfortable chairs that will allow you to spend hours on your patio without risking lower back pain. After that, find some matching sofas, and finish everything off with a unique coffee table. Don’t forget to maintain your furniture in the future as well, and try to keep it as good as new in the years to come too.

Unique patio lighting

If you want to be able to use this space in the evening as well and throw dinner parties on your patio, you’ll need some proper lighting too. There are lots of lighting ideas you can explore, and not all of them will work for you. That’s why you need to think outside the box and find solutions that are unique and cool. String lights are among the most popular and appealing ideas at the moment, so look into that idea first. Also, check out those solar lights that are perfect for patios and other outdoor spaces. Finally, don’t be afraid to install a massive chandelier above your patio, and making it more appealing than it’s ever been.

Unique patio décor

Even though most people focus on interior space when decorating their homes, the fact is that their patio deserves some love and attention as well. Your simple everyday décor won’t be good enough, though, so start thinking outside the box. Adding a water feature might be a great start because a small fountain could do wonders for the appeal of your patio. Also, adding some greenery is crucial as well, especially if you’re a fan of nature. From a few simple pots to decorative plantation shutters that will take the entire space to a whole new level, there are lots of ideas to consider. Finally, add some scented candles and light them before your guests arrive.

Unique patio flooring

This is probably not an idea all homeowners are going to love, but investing time and money into your patio flooring is one of the best ideas you could explore. Again, there are lots of different ideas you can look into, depending on the size of your patio and your aesthetic preferences. Painting your patio, installing new concrete, replacing the tiles, applying a new stencil or introducing some reclaimed wood into the mix are just some of the ways to make your patio welcoming and appealing.

 

Exploring various unique features that will make your patio more special than ever isn’t hard at all. It’s all about finding the right designs and ideas, and turn them into reality as soon as possible!

Owning a backyard is not enough — there always needs to be something that makes it stand out more. Some people decide for complicated floral arrangements or endless rows of trees and bushes, while others prefer next to nothing. Whatever you like, it’s a fact that your backyard needs some care and possibly a full makeover. If you don’t know what to do, and there is plenty of space around, we suggest a gazebo. Aside from looking beautiful, a gazebo can also be used as a yard focal point which means that, if you do it right, it’ll automatically attract the attention of your guests any time of year. So, here are some tips on turning your gazebo into a cozy and elegant oasis:

Add some hanging potted plants

There’s nothing more enjoyable than sitting on your gazebo on a warm spring evening and smelling the surrounding flowers while sipping some cold ice tea. The quickest way to decorate your gazebo is to add hanging potted plants. You can play with various colours and sizes, so feel free to mix different types of flowers until you find the combination that you like. Having potted plants around can make your gazebo look more homely and elegant especially during the spring and summer. If you prefer other floral arrangements, you can add regular flower pots or even rose bushes. 

Paint your gazebo white

A white gazebo will bring a dash of elegance and sophistication to your backyard, but also, make it look bigger. On sunny days, your white gazebo will look extra comfy, and chic with some stylish outdoor sun-blocking features that will also bring shade to your backyard oasis. White can add more light into your gazebo especially when it’s less sunny outside, but you still want to spend some time in your backyard. If you want to spruce it up a bit, you can add matching white chairs and a table so you’ll have a place to sit and hang out with your friends. For those who want some privacy, getting a white breezy curtain will protect your gazebo from rain and make you feel cozy and a bit isolated whenever you need some privacy.

Make your gazebo a winter sanctuary

Who says gazebo should only be used during the warm months? There are many gazebo covers and even though they don’t look much elegant, they can still be used if you don’t have anything else. The best option would be to insulate your gazebo with sliding glass walls, but sometimes even that’s not enough. However, there are ways to make your gazebo feel warm even if it’s cold outside: get a fire feature that will keep you safe from cold even in lower temperatures and check out these helpful tips for loft insulation problems, for additional inspiration. You can then snuggle in your armchair, wrapped in your fave blanket with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine.

Get some Chinese lanterns for an ultimate autumn feel

Autumn is the time when everything becomes red, yellow, brown and orange, so adding Chinese lanterns that are traditionally autumn-colored is a perfect decor choice. To create an ultimate romantic autumn feel, hang lanterns with different length string, so they’ll look more interesting and unique. If you feel extra crafty, you can create your own lanterns. Besides lanterns, you can also add various fall flowers like garlands, dahlias or orange gerberas. For those who really love autumn, you can also add fall leaves to make your gazebo look ready for the cozy autumn afternoons.

In conclusion, turning your gazebo into a focal point shouldn’t be a one-time project since your gazebo could be redecorated and redesigned for each season, which will only make your time there more memorable and fun. For example, adding a lot of greenery can make it look more stylish and less stripped. Your main design goal should be making your gazebo attention-grabbing and comfortable at the same time.

One of the most common mistakes when renovating and remodelling the home is to focus on the interior alone. Well, those who seek to flip the house or simply boost the value of the property should make an effort to keep both their homes and gardens up-to-date and maintained. It is high time to migrate to the great outdoors, get busy, and feel the gentle breeze and rejuvenating sunlight cuddling you.

Bring the inside out

One of the upgrades that add real value to your home is the addition of the deck or patio. They expand the living area in the most cost-effective way possible. What is more, with the creation of the entertaining area these investments can take the homey comfort to the garden. This is the pure embodiment of the indoor-outdoor lifestyle, which is gaining momentum across the globe. To pull it off, you need some weather-resistant outdoor furniture, as well as a host of throws, pillows and rugs.

outdoor living room for higher property value

Tend the land

Landscaping improves the curb appeal of the house, and adds up to 28% of the value to it. It is a good idea deal with any gaps in planting or pests that want to spoil the outdoor party. Furthermore, trees are essential pillars of any green sanctuary and they also enable the storm water run-off and provide shade, allowing you to save energy. Make sure they are healthy and native to your area. This is also crucial when picking plants and shrubs, but muse on flowers that introduce vivid splashes of colour and picturesque drama into the garden.

A photo of tulips

A fresh start

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most efficient ways to give your property a makeover. Namely, a nice first impression can be amplified with stronger, carefully-chosen paint colours. Revamp the entrance by repainting and upgrading the door or replacing it altogether. Just do not forget to trim the plants, repair the roof, and clear the pathway. Consider purchasing outdoor lighting fittings as well, since it prevents slips and falls, and averts intruders from easily approaching the home. This makes it one of the most wanted features for home buyers and renters.

buckets of paint

Go fancy

Stylish fencing forms a zone of privacy and comfort, keeping pets and kids in, and unwanted guests out. Now, since most fences are installed in the backyard, the impact on the curb appeal is marginal. This is not the say that, however, that it does not affect the value of your real estate. And as for a forward front, you can go for retaining walls and terracing. This way, it is possible to transform useless, sloppy surfaces into something that hinders erosion and run-off, and adds texture and colour. Done right, these features will give your house a face-lift and turn some heads.

garden fence

A fiery embrace

If you want to be able to use the area all-season long, do not fret— there are ways to heat it up. Summon the dancing flames with a fire pit, and ensure the much-needed warmth during colder days. An outdoor fireplace is another enthralling spectacle that transforms the space and makes it more inviting. Also, I would not overlook a wood fired pizza oven can prove to be useful during social gatherings and backyard parties. For a more romantic sensation, you can use antique chandeliers to illuminate the quiet, chilly nights.

Fire pit in your garden

Before and after

Even before crossing the threshold, buyers should be able to witness the splendour of your property. Of course, it is just as important that you enjoy your personal castle more, enhance its value, and customize it so that it reflects your taste. Remember that maintenance and beautifying tasks go a long way in making a positive change in your environment. Put the best face of your property forward, and you will spend the time outside like never before.