Alterations to your home can serve several purposes. Perhaps the most obvious are the added experiences and enjoyment that come as a result of improving your home. Equally important is the value that your home accrues with each change–large or small–that you make as a homeowner. If and when you ultimately think about selling your home, you certainly won’t regret having made some important upgrades. To get some ideas, consult these tips on how to effectively improve your home.

-Look Again at the Front Door-

Your entryway provides guests and prospective buyers their first clue into what the rest of your home may be like, and your front door essentially acts as the centerpiece of that entryway. If your current front door looks a little downtrodden, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Replacing the door not only adds curb appeal and value to your home because of the aesthetic improvement. A new door can also result in considerably less cold air entering your home, resulting in a lower heating bill during those chilly winter months.

-Consider New Siding-

Replacing the siding on your home may not be necessary in the entire time that you live there. However, if you feel burdened by the threat of rot, chipped paint, or any other types of constant upkeep that may come hand in hand with the type of siding you currently have, you might want to consider some alternative options.

If you are sick of painting your wood siding every 5 years or so, it’s not a bad idea to make the switch to vinyl siding. With vinyl, you won’t ever have to paint again, and the method is relatively inexpensive. Another great option is fiber-cement siding. Though you will have to repaint fiber-cement about every 12 years, it is still quite low maintenance. On top of that, the material is flame resistant, mostly unaffected by moisture, and effective in keeping away insects and rodents.

-Don’t Forget About Insulation-

If you live in an area with a cold climate, your home likely has relatively comprehensive insulation. At the same time, there are probably certain parts of your home that are inadequately insulated, and each year that you allow your home to be improperly protected from the cold amounts to a year of unnecessary energy costs. The different areas of your home require different methods of insulation, so be sure to consult trusted sources on the various types of insulation, such as the Department of Energy guidelines.

-Think About an Outdoor Patio-

Adding a deck to the back of your house can seem intimidating and expensive, even if you opt for a DIY option. However, wood decks typically cost around $35 per square foot, which is definitely more affordable than a complete addition to your home. If you’re willing to sacrifice some backyard space, an added patio can be a great addition that will open up an abundance of new opportunities for entertaining guests and entice any buyers interested in your house.