After a long Central Ohio winter, your home’s exterior is ready for some attention. Between February’s freeze-thaw cycles and March’s unpredictable weather, even well-maintained homes can look a little tired by the time summer arrives. The good news? A few strategic outdoor improvements can completely refresh your home’s appearance and make you excited to pull into your driveway again.
Whether you’re planning to stay for years or considering selling down the road, these outdoor projects deliver maximum impact for boosting curb appeal. Each one addresses common issues we see in Newark-area homes after winter, and they can be tackled individually or combined based on your timeline and budget.
This blog is for educational purposes only. Every home and project is unique, so we always recommend a consultation to discuss what makes the most sense for your specific property.
Your front door works harder than almost any other part of your home’s exterior. It faces weather, daily use, and serves as the focal point that sets expectations for everything inside. If your door is showing signs of wear like warped panels, failing weatherstripping, or hardware that’s seen better days, replacing it can deliver an instant upgrade.
Modern entry doors offer better insulation, security features, and style options than older models. From classic wood grain to sleek fiberglass designs, today’s doors can complement any architectural style while improving energy efficiency.
Not ready for a full replacement? Refreshing your existing door with new paint and updated hardware can still make a dramatic difference. Bold colors like deep navy or forest green create personality, while classic black or crisp white offer timeless appeal. New locksets, handles, and door knockers complete the transformation without the expense of a full door replacement.
Nothing ages a home’s appearance faster than faded, chipped, or dirty exterior paint. Central Ohio’s weather is particularly tough on painted surfaces with winter snow and salt, Summer rains, and summer UV exposure all taking their toll over time.
The good news is that paint offers one of the highest returns on investment for curb appeal improvements. You don’t always need to repaint the entire house to see dramatic results. Sometimes refreshing just the trim, shutters, or garage door is enough to make everything look sharp and well-maintained again.
If you’re considering new colors, think about how they’ll work with your home’s architecture and neighborhood. Lighter shades can make your home feel fresh and updated, while darker accent colors add sophistication. Clean white trim almost always looks crisp and helps define architectural details.
Professional exterior painting also means proper surface preparation, quality materials, and techniques that help your investment last longer, especially important given Ohio’s challenging weather conditions.
Your deck is likely one of the largest visible features of your home’s exterior, and it gets heavy scrutiny once outdoor entertaining season begins. Winter can be especially hard on deck materials since freeze-thaw cycles can cause boards to warp, railings to loosen, and finishes to fade or peel.
If your deck structure is sound but the surface needs attention, professional cleaning and refinishing can bring back that like-new appearance. Quality stain not only improves the look but also protects wood from moisture and UV damage.
For decks with structural issues or outdated designs, replacement might be the smarter long-term choice. Today’s composite decking materials offer the look of wood with significantly less maintenance, while modern design approaches can expand your outdoor living space and improve flow between indoor and outdoor areas.
Summer is also the perfect time to ensure railings meet current safety codes and that all connections are secure before you start hosting gatherings.
A well-designed fence does more than mark property boundaries. It creates privacy, enhances security, and gives your entire yard a more finished, intentional appearance. Whether you’re installing new fencing or updating existing sections, this improvement can significantly impact your home’s overall presentation.
For existing wood fencing that’s structurally sound but weathered, professional cleaning and refinishing can extend its life and improve its appearance. Power washing followed by staining or painting can make old fencing look nearly new again.
If you’re considering new fencing, material choice depends on your goals and maintenance preferences. Traditional wood offers classic appeal and can be customized with various styles and heights. Vinyl fencing provides durability with minimal upkeep, while decorative metal options offer elegance with an open feel.
The key is choosing fencing that complements your home’s style while serving your practical needs for privacy, security, or pet containment.
Windows significantly impact both your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. If your windows are more than fifteen to twenty years old, they may be costing you money in heating and cooling bills while making your home look dated from the outside.
Modern replacement windows offer improved insulation, easier operation, and contemporary styling options. From traditional grid patterns to clean, modern lines, new windows can be customized to enhance your home’s architectural character.
For homes with newer windows, updating the trim and shutters can still provide a visual refresh. Black window trim has become increasingly popular for its modern, crisp appearance, while traditional white trim offers timeless elegance.
Window boxes, decorative shutters, or accent colors around window trim can add character without major renovation expense.
Even the most beautifully maintained home can look neglected without proper landscape care. Overgrown shrubs, undefined lawn edges, and bare or weedy flower beds detract from your home’s overall presentation.
Start with the basics like trimming hedges and shrubs, defining clean lawn edges, and removing any dead or damaged plantings. Fresh mulch in garden beds instantly makes everything look more polished and helps suppress weeds throughout the growing season.
For homes with minimal landscaping, consider adding low-maintenance perennials or native plants that provide seasonal color without demanding constant attention. Strategic placement of plantings can also help frame your home’s architecture and create visual interest.
Hardscaping elements like stone borders, paver walkways, or decorative gravel areas can add structure and reduce long-term maintenance while enhancing your home’s overall design.
Effective outdoor lighting serves multiple purposes. It enhances safety, provides security, and showcases your home’s best features after dark. Well-placed lighting can make your property feel more welcoming and allow you to enjoy outdoor spaces longer.
Focus on key areas like entryways, pathways, and architectural features you want to highlight. Wall-mounted fixtures near the front door provide both function and style, while path lighting guides visitors safely and creates ambiance.
For energy efficiency, consider LED fixtures and solar-powered options for areas where wiring is challenging. Warm white lighting typically provides the most flattering and welcoming glow.
Motion-activated lighting near driveways and walkways adds security while being energy-conscious, automatically providing illumination when needed.
Summer represents a fresh start for both you and your home. After months of indoor focus, the warming weather naturally draws attention to outdoor spaces and exterior maintenance. Starting outdoor projects in Summer also ensures completion before summer’s peak entertaining season.
These improvements also set a positive tone for the rest of the year. When your home’s exterior looks sharp and well-maintained, you’re more likely to keep up with ongoing care and tackle additional projects.
From a practical standpoint, summer weather provides ideal conditions for most outdoor work. Mild temperatures, lower humidity, and longer daylight hours all contribute to better project outcomes.
While some homeowners enjoy tackling outdoor projects themselves, others prefer working with experienced professionals who can ensure quality results and handle the more complex aspects of home improvement.
At New Look Home Solutions, we’ve helped countless Newark-area homeowners transform their properties with strategic curb appeal improvements. Our team understands the specific challenges of Central Ohio’s climate and the architectural styles common in our area.
Whether you need help prioritizing which projects will have the biggest impact, want assistance with material selection, or prefer to have professionals handle the entire project, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Every home is different, and the right improvements depend on your property’s current condition, your style preferences, and your long-term goals. We believe in taking time to understand what you want to achieve and recommending solutions that fit your vision and budget.
Improving your home’s curb appeal isn’t about keeping up with trends or impressing neighbors. It’s about creating a home exterior that reflects your pride of ownership and makes you genuinely happy to come home each day.
The projects outlined here address the most common opportunities we see in Newark and surrounding communities. You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Starting with one or two improvements often creates momentum for additional projects as you see the positive impact on your home’s appearance.
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your property or want professional guidance on prioritizing improvements, we’d love to help. Contact New Look Home Solutions today for a consultation, and let’s discuss how to bring out the best in your home’s exterior this Summer.
Ready to get started? Call us at (614) 398-4880 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to help Newark homeowners create exteriors they love.
If you're planning a kitchen remodel in Newark, Ohio, now is a great time to…
Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook meals. It is the heart…
First impressions matter, and when it comes to your home, the exterior sets the tone…
Choosing new flooring is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make in your…
When you think about adding more space to your home, you might immediately picture building…
We’ve been remodeling bathrooms in Newark, OH and surrounding areas for years, and if there’s…