While many people fantasize about moving into a newly built home, the reality is that most homes in the United States are far from brand new. According to the latest statistics, the majority of homes are between 20 to 30 years old, meaning they were built in the 90s to early 2000s.
While that may not seem like a long time ago, design preferences and architectural styles have changed quite a bit over these past decades. Even little details on a home can age it considerably – but the good news is that minimal design changes can also make a huge difference.
You can easily upgrade the look of your home and make it appear much newer with a few simple upgrades and changes. Here are just a few projects that will make even an older home look nearly new.
Reseal Driveways and Walkways

A faded, cracked driveway can instantly make your home look unkempt and in disarray. Depending on the material, your driveway will need to be replaced every 20-30 years or so. But if you have heavier vehicles or if the concrete or asphalt is stained, you might need to update it even sooner.
If your driveway and walkways around the home are still in relatively good condition with no major cracks, you can look into resealing over replacing it. Also known as seal coating, resealing involves covering the driveway with a thin layer of asphalt. This will make your driveway look brand new – but it is far easier, quicker, and cheaper than a full replacement.
You can even DIY this project if you’d like! Depending on the size of your driveway, a resealing project will cost you around $475 in total.
Hire Professional Roof Cleaning Service

Another telltale sign of an older home is a roof in poor condition. Most roofs should last up to 50 years with general maintenance and the occasional shingle replacement. But after time, your roof will start to show its age as dirt, leaves, and even algae build up between the shingles.
Thankfully, there’s an easy fix to this dilemma. Professional roof cleaning services can improve the look of your roof significantly by washing away discoloration and debris that can make your roof look old and worn.
Plus, roof cleaning can help to extend the life of your roof by killing bacteria, algae, and mold. Washing the roof every year can ward off mildew growth that can cause structural damage and eat away at your shingles. The cost of a roof cleaning depends on the size of your home, but expect to pay around $.20 to $.60 per square foot.
Change Subtle Details

You may be surprised at what a big difference little details can make in the exterior of your home. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the trim and windowpanes can really give your home a whole new look.
Adding in bright flowers or fresh greenery in window boxes or planters around the entryways can also breathe new life into an older home. Bushy greenery can also help to cover up telltale signs of age, such as faded paint or even small cracks along the foundation or siding.
Upgrading your entry points including the front and garage doors can also help to elevate the look of a home. Garage doors often show signs of wear and damage – and an old front door design can age your home significantly. These are pretty easy to repair or replace though.
For instance, you can replace the panels on a garage door for a few hundred dollars to make them look brand new. You can also quickly upgrade a front door with a coat of bright paint and some new number decals!
Add Subtle Lighting

Soft lighting isn’t just a tip to make you look better in photographs. It can also help your home look years younger!
Subtle lighting along the driveway, walkways, and patio area can give your home a nice glow and elevate your exterior design. Plus, this lighting can keep you safer if you’re coming home after dark. No more fumbling for your keys or tripping over the stairs!
Over to You
If you want to make your home look and feel newer, you don’t need to shell out thousands of dollars in massive renovations. There are lots of little upgrades you can make to the exterior of your home that can increase its curb appeal and make your home look better than ever.
Author Bio: Sarah is Communications Coordinator for William C. Rott & Son – one of the longest family-owned roofing companies in WNY that specializes in offering full-service roofing & remodeling services.