Every home deserves some TLC. Since spring is a time of renewal, a facelift and some sprucing up may be in order. As homeowners gradually emerge from a long hibernation, many have been planning or working on revitalization projects that would increase that all-important curb appeal as well as the value of their biggest investment.
A REFRESHING FACELIFT
Consider Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement windows as a great way to transform the entire look of a house and increase its curb charm as well as its value threefold.
All the original windows in this old house in Oyster Bay were made of wood and all were rotted.
“We installed a whole house of our high-performance Fibrex windows, white interior, white exterior,” says Joel Eskenas, senior design consultant and trainer for Renewal by Andersen of Long Island. “Our Andersen white color added brightness to the exterior and a clean fresh look.”
“Most are double hung with a few awning-style windows,” he adds. “Quite a bit of the wood around the windows on the outside was also rotted. That wood was replaced and then encapsulated and sealed with a maintenance-free material which will prevent rot in the future.”
So, how do new windows add curb appeal and value?
“Our windows are known for their beautiful clean lines, favorable glass-to-frame ratios and their rich interior and exterior finish. Our patented technology also allows for dark colors to be installed on the outside, which is unique to our industry,” Eskenas explains. “For years now, the Andersen brand name has been known to add value to homes, so much so that when homeowners list their homes in the real estate sections of their newspaper, if they have Andersen windows you will always see that mentioned in the for-sale ads.”
What are some features that make these windows so popular, especially on the Island?
One reason, says Eskenas, is that Andersen’s high-performance, Fibrex composite framing material is perfect for the coastal environment they service because it is nonporous, doesn’t absorb moisture and isn’t affected by salt air or salt water. Fibrex doesn’t rot.
Style options that are popular locally? Double-hung, casements and gliders. Many customers also choose bay or bow windows, which can improve their view as well as their home’s attractiveness.
Andersen’s new black exterior windows are becoming very popular with homeowners seeking to modernize the look of their home. They offer multiple color choices, interior wood options, hardware and glass options, and grille and screen options, according to Eskenas. He adds that the design process revolves entirely around the client.
“We invest a lot of time and put a lot of effort into finding out exactly what it is they have in mind,” he says. “Once we determine what their goals and desires are, we show them pictures, talk about various options: style, color, hardware, custom grill options, screen options, etc.”
ADDING CURB DRAMA
A well-thought-out landscape design is a cost-effective way to show some love while totally transforming a home’s vibe. For visual appeal, add depth and interest without making any major changes to the house itself. And, for amazing results, seek advice from a professional landscaper.
Creative landscapers who know the tricks of the trade, like Bethpage-based Tom Facarile of TMF Landscape Design Inc., use a variety of natural elements for maximum, eye-catching curb appeal. And the design options are endless.
“We strive to create beautiful landscape and water features that are unique and natural-looking and are equipped to install small or large scapes,” says Facarile, who specializes in providing an artistic design (master plan, hardscaping, plantings) tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle and budget, as well as landscape installation, i.e. masonry, concrete, carpentry, metalwork, grading, drainage, lighting, and more.
When TMF Landscape is called in for a consultation, Facarile surveys the property and comes up with multiple scenarios for different applications.
“In the design of a recently completed project in Garden City, we created a focal point in the center of the front lawn with a garden bed full of beautiful greens and blooms to add color, life, and interest to a very flat landscape,” Facarile explains. “The foundation plants were designed in scape design to enhance the home’s architecture. The entry is more welcoming and ties into the surrounding landscape and hardscape stonework of the entryway.”
He adds: “Upon site inspection many yards of soil and compost were brought in to grade out the property. Free-form islands also were installed to give the property beautiful curb appeal. Many perennial flowers were installed in the planting beds along with the shrubbery. Sod was installed along with a new sprinkler system. Black mulch and annual flowers completed the job.”
Facarile had the opportunity to meet with the homeowners halfway through the project and alter the plans more to their liking. Plant materials were upgraded and some beautiful specimen materials were used. Low-voltage LED lighting was installed. Many of these materials were purchased from North Service Nursery and Half Hollow Nursery in Melville and Deer Park, and the project was completed in six days.
To enhance a Syosset home’s curb appeal, old plantings were removed and replaced with a beautiful new flower bed design and a variety of visually appealing plantings.
Quick Tip: “When starting a landscape project, always consult a pro who will give you their creative ideas and take into account what plants will thrive in the existing areas,” Facarile suggests. “Many times, a project will not last when the homeowner tries to cut corners and save money.”
TMF Landscape Design has perfected building streams and waterfalls that are very realistic and natural-looking.
“When building a waterfall, we do not stack slate on top of one another and call that a waterfall. That is not what you would see in nature,” says Facarile, adding, “I love creating beautiful landscape spaces surrounded by elements that create a sense of peace, tranquility and beauty.”
