4 ways awnings can increase a home's value

An awning not only shades your home from harsh sunlight, but makes your home look more welcoming, which adds to its desirability. These four perks of awnings make them more than worth the effort.

An undressed window on the inside of your house cries out for draperies, blinds or shades. Dressing exterior windows is just as important because unadorned windows can make your home appear cold and unwelcoming. Awnings add curb appeal to your house in the same way that window dressings on the inside of your home add warmth and decorative value. When a visitor approaches your home, the awnings communicate that you care enough about your house to add curb appeal and aesthetic value.

Choose awnings that complement the exterior paint colours of your home. Many awning supply companies provide fabric samples that you can take home and use to select shades.

You spend more money to keep your house cool in the summer months when the sun beats down on your windows all day. Install awnings to lower energy bills. Awnings add shade and block the sun, reducing heat build up. When your home is cooler, your air conditioner won't have to work as hard or run as often. When installing awnings for energy savings, consider what direction your house faces and which side gets the most sun. Install awnings on the sunniest windows first to decrease your costs.

Add a patio awning to your house to make your outdoor space more comfortable. When you can sit outside in the shade, instead of in the blazing hot sun, it will seem as if you added outdoor living space to your home. You and your guests will enjoy being outside and won't have to constantly raise, lower and adjust a patio umbrella. Before installing your awnings, ensure that they don't obstruct the view when people are seated on your patio or balcony.

Since awnings are optional, the addition of awnings on your house shows that you are a homeowner who cares about your property. Installing awnings indicates to potential buyers that you probably maintain other aspects of your home, such as the heating and air conditioning systems and the plumbing. Buyers are more likely to purchase a house that has been maintained than a rundown house.