With winter winding down, homeowners are looking to make changes to add to the overall value and improve the longevity of their homes. From gutter systems to roofing, clients are often overwhelmed with where to start in their home improvement plan. But updates can be vital, especially if routine maintenance has been less than ideal.

Show your customers that you’re on their side by educating them on what will be the best value for their investment, both in cost and aesthetic. Here’s what you should know about some of the most common projects homeowners will be looking into this spring.

Gutters
No one likes to clean out their gutters, leading to damage over time as the dreaded chore is ever avoided. Gutter replacement also isn’t usually one of the first things that comes to mind when a customer is making a list of home improvements, but it is a necessary and valuable investment.

The best type of gutter system blends into the aesthetic of the home and is a strong, smooth, functional system that properly drains and prevents leaks and flooding. Remind your customers to check the status of their gutters this spring and to consider:

  • Does rain water pour over the sides of the gutter during storms? Aside from cleaning, the customer may need better gutter guard solutions.
  • Are the gutters sagging or warped in any way? This causes water to run behind the system.
  • Do the gutters have obvious leaks, rust, or other wear and tear?
  • Are the gutters home to algae or moss growth?
  • Have they experienced any foundation or roof leaks with no obvious explanation? They may be due to improper drainage and runoff.

Depending on routine maintenance, weather conditions, and other factors, the customer may need a gutter replacement. The average life expectancy of aluminum or galvanized steel gutters is 20 years and around 50 years for copper gutter systems, with good home maintenance routines. Remind homeowners that a new gutter system is a valuable long-term investment that often is overlooked, leading to bigger and more costly issues later on.

Roofing
More clients are opting to replace their roofs with custom wood shingles, which are time-tested to withstand the elements over the years. In cold, hot, and extreme weather, durable wood shingles are a classic choice, particularly cedar, teak, and wallaba woods, and offer great long-term performance as compared to other roofing options. Under normal weather conditions, the average life expectancy of wood shingle roofs are 30 years for cedar and between 50 years and 80 years for teak and wallaba shingles.

For customers who are concerned with longevity and desire a classic aesthetic, wood singles are a prime roofing choice. The cost is determined by shingles per square, or a hundred square feet, and repairs are as easy as replacing damaged shingles. Customers will also save on their energy bills as this type of roofing naturally insulates the home, so thermostats stay balanced.

Siding
When it comes to siding, clients are more likely to consider the look in line with the cost as equally valuable factors. From color to materials, homeowners want to make their homes unique while choosing the best option that will last over the years. Clients can have best cost and best look, as the money-saving trendsetters on the street, when it comes to siding.

For color inspiration, customers may look to the Pantone Color of the Year, called greenery, which is about being in touch with nature, growth, and green practices. Clients will also want to consider more neutral and natural colors, calm water tones, and wood colors. Wackier or bolder colors are best used as accents on doors or shutters.

Wood siding, in addition to reclaimed and other rustic exterior products, is a classic option that pairs well with wood shingles for the roof. Now is the time to look into green, energy-efficient, and reclaimed wood offerings to help the client cut costs, decrease their carbon footprint, and offer a distinctive aesthetic.