The first things that tend to come to mind when you think about home improvements are probably things that look nice first of all, and that could be anything from a smart new patio to fresh paint on the walls, for example. 

But something else to think about are the home improvements that can protect your home, ideally at the same time as looking good, of course. Remember, your property is a huge investment, probably the biggest one you’ll ever make, and taking care of it – protecting it – has to be done. 

After all, the outside of your home gets a lot thrown at it, like the weather, rain, cold, heat, and everything else, so it makes a lot of sense to invest in home upgrades that actually protect your home for the long term. Here are some to think about. 

Photo by Netlenka

Better Drainage 

Water is one of the biggest causes of damage to homes, and it’s also one of the easiest things to overlook – we just accept it happens and move on, but that’s not the right thing to do. 

The fact is that if rainwater pools near your foundations, or if it runs towards the house instead of away from it, it’s going to cause some nasty problems over time, like damp, cracks, erosion, and even flooding in some cases. That’s why sorting out drainage is one of the best outdoor improvements you can make, and why working with people like trench drain experts is exactly what helps because they know how to direct water properly and stop it from being an issue later on. 

Gutters And Downspouts

Gutters are hugely important when it comes to protecting your home, although you might not think it at first. However, the problem is that blocked gutters can lead to overflowing water, which can then damage walls, roofs, and even foundations if it’s happening a lot and on a regular basis. It’s easy to ignore, mainly because you won’t necessarily see it, but then you’ll notice a stain or a leak, and you’ll know there’s an issue. 

Cleaning out your gutters once a year and checking on them a few times can prevent a lot of stress, and if it’s not a job you fancy doing yourself, you can get people to do it for you, so there’s really no excuse. 

Driveways And Paths 

Cracked or uneven outdoor surfaces aren’t just a cosmetic issue because they can let water seep into places it shouldn’t go, and they can be trip hazards as well – nasty either way. 

If you’ve got a solidly laid driveway or paths that’s going to help water flow correctly, and it keeps the area around your home safer and easier to manage. And of course, once it’s done, your curb appeal is going to get a lot better, so it’s worth doing for a lot of different and important reasons. 

Outdoor Lighting 

Lighting is another protective feature that’s easy to forget about, but it really should be on your list of things to do because good outdoor lighting makes entrances safer, reduces the risk of falls, and it can also be a great deterrent for unwanted visitors. 

Even a few simple lights along your paths or near doors can make your home feel more secure, and since you want to protect your property, making sure it can be seen and that it’s safe at the same time is a good combination. 

Trees And Landscaping 

Greenery is definitely a lovely thing to have if you’re lucky enough to have any outdoor space, but you do need to think about where it’s going to do and how it’s going to look, as well as how you’ll maintain it because otherwise it can just look a mess and get in the way. 

Large trees too close to the house can cause issues with roots, blocked gutters, falling branches (especially during storms), and so on. And you’ve also got to keep shrubs trimmed and make sure plants aren’t trapping moisture against walls because that’s going to protect the structure of your home. 

Fencing And Boundaries 

A good, strong fence isn’t just there for privacy reasons – it can also be there for protective reasons too. 

A fence helps define your space, keeps pets and children safe, and, of course, it can add an extra layer of security around the property, which means one good fence, properly installed and looked after, ticks a lot of boxes, and it’s well worth making sure it’s done right. 

Final Thoughts 

Outdoor improvements might be about curb appeal, and a lot of them are, but it’s also wise to consider how they’ll protect your property because that’s vital for your investment, health, and happiness in the long run.