Are you hemming and hawing over the possibility of installing one or more awnings to cover your home's windows, entry areas, or a patio? 

Perhaps you've heard that awnings will add significant "curb appeal" and will add resale value to your home, but you're not quite sure if it's true. Well, it is. And here's why.

How Awnings Enhance Curb Appeal

First of all, awnings adorn windows the same way that curtains can on the inside of a house. Along with shutters, they add character to what might otherwise be a bare exterior wall. 

Second, awnings can complement or pleasantly contrast with the color of your home's siding, brick, stone, painted wood, or other facade. You may wish to match your awnings, for example, to the trim or roof color instead of the exterior wall color. But the point is, they can fit in with your existing design since they come in such a great variety of styles.

Third, your awning can catch the eye by its very shape, be it domed, concave, a rounded entrance canopy, or a triangular fixed frame.

How Awnings Can Increase Your Home's Value

Sun shade awnings over your windows can cut down on excess heat entering your home by around 75% and can reduce your summer cooling bill by up to 20%. Anyone buying a home will consider the energy efficiency of their potential investment before making a final decision.

A second way awnings add value to your home is by creating more usable outdoor space. Sun shade awnings over your entryway provide a place in the shade and out of the rain. Retractable (or fixed) awnings over porches and patios make those porches and patios usable for a greater portion of the year. And a free-standing awning or an awning shading a grassy spot around a backyard door is a cheap way to add shaded space (and that adds value.)

A third reason an awning can boost home value is that, if you invest in durable awnings that are easy to maintain, they will last for a long time and look about as good as new. The heavy, sun-resistant fabric of many modern, upper-tier awnings prevent colors from fading. And many are also able to stand up to water, snow, wind, and the full gamut of New England seasonal weather patterns.

Remember the Practical Usefulness of Awnings

Given that we live in a day and age when many live in the same house for less than five years on average, boosting curb appeal and resale value are major concerns, don't forget about yourself either.

It may be that you will live in the same home for decades to come, and it will be you and your family who will reap all the benefits of awnings: aesthetics, shade, shelter, energy savings, extra outdoor space, durability, and more. 

Choosing Your Awning Provider

Finally, to ensure your awning will be all you want it to be, "be picky" about who you hire to design, build, and install it.

If you are interested in investing in high-quality awnings manufactured and installed by a well-respected company, consider Dorchester Awning, which has over a century of experience under its belt. 

For a free quote from Dorchester Awning, click on the link or call us directly at 800-649-8686.

Dorchester serves Massachusetts and much of New England, and we can provide you with customized sun shade awnings of any variety you desire.