We have written the perfect guide to curb appeal and how to improve yours to save you time and money! In this article we will go over the best tips and tricks!
A little over 64% of Americans own their own home. For most people, their home is the biggest investment they’ll ever make.
Investing in regular maintenance minimizes expensive unexpected fixes. And it means you’ll get more enjoyment out of your home. It also makes selling easy when the time comes.
A big part of your home’s enjoyment and resale value comes from curb appeal. Are you wondering how to increase your home’s curb appeal?
Read on for a comprehensive guide to curb appeal and how to improve yours!
What Is Curb Appeal?
How appealing is your home to others as they drive or walk by your home? That’s your curb appeal. When was the last time you drove by a home and did a double take because it was so beautiful?
That’s the goal, especially if you’re getting ready to sell. But even if you’re not selling, isn’t it nice to live in a home with a pretty front yard?
Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Curb appeal consists of many elements. But most people immediately think of the landscape. If the grass is dead and there’s no greenery, the front of your home isn’t too appealing.
If you’ve got greenery, but it’s overgrown and untrimmed, that’s not attractive either.
Begin with the landscaping. You can hire a landscape designer if you’ve got the money.
Low on funds? No problem. There are lots of things you can do on a budget.
Landscaping
Landscaping is more than doing the lawn. For great curb appeal, use bushes, trees, and flowers. Here are a few things you can do for a great landscape:
Maintain the Lawn
It seems easy, but lots of homeowners neglect their home’s front lawn. If a lawn service is affordable, that’s the easiest. But if that’s out of your budget, do the lawn maintenance yourself.
If the grass is overgrown and full of weeds, it lowers your curb appeal. Mowing the lawn once a week is a must. The lawnmower won’t do a good job if the grass gets too high.
When you’re done mowing, trim the bushes. Neatly trimmed bushes appear much nicer than shapeless, out-of-control bushes.
Schedule this in first thing Saturday morning so it’s done and out of the way. Do you have teenagers? This is the perfect chore!
Add a Path
Does the front lack a path to the front door? A path to the door makes the house inviting.
If you’re on a tight budget, use inexpensive bricks or pavers and install it yourself. There are lots of DIY videos on the Internet that’ll show you how.
Add Bushes
If you don’t have bushes, they’re an easy, low-maintenance way to add a pop of color to your front yard. Some bushes even have flowers.
Bushes don’t need a ton of maintenance but keep them trimmed.
Add Flowers
There are so many types of flowers. Do you want to plant them once and forget about them for a few seasons? Try some perennials.
Plant perennials in the fall. They’ll come up on their own for a few more seasons.
Clean or Update the Mailbox
How’s your mailbox? Is it covered in mold and mildew? It may not seem like a big deal, but a dirty mailbox sends a message. It says you don’t spend a lot of time maintaining your home.
Time to clean it. Use soapy water and a sponge.
If the mildew won’t come off and the mailbox is old, it might be time for a new mailbox. There are so many options when it comes to mailboxes. You’ll find one that works for your budget.
Fencing
The proverbial white picket fence adds great curb appeal. There are lots of other types of decorative fences that also add curb appeal.
Some fences include beautiful custom driveway gates, like those found at cedarmountainfence.com.
Paint the Front Door
Painting the front door is inexpensive and easy, and it makes a big impact. Painting your front door black even increases your home value. If you’re not crazy about a black door, try a neutral gray or blue.
If the door doesn’t need painting but could use an update, try new hardware. Try a fancy door knocker for a high-end look.
Is your front door in bad shape? Consider a total replacement. The average cost of replacing the front door is around $1,000. But the return on investment is almost 75%.
Speaking of new doors…
Clean or Paint the Garage Door
A broken down, dirty garage door is uninviting. Clean it up or consider painting or replacement depending on the condition.
A garage door replacement offers almost 100% return on investment.
The Roof
No one wants to pay for a new roof, but it’s worth it if your roof is old. Have a professional assess the condition. Sometimes a roof looks bad even if it’s in good condition.
The roof might only need cleaning. But if it’s in bad repair, it’s a huge turnoff for potential buyers. Not replacing the roof costs more in the long run when it starts to leak into the house.
If you’re selling your house, buyers won’t pay top dollar for a home that needs a new roof.
Change the Outdoor Light Fixtures
Outdated finishes and styles make the house outdated and lower your home’s curb appeal.
Changing light fixtures is another affordable way to bring a whole new look to the home. You don’t have to buy from a high-end decor store. Find fresh modern looks at discount stores.
If you’re comfortable buying online, there are lots of mail-order lighting options.
Update the House Numbers
Are your house numbers rusted and old? Try some new house numbers.
Use a modern font that works with your architecture. Try something different and eye-catching.
Even if you’re not handy, this is an easy update that takes almost no time at all.
Clean and Paint the Gutters
Are your gutters overflowing? Don’t ignore clogged gutters. If your gutters are full of leaves and debris, you could end up with a leaky roof. Gutters are the first line of defense for getting water away from the house.
If you’re afraid of going on the roof, hire someone. But do more than clean the debris out. Scrub the dirt off the outside of the gutters. If they still look stained and dirty, add a quick coat of paint.
Power Wash the House
A good power wash does wonders for the outside of the house. Takedown the screens and wash the whole outside. Be sure and wash the driveway, walkway, and porch too.
Getting rid of the green moss and dirt off the driveway, walk, and front porch brings a fresh new look to the outside of the house.
Power washing is easy and inexpensive. No need to buy a power washer. Rent one from a big-box hardware store.
Paint the Porch
After power washing, does the front porch still look grubby and old? Time for new paint.
This is another affordable, DIY project you can do in a weekend. Make sure you use outdoor paint.
Use a paint scraper and remove any peeling paint. If the porch needs sanding, don’t dry sand it. Wet sand or use a sander with a HEPA filter vacuum attachment if sanding is necessary.
After sanding, rinse any leftover debris and then let the porch dry out. Use an exterior oil-based or latex paint if the porch is wood.
Add Outdoor Decor
Adding some decor on the front door and porch adds warmth and atmosphere. There are great year-round wreaths that add a nice touch.
Put a pretty topiary bush on each side of the front door. Outdoor curtains add another nice touch to a front porch. White strings of fairy lights add a soft look.
Hanging baskets of flowers on the front porch adds a nice touch. Try Geraniums or Petunias for a bright pop of color. Make sure you have a nice welcome mat by the front door.
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture looks great on the front porch while improving curb appeal. Don’t overdo it with large furniture. If the porch is small to medium, try a small metal table and two chairs.
Rocking chairs also look great on the front porch and lend a homey feel. Potted plants are also great lining the steps down to the yard.
Protect your furniture in the winter with furniture covers.
Try a gorgeous outdoor porch rug.
Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Increasing your home’s curb appeal increases your home’s value. Do regular landscaping maintenance and consider new plants, flowers, and bushes.
Paint or replace the front door and garage doors. Add some pop to your porch with furniture and plants. Use a pretty outdoor porch rug. Don’t forget a little door decor!
Update your look with new modern house numbers and update the outdoor lights. Clean or replace the mailbox and pressure wash the entire outside of the home.
No need to do these projects all at one time. But tackle the areas that need the most work first. You’ll be glad when your home’s curb appeal is the best on the block!
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