What do you notice first when viewing a home? The curb appeal. Does the house seem welcoming with comfortable seating near the front? Are there eye-catching details? The exterior of a person’s home says a lot about their style and personality.
But more often than not, life gets in the way and the next thing you know, your home has lost the curb appeal that once made you want to purchase it in the first place.
Curb appeal is not only important from the stance of selling or buying a home but even more importantly it allows you, the homeowner, to have pride in the home that you work so hard to maintain. So how do you add curb appeal? Whether you try to do it yourself or you employ professionals such as roofing contractors to give your home that extra sparkle, it’s actually not as hard as it looks.
1. Flowers, flowers and more flowers
Flowers, trees, and shrubs can change the entire appeal of a home. Start small if the task seems overwhelming. Pinterest is a great source for inspiration, as is driving around your own neighborhood to see what naturally appeals to you.
If you already have a flower bed, the first and most important step is to ensure that it is free of weeds and well laid out. Make sure there is a natural border and it flows with the shape of the house. Plant flowers that are perennials and make statements such as rose bushes or azaleas.
If you don’t want to be out gardening all the time, plant shrubs such as gardenia bushes that are low maintenance but add classic beauty to any garden. Next, doing something as simple as adding new mulch or pine straw can make a major impact.
2. A Little Paint Goes A Long Way
After you have focused on the landscaping, start thinking about paint. Painting a home is a larger task, but it is necessary for both the maintenance of your home and with one coat of paint you can easily take a drab home and make it the prettiest house on the block. If you cannot afford to paint the whole house at once, start with the trim or the front door.
A visitor’s eyes are naturally drawn to the front door as they think about where they might enter your home. Think about the best paint color for your front door that is both eye-catching and welcoming. Even a small amount of fresh paint can make a lasting difference.
3. It’s All In The Details
Next, think about small touches such as adding a door wreath or window boxes. A little detail can go a long way to increase curb appeal. Do you have a front porch? If so, make it welcoming with inviting seating designed around conversation or meals.
If your home does not have a front porch, is there a tree in the front yard where you can add a bench or Adirondack chairs? Adding seating to your front yard gives it a welcoming feel which is another way to improve curb appeal.
4. The Walkway
Like the front door, the walkway is one of the first things a visitor is drawn to when viewing or visiting your home. Is your walkway updated with aesthetically pleasing rock such as flagstone or brick? If not, flagstone is a classic addition for homes all across the country and adds instant beauty to your walkway. If you have a concrete walkway, think about adding a border with stone or flowers.
5. Pressure Wash the Grime Away
Pressure washing is a simple and inexpensive way to add quick and easy curb appeal to your home. You can rent or buy a great pressure washer. If you are going to use it more than a few times a year, it is worth the investment. Not only should you pressure wash the walkway, driveway, and any brick exterior, but you can also pressure wash decks and porches to make them feel brand new.
Before using a pressure washer, make sure to read all directions and watch tutorial videos. Pressure washing is an effective way to refresh the exterior aspects of your home, but you also want to make sure you do not do any damage along the way.
6. The Mailbox Isn’t Just for the Mailman
In most homes, the mailbox is one of the first things you see when pulling up to a home. And unfortunately, many people let their mailboxes go which immediately lowers your curb appeal.
If you want a quick and inexpensive way to update your home without a lot of hassle, paint or change out your mailbox. You can find all sorts of DIY Mailbox updates online, or just visit your local hardware store for advice and mailbox accessories.
7. Decluttering: The Free and Instant Way to Increase Curb Appeal
Most people are guilty of having clutter in their homes, even on the outside. If you have children, it is normal to want to leave sports equipment or toys outside for easy access. But this takes away from the beauty of your home.
Think about finding a storage solution on the side of the house or inside the garage for any gear you keep outside. Even if you don’t have kids, it is easy to let things like hoses or gardening tools get in the way of a clean lawn. Find a simple yet affordable solution to your clutter and your home will naturally feel more attractive and inviting.
8. Check Out Your Home’s Exterior
This may be more of an investment, but it’s definitely one that will be well worth it. Not only do your roof and exterior surfaces protect your home, when they don’t look the best, your whole home will reflect that.
Make sure your roof is clean and free of damage. This includes the gutters and downspouts. It is a wise move to have a roofing contractor inspect it regularly to check for possible repairs and replacement needs.
No matter if you have siding, stucco, or brick, it should be inspected thoroughly from time to time. Cracks and crevices are unsightly and can cause lasting damage. They can also create a pathway for insects and rodents to enter your home. If you’re interested in LP SmartSide, it’s important to note that this type of siding is made to resist the elements and can help protect against damage. Take a walk around your home’s exterior and repair any wear and tear you find.
Boosting Your Curb Appeal
If you have been a homeowner for a while, it is easy to let your home go. But don’t despair!
Take a Saturday or Sunday and focus on some of the simple tasks above like updating your mailbox or front flower bed. Even a few hours of work outside in the yard can add lasting impact to your home.
Take a drive around your neighborhood for inspiration and then get to work! Adding curb appeal to your home is a task that is not only manageable but it’s definitely worth the effort. Before you know it, your home will be shining like it was fresh off the market.
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