First impressions matter. You might’ve already established some curb appeal, but after years of being exposed to the elements, it might be time to look into fixing up your home’s exterior. Here are our tips on improving your home’s curb appeal.
1. Maintain the Lawn
Since your lawn takes up so much of your curb appeal, make sure it’s well-manicured. An overgrown lawn doesn’t do anyone any favors, so consistently mow, edge and fertilize your grass. It’ll make your yard look as proper as a golf course.
2. Keep the Water Flowing
An accumulation of water can cause more issues than you’d ever want as a homeowner like roof and foundation damage. Clean out your gutters and make sure downspouts are secured to the siding or brick.
3. Install New House Numbers
Installing new house numbers is a simple project that shouldn’t take more than an hour or two. There are many styles of numbers to choose from, varying from mid-century modern to more traditional styles. To make finding your home easier for guests, make sure the house number is clearly visible from the street.
4. Add a Pop of Color
It doesn’t take much to add a pop of color to your home’s façade. Painting your front door doesn’t take a lot of paint, and it doesn’t need to be a bold color either. A freshly painted door – free from scuffs and dirt – speaks for itself.
5. Update the Mailbox
Has your mailbox seen better days? Take the time to spruce it up this year! Repaint it and plant foliage around the base. You could also make it into a DIY project by building your own out of stone or brick for the ultimate addition of curb appeal.
6. Add or Replace Lighting
Replacing old porch lights is one way to create a new nighttime ambiance. Even replacing old bulbs with brighter, more energy efficient options can have a positive impact. Good exterior lighting can also help keep your home safe.
7. Replace Your Entry Knob
Replacing old door hardware is another way to bump up home security. Combined with a deadbolt, handlesets are much more impressive looking than an ordinary door knob—not to mention, the deadbolt will help keep any intruders out.
8. Install a Drainage System
If water pools anywhere around the house after a storm, it might be smart to look into installing a drainage system. It’ll carry water away from your foundation, potentially saving you thousands in basement repair costs. A proper drainage system will also allow your flower gardens, lawn and other outdoor areas to drain properly before plants wash away or die.
9. Disguise Common Eyesores
Garbage cans are no pretty sight—especially if they’re visible from the road. Build a wooden screen or enclosure to cover them up and beautify the side of your house. This is a highly customizable project, so whether your home is Cape Cod-inspired or a traditional Craftsman style, you can build a complementing cover.
10. Tend to Landscaping
Much like your lawn, don’t let your plants get to a state of overgrowth. Trim trees and bushes, weed your flowerbeds and get rid of dead leaves. You want to emphasize how nice the space looks, not turn it into a jungle.
11. Pave the Way
Brick paver walkways are much more impressive than the typical concrete path. There are many different styles, colors and patterns you can use to create a personalized walkway. You can either call in a contractor or do this project yourself.
12. Display Potted Plants
Bring life to your front porch with planters. Placed on either side of the door, potted plants are an excellent way to add natural beauty and freshness to your porch. Choose annuals like petunias, begonias and gerbera daisies. Other plants to consider are more foliage-based, like dracaenas (spikes) or coleus.
Every project, no matter how big or small, will take your home’s appearance to the next level. And even if you aren’t planning on selling your home in the near future, making sure your curb appeal is in tip-top shape is important.
What are your biggest curb appeal projects to tackle this summer?
