Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see when they arrive to visit – or even while they’re just driving down the street. If you want to make a strong first impression, you should consider upgrading your curb appeal.
Although it sounds complicated, there are plenty of ways you can enhance and refresh your curb appeal – without having to spend a lot of time or money to do so.
In this post, we’ll explain exactly what curb appeal is and why you should care about it – and we’ll even give you some helpful tips so you can make the most of that first look.
What is Curb Appeal?
Are you planning on selling your home? If so, your curb appeal is one of the first things you should consider. But what exactly is curb appeal?
Essentially, “curb appeal” is just a term that refers to the impression that people get of your home before they’ve even walked inside. In other words, it’s how your home looks “from the curb.”
Why is it important?
A home that looks neat, stylish, and attractive from the outside is far more likely to have the same appeal on the inside. One that’s unkempt or in need of repairs, on the same token, indicates that the home is not well taken care of, inside and out.
If you enhance the curb appeal of your property, you can sell your home for more money. Even if you’re not planning on selling any time soon, improving your curb appeal will simply make your home a nicer, more comfortable place to live.
How Can I Improve My Curbside Appeal? 12 Ideas for Upgrading Your Home’s Appearance
Many people have the impression that, to upgrade your curb appeal, you need to spend a lot of money. However, there are simple repairs and improvements you can make to dramatically increase the value of your home.
Here are some of the best.
1. Clean Up
The easiest (and first!) thing you can do to improve your curb appeal is to clean things up. Declutter and get rid of any toys, tools, or other items that are making your yard look messy. Remove fallen leaves and clean out those gutters, too, while you’re at it.
Don’t neglect your siding and windows, either. Spend some time scrubbing and washing – removing the years of built-up grime, mold, and dirt can make a big difference.
2. Do Some Basic Landscaping
Plant a tree, shear your shrubs, or plant a few flowers. Even something as simple as replacing old mulch or pulling a few weeds can add extra 0’s on to the asking price of your house.
3. Add a Fresh New Welcome Mat or Wreath
Here’s another cost-effective way to upgrade your curb appeal – buy a new welcome mat! Choose one that showcases your family’s personality and you’ll be able to welcome your guests the right way while also improving your curb appeal.
Pro tip – a friendly, seasonal wreath can have the same effect. Think about the time of year to decide what kind of wreath will make your house look the most inviting and festive.
4. Change Up the Hardware
Another easy update is to replace the hardware on the outside of your home. You could upgrade your doorknobs, door knockers, mailbox, or other fixtures. These are small changes that make a big difference!
5. Replace or Add Window Shutters
If your home’s shutters are outdated – or if you don’t have any at all – adding some new ones is a great way to add personality and symmetry. Your shutters should be the same height as the window trim – and don’t worry, the shutters don’t need to be fully functional in order to look fantastic.
6. Add a Seating Area
Adding a seating area to your deck or front porch is a surefire way to boost your home’s curb appeal. Plus, it will give you a comfortable place for you and your family to relax – hopefully, while you’re reviewing all the offers on your home as they come rolling in!
7. Repave the Driveway
A bumpy, damaged, or unpaved driveway can draw attention away from your house – and not in a good way. Add some fresh pavement to brighten up the home’s exterior.
8. Paint the Front Door
A gallon of exterior paint is cheap enough – and painting the front door can give your curb appeal a much-needed revamp. Choose a bold color that stands out (like red or blue) but make sure it coordinates with the rest of the home.
9. Install Window Boxes
Window boxes can add color and a splash of personality to a home. These can be installed on front porch railings or below the windows. They’re inexpensive to buy, but you can also DIY your own in as little as an afternoon.
10. Color Coordination is Key
Painting your front door is one step you can take, but you don’t have to stop there. Add some paint to the trim, posts, garage door, shutters, or railings. Keep the palette limited to a few simple colors so it doesn’t look busy, and remember – the colors don’t have to match.
11. Display Your House Number
Make sure your house number is clearly visible. This is a matter of safety as well as saleability. If your house numbers are on display, but just not as chic as you’d like them to be, you can buy customized numbers or plaques to dramatically increase the attractiveness of your home.
12. Keep the Lights On
Take some time to update your exterior light fixtures. These should match the style of your home and be functional so that they fully illuminate the entryway and any walkways.
And once you have those lights installed, be sure to leave them on. A well-lit home is one that looks safer and more welcoming. After all, there’s a reason why some motels have the slogan, “we’ll leave the light on for you!”
How Curb Appeal Can Help You Sell Your House
And if you’re not planning on selling any time soon? It’s still a smart move to work on making your home look its very best.
Your home is one of the best reflections of your personality – so why wouldn’t you want your home to sparkle – both inside and out? Follow these tips to upgrade your home’s appearance like a pro.
