Top tips from the pros
Even if you have no intention of selling your home, ramping up your home’s curb appeal has lots of – well, appeal. It’s not just for first impressions… seeing your great-looking house from the curb will make a lasting impression on the way you feel about coming home each day.
So whether you’ve just settled in or you’ve been here for years, why not put a little TLC into your biggest asset? Here are nine ideas from the experts to help your quickly and easily improve your curb appeal.
1. Houzz says: Paint the front door
A freshly painted front door gives your home a near instant face lift – and a warm welcome to come inside. Of course there are thousands of colors to choose from, but worry not… there’s an app for that! It’s called Front Door Paint, and you can get it here.
2. Zillow says: Upgrade the hardware
From house numbers to your mailbox, hardware is one of those finishing touches that can really make your home stand out. Choose hardware that matches the style of your home – for instance, brushed nickel might look great on a contemporary home, while cast iron might fit in better with an antique home or farmhouse.
3. Huffington Post says: Power wash everything you can
A professional power wash can clean away built up dirt on painted surfaces, wood, bricks, concrete, stucco, windows, vinyl, metal, even windows. And if you are planning to sell, it’s well worth the investment. The National Association of Realtors says that a pressure washed home can add up to $15,000 to the sale price!
4. Better Homes and Gardens says: Add window boxes
If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to add color and charm to your home, think about installing window boxes. Depending on the style of your home and your own personal preference, you can go with a metal such as copper or iron, or use painted wood boxes to keep the look a bit more low key.
5. This Old House says: Repair rotted wood
Even if rot has permeated the wood on your house’s exterior, you can repair it in most cases. Definitely address any rotting problems as soon as possible, since it will get worse over time.
6. Country Living says: Make an exterior statement
Rather than fading into the background, a new coat of exterior paint can really make your home stand out. And we mean stand out in a good way – which can often be done with the most neutral of all colors: white.
7. Realtor Magazine says: Give the deck a face lift
In fair weather, a clean, working deck is no less than a very desirable, bonus living space. And if you don’t already have a deck to spruce up, it just might be worth the investment. According to the Cost vs. Value survey, adding a new deck will likely recoup more than approximately 80% of the cost.
8. Real Simple says: Add potted plants
You don’t need a garden to enjoy beautiful blooms around your home. Potted plants add color and interest, and they also make a home feel lived in and loved. Try playing with different heights in both the planters and the plants themselves, and group them along your walkway and or patio.
9. HGTV says: Add landscape lighting
There’s nothing like the right lighting to add ambiance. Solar light fixtures are affordable and easy to install, giving you a great opportunity to highlight your home’s best assets. It’s also a lovely yet functional way to mark a path or illuminate a deck for evening entertaining.
