Curb appeal refers to the general attractiveness of a house and property viewed from the street. Upgrading your curb appeal adds value to the property when selling, makes it more inviting, and increases pride of ownership. Here are upgrades–big and small–that improve curb appeal.
Upgrade the Front Door
Everyone approaching the house focuses on the front door. Replace the door with modern glass inserts and fresh paint. Adding door surrounds creates a grander-looking entrance.
Small Entrance Upgrades That Make a Difference
Making small inexpensive improvements around the front door turns it into an entrance.
- Door Hardware. Replace knobs with an impressive-looking gripset handle or keyless entry for less than $200.00. Replace doorbells or knockers to match.
- Mailbox. Replace a weathered mailbox with a new one. Coordinate the color with the door hardware.
- House Numbers. New highly visible house numbers are more attractive than old broken plastic. They also help emergency services find the house.
- Lighting. Add designer lighting.
Dress Up the Front Porch
Front porches or steps should be more than a way to get to the door.
- Paint the porch.
- Add or replace the railing.
- Set up a chair or bench and a small table to make the porch more inviting.
- Put out a pot or two of fragrant flowers. (Keep them healthy.)
Outdoor Lighting
Solar outdoor landscape lights along the sidewalk and on the steps add an element of safety. They are an inexpensive creative touch to upgrade curb appeal.
Flower Beds
Overgrown weedy flower beds with dying flowers detract from curb appeal. Build new flower beds and keep them clean, healthy, colorful, and attractive.
Lawns and Landscaping
Regular lawn mowing is one of the best tips to maintain curb appeal. Potential buyers and visitors view overgrown lawns as an indication of poor maintenance–outdoor and indoor.
Planting flowering trees, shrubs, or hedges can distinguish your yard from the neighbors’ and improve curb appeal–as long as they are trimmed and well-maintained. Choose evergreen plants whenever possible to avoid a barren look every winter and reduce leaf raking every autumn. Creative landscaping ideas make your house look more expensive.
Exterior Walls
Dirt, grime, and oxidation accumulate so slowly on siding and stucco that you barely notice the change. Washing and painting return the original sparkle. As tempting as it may seem, siding is one of the things you should never wash with a pressure washer. You can make more work and expense for yourself.
If your exterior finish is really bad, new siding increases home value and curb appeal. It is more expensive than washing and painting but provides the opportunity to add insulation and creative exterior touches.
Fences
Repairing, replacing, or painting wood fences or vinyl fences adds instant curb appeal and value. Any prospective buyer looks at ill-maintained fences, deducts the upgrade cost from any offer, and wonders about how well the house has been taken care of.
Garage Doors
Garage doors are often the single largest feature on the front of the house. Off-level, dented, and very plain doors attract attention but not in a good way. They can be adjusted and repainted. You can add magnetic hinges and handles and even faux windows to upgrade the look.
New garage doors are available in multiple styles and colors that enhance curb appeal and upgrade your house.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance preserves curb appeal. After spending time and money on any upgrade, make sure it is taken care of. The entire property is more attractive if it is well-maintained. Here are some things all smart homeowners do once a year.
- Clean out gutters.
- Inspect decks and railings.
- Inspect roofs.
- Inspect fences and gates.
- Prepare lawns and gardens for winter.
Keeping your house and yard in good condition maintains curb appeal and reduces upgrade costs.
