One of the easiest ways to add value to your home (or impress neighbors) is by investing in curb appeal. These can be done through relatively inexpensive ways such as replacing accessories, repainting walls, and cleaning driveways.
When it comes to real estate, first impressions last. The curb appeal of a home has a profound effect on the property’s relative value; not only does it allow you to command a better price for to your home but also helps the property sell faster in the market.
A good looking façade and front yard is attractive to people and will help draw in potential buyers. Moreover, maintaining your home’s curb appeal works is sometimes its own reward, even if you don’t plan on selling your home any time soon.
A beautiful entryway and façade is a source of pride for homeowners and can impress neighbors and guests.
Where to Start
Most people think of the front of their homes as an afterthought, with most of their concerns about the homes being directed inward. It isn’t surprising, then, that many homeowners don’t know where to start improving their home’s curb appeal.
Curb appeal improvements should be broken down into the key parts of a home’s front exterior — the façade, the walkway, the front yard, the garden, and the driveway. Focusing on these individual parts, one at a time simplifies the task of making improvements.
Clean, Restore, or Replace
You don’t need to go all out when investing in improving your house’s outside appearance. Some parts of your house’s frontage, for instance, may be in sufficiently good condition to simply be cleaned.
Getting professionals for driveway cleaning or brick wall sandblasting may be enough to make them sparkle like new. Similar services can be sought to restore masonry and stone walls and finishes. Other parts might benefit from minor repairs and restorations.
A fresh coat of paint is often what many outdoor surfaces — including the house itself — need to look their best. Doors, for instance, would look bold and daring just by being repainted a contrasting yet complementary color to the rest of the house.
Painting can be a self-directed weekend project and usually will not cost a lot. Still, others might be replaced entirely. Some home improvement projects can be self-directed do-it-yourself projects for hobbyists.
Changing up the layout of your front garden, for instance, can be done on your own at a lower cost rather than left to a professional.
Simple Add-Ons
Never underestimate the power of accent pieces in improving the appearance of your home’s façade. Even simple additions can add a touch of flair or class at little expense. New house numbers, letterboxes, and curtains on your porch posts can add visual interesting to your frontage.
Lighting is another addition that adds aesthetic appeal to your exteriors, and one that can help make your home more appealing to buyers. Installing outdoor lights at key places in your home can make your home’s best features visible well into the night.
Home accessories and hardware should be chosen to match to create a harmonious and visually appealing design all throughout the home. The type of fixtures should be coordinated to match the home’s aesthetic, with bronze finishes working better for traditional-style homes and brushed nickel suited for more modern residences.
Accessories should also be symmetrical whenever they are added. Lights, for instance, should come in pairs when placed on paths or the front door.
