We all want our homes to look as nice from the outside as we want them to feel on the inside, but tackling the outside can sometimes feel like a much more expansive and expensive project. That’s why you need to know how to prioritize when it comes to those outside projects. Here are our top curb appeal ideas to add value to your home.
Table of Contents
Clean and Refresh
- Pressure wash the house and driveway. A clean driveway and exterior shows that you’re caring for the home and keeping up with maintenance. It creates a fantastic first impression and helps the focus stay on the beauty of the home, rather than distractions.
- Clean roof and gutters. First impressions are crucial. Ensuring that the roof is clear of debris and the gutters are clean is an easy way to keep the house looking well-maintained and clutter-free.
- Power wash the house and front porch. A thorough cleaning of these areas can make a significant difference in how fresh and welcoming your home appears.
- Clean windows. Sparkling windows enhance the overall look of your home and let in more light, brightening up the interior as well.
- Paint front door and exterior. The condition and color of your home's paint are among the first things people notice. A fresh coat can give your house a personality and indicate that it's well-cared-for.
- Paint any dated paint on the house. Refreshing outdated paint can significantly update the appearance of your home, making it feel more modern and inviting.
Yard Work
- Plant grass, or put down mulch or pine straw. These elements help your yard stand out and give it a defined look.
- Trim bushes and trees. Keeping your greenery in check ensures a tidy appearance and enhances the overall look of your landscape.
- Plant seasonally appropriate flowers and add some new mulch. "There is nothing more welcoming than freshly planted flower beds," says agent Samantha Abel. "It is a very simple, cost-effective way of adding color and making the home stand out."
- Refresh mulch and flowers. Regularly updating these elements keeps your yard looking vibrant and well-kept.
Finishing Touches
- Update outside lighting. New and clean lighting can give your home a warm and welcoming feel, even during the day. It also serves as an important accent that helps your home stand out.
- Show off a well-maintained walkway with landscape lights. "Landscape lights," says agent Brooke Fulford, "not only look good at night, but they help to add definition to your walkway."
- Upgrade door hardware. "Your door hardware," says agent Hope Galunas, "is among the first things that people see up close and touch at your house."
- Update house numbers and mailbox. These are cost-effective updates that can add a dramatic look, making your home stand out and be easily recognized by guests.
- Make the front porch welcoming with rocking chairs. Adding comfortable seating creates an inviting space that enhances the overall appeal of your home.
- Remove yard art. While some yard art is fine, keeping it to a minimum prevents your yard from looking cluttered.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a home improvement project that you’d like us to weigh in on, we’d love to hear from you! While our agents can’t address specific examples, they’d be happy to offer general guidance. Simply email marketing@westandwoodall.com, and we’ll get to your topic as soon as we can.