How to Increase Curb Appeal

You have probably thought about how your home presents itself to the world at some point. It could be something you think about as you drive up to the house. Or as you imagine how much potential buyers will value the home when they approach. Or it could be something you considered while binging episodes of Fixer-Uppers. Regardless of what motivated you to research the topic, read on to find out how to increase curb appeal for your house.

• Tighten up the Grass – Mowing the yard is not everyone’s bag, but a shaggy lawn is one of those things that make your home look cheap. You can quickly and inexpensively tame that unruly greenspace if you’ve got a mower and trimmer/edger. A crisp lawn is one of the easiest curb appeal fixes.
• Clean/Pressure Wash – This could be a precursor to a bigger job, like painting the home or driveway resurfacing. It could also be a project unto itself. Power washing is effective for removing: mold/mildew, pollen, stains, mud/dirt, cobwebs, insects, and bird nests.
• Landscape – If you’re a suburban homeowner, you likely have a front lawn. Consider adding some visual interest by landscaping. Inexpensive landscaping ideas include mulch, plants, rocks, pavers, and other natural features.
• Refresh the Front Door – A door is easy to replace, upgrade, or freshen up with a new coat of paint. A study by the real estate site Zillow found that a new paint job on your door could increase the value of your home by several thousand dollars.
• Exterior Lighting – Throwing some creative light across your property is a surprising reward for yourself and the folks who pass by your home at night. It can highlight the landscaping work and add depth and drama to your entire home.
• Plant Trees – It can take time for trees to mature, but it’s almost always a sure-fire way to create beauty and increase the value of your home.
• Upgrade your Mailbox – Mailboxes are often the utilitarian sentries standing guard at the edge of the property. Landscaping around the mailbox or upgrading the box itself can add a more welcoming presence to your curb space.
• Add Seating: Does your porch have unused space? Adding seating suggests that someone lives there and can add a sense of casual comfort to your front entry.
• Upgrade or Paint your Trim, Shutters, or Gutter/Downspouts – These upgrades can be the “cherry on top” to an exterior that you like but don’t love. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to deliver an impact.
• Replace Old Hardware – We loved this tip from Better Homes and Gardens because it’s easy to overlook. A coordinated effort to match your door handles, lamps, and house numbers to your home’s aesthetic can give your home a new swagger.
• Flower Boxes and Planters – Landscaping and architectural design elements don’t have to be completely separate. Boxes and planters overflowing with colorful plants extend the landscaping footprint and spruce up the front entrance and windows in no time flat.
• Fencing, Railing, Trellis, and Arbors – These elements, whether you’re adding them or fixing them up, can define a space or add visual interest.
• Add Stone or Tile – Add stone, tile, or a stone/tile veneer to your home’s cladding, an entryway, or a drive for a dramatic and organic pop and contrast to the adjoining surfaces.
• Replace or Fix a Worn Drive – This may cost a little more, or it could be a relatively inexpensive resealing job. You might also consider adding stone or brick accents to the drive.
• Paint the Home’s Exterior – If you are thinking of how to increase curb appeal, painting might be the first place you go. We saved the best for last to emphasize its importance. How much does it cost for a professional paint job? Maybe not as much as you think, and getting an estimate is easy.