Many homeowners dream of improving their homes to increase home value, curb appeal, and everyday enjoyment. However, not everyone knows where and how to start. If you have the same dilemma, taking great care of your home’s view from the street—curb appeal—is the best place to start.
Creating a great first impression for guests, future homebuyers, and even yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of creativity and elbow grease to spruce up your home’s exterior and make it the envy of the neighborhood.
Not sure how to get started? Here are five easy ways to improve your home’s curb appeal.
1. Think About Your Plants
Your home’s landscaping plays a significant role in its curb appeal. Dead plants, overgrown bushes, and unkempt lawns can make even the most beautiful home look neglected.
To avoid this, regularly trim your plants and bushes, and pull out any dead leaves or weeds. You should also fertilize your lawn at least once a year to ensure it stays green and healthy. A few well-placed potted plants can add a pop of color and life to your home’s exterior.
If you’re not much of a green thumb, that’s okay. You can still create a beautiful yard by investing in low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for. And if you have no time to take care of your plants, consider artificial ones. These days, many realistic-looking fake plants on the market can add curb appeal to your home without any of the hassles.
2. Paint Your Front Door
Your front door is one of the first things people see at your home, so make sure it looks its best. A fresh coat of paint is an easy and inexpensive way to give your door a facelift.
When choosing a color, consider what would complement your home’s exterior. A bright color like red or yellow can add contrast and make your door pop if you have a brick or stone exterior. If your home has a neutral color paint, then you have more leeway—try a bolder hue like navy blue or forest green.
No matter what color you choose, paint the door and the frame for the best results. And if your door is looking a little worse for wear, you might want to consider replacing it entirely. A new front door can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal.
3. Install Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also functional. Path lights can help guide visitors to your front door after dark, and floodlights can deter would-be burglars.
There are many types and styles of exterior lights, so take your time picking the right ones for your home. You should also consult a professional electrician to ensure your lights are up to code.
When placing your lights, be sure to evenly space them out around your property. You should also place them in areas where they will be most effective, such as near doorways and along pathways.
4. Give Your House a Good Scrub
A pressure washer can do wonders for your home’s exterior. It can remove dirt, grime, and mildew build-up over time. Just be sure to use a gentle setting, as a high-powered stream of water can damage your home’s siding.
Don’t forget about your driveway, either. A good pressure washing can remove any oil or grease stains that have accumulated over time. Just be sure to let the surface dry completely before walking or driving on it, as it will be very slippery when wet.
If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can simply rent one or hire a professional to do the job for you. Either way, power washing your home is a quick and easy way to give it a much-needed facelift.
5. Mind Your Garage Door
Your garage door takes up a large portion of your home’s exterior. That’s why it’s important to make sure your garage door is in good condition. You can spruce up your garage door by painting it or adding new hardware. If your budget is limited, simply giving it a good but regular cleaning can make a big difference.
If you have a window in your garage door, clean it regularly. This will let natural light into your garage and make it look more inviting.
Consider replacing it with a newer model if it’s old and dated. There are many different styles and materials to choose from, so you should be able to find one that fits your home’s style. And when it comes to replacing the door, hire the pros to install a new garage door.
Experts can also help if your garage door opener is giving you trouble. Many newer homes have garage door openers that homeowners can control via smartphone. If yours is outdated, it might be time for an upgrade. Find reputable and experienced professionals to do the repair or replacement for you. You need to ensure that the ones who will take care of installation or repair can offer customized solutions to take care of your specific garage door needs.
This shows that you can do a lot of projects to improve your home’s curb appeal. Making a few simple changes can give your home a whole new look. So get out there and start working on your home’s exterior today!
