Do you want to make your home look better than ever? Maybe you feel as though you’d like to sell up soon but don’t quite know how to get the most value out of your investment. Either way, the best thing you can do is put a lot of effort into the exterior of your home. If you can do this, then you are bound to see an improvement. These tips are shared by a contributor
Paint Your Front Door
The first thing you need to do is paint the front door. Your front door is one of the first things that people will see when they come to your home, and a new splash of colour can make all the difference. If you want to go for something bold then red or green can be a great investment, but at the same time, it can quickly overwhelm a space if you feel as though there’s not much scenery to complement it. If you want to avoid the hassle of choosing a color, then you can’t go wrong with charcoal or black.
Replace your Mailbox
Sometimes it’s about the smaller details. If you have a mailbox that looks like it is about to topple over then it may be time for you to get a new one. Try and go for a colour scheme that matches your home currently, and always remember that your mailbox should be around 8 inches away from the curb. Buying a new mailbox might seem like a small improvement, but it’s one that can make all the difference.
Update Street Numbers
Replace the street numbers on your front door if you want to make your property look better. Never underestimate how much of an impact this can have. It may be that you opt for something much fresher and more modern, or that you go for something a little more transformative. You can also swap out your door knocker if you want to make your home stand out.
Lift your Garage Doors
In a lot of neighbourhoods, the garage door will dominate the look of the street. That being said, they do tend to lack depth and detail. One fix here that requires no commitment from you, would be to buy some magnetic hardware. Handles, hasps and even faux window panes help to add some interest and the security of your garage won’t be compromised at all. You can also paint your garage door if you want to add a lot of visual interest. If you want to step up the appearance of your home, then try and make this a weekend project and use some semi-gloss paint. Some door finishes may need you to apply a primer first, so be mindful of that.
Create a Good Entrance
Do you want to go big when it comes to curb appeal? Maybe you want to add structures at the start of the path, which leads to the front door. You could add a gate, a trellis or even some columns with a planter. This is a great way for you to frame your door entrance and it gives you a fresh display too. If you want to take things to the next level then be sure to check out MasterScapes, as they can help you to create a stunning display that will stand the test of time. They can also work with you to make sure that the landscape you go for complements the type of home you have too, which is great, to say the least.
Add some Plants
Plants are ideal if you want to breathe a bit of life into your space. They also make it seem lived-in and ultimately, cared for. Varying heights of annuals or even perennials that are grouped at the side of the driveway can make a monumental difference to your home’s appeal. You can even add some flowers if you want to add a burst of colour to your entranceway, so keep this in mind as it will make your home pop.
Do a Thorough Clean
Make sure that you give your home’s outdoor living space a thorough clean. This will work wonders for your curb appeal. If you have a pressure washer then this is great, use it to hose down your sidewalk, your driveway and house exterior. If you have some porch furniture, then be sure to sponge this down with some water and a bit of dish soap. You can always call in a professional if you want to give your furniture and landscaping a deep clean, so keep that in mind when the time comes for you to upgrade your space.
Cohesive Color Scheme
When the time comes for you to paint your home, it is a good idea for you to choose the right colours. Ideally, you will choose flowers that coordinate or match the paint you have decided to go with. This will help to give your home a very polished and sophisticated look.
Refresh Furniture
If you have outdoor furniture that is old, or in need of repair then you need to either throw this away or update it. Spray some paint on your porch bench to freshen it up and give it a good sanding down if you believe it will make a difference. This isn’t a major upgrade, but it can make all the difference to your home.
Illuminate the Front Path
Don’t rely on one lamp or even a garage floodlight. A clear path to your front door will add a ton of warmth and it will also add a lot of security as well. Don’t flank the path as if it is a runway style and opt for solar spotlights instead. If you can do this with your garden beds and aim them along the runway, then this will help you more than you realise.
Change your Lights
Changing the lights outside your home can make a difference. The main thing to remember here is that exterior lights are worth it, and this is because they do get quite a lot of abuse from the elements. Inexpensive fixtures or hardware can wear away quite fast, and this may mean that you have to get them replaced sooner. If you want to do something about this, then make sure that you opt for brass or even copper fixtures. These tend to be resistant to corrosion and are way better when compared to aluminium.
Bring in Stone
Pebbles and mulch aren’t just great for giving beds colour. It also helps to stop the spread of weeds, and it keeps the soil moist. One thing you need to do is avoid any kind of dyed mulch. The main reason for this is because it contains a lot of contaminants. Go for materials that tend to be native to the region. This can include wood chips or even tree bark. If you live close to the coast then opting for crushed shells might be an option, so keep this in mind. One way for you to benefit your home would be for you to layer around 2 inches of mulch onto your beds during the spring. If you can do this then it will break down as time goes on, providing you with very valuable fertilizer for all of your plants.
So, as you can see, it’s very easy for you to get the result you want out of your home and if you follow this guide, you should find that you can add curb appeal in no time at all.