Show how proud you are of your home by maintaining the exterior. Neighbors, buyers and strangers alike pass by your house and judge how it looks from the street. Make sure they’re raving about yours and that you have nothing to worry about.
Do this by paying attention to the appearance of the outside of your home. Figure out ways to constantly be improving it for a better look. It’s possible you aren’t sure what to do or where to start. Learning about the various enhancements is a good place to start. See tips on how to maintain and improve your home’s curb appeal.
Paint
Start by analyzing your current siding and if it’s the type of material you want on your home. Look at what’s available and weigh your options before initiating any work. If you’re satisfied with the current style, it’s likely that’s all you need is a fresh coat of paint. Paint goes a long way to freshen up the exterior and give your home an entirely new look with color. Choose a color that’s inviting from afar and tasteful for the neighborhood you live in. Let the paint do all the work for you. A new paint job is an update that will get noticed. You’ll love the facelift and be glad you went ahead with the project when it’s all done. Over the year, keep applying coats of fresh paint and keep the exterior of your home clean.
Trim
Add a stylish trim to your home to give it a boost. It’s a small change that’ll make a big difference to someone looking at your house. Add accent trim for more character. Pick a color that can stand on its own, but that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the difference a touch of color will make around your home. This is great for homeowners who want a classy look, but who aren’t afraid to play around with different styles and colors on the outside.
Shutters
In addition to painting your trim, look at shutter options. Install shutters if you don’t have them for an attractive appearance. Paint them a different color from the house and trim so they can shine on their own. Together, shutters and trim create an inviting atmosphere. They’re a beautiful touch that makes you feel welcome. Shutters are a great addition to any home exterior. They’re low maintenance, help with sound insulation and insulate your home from the cold. Not only are they nice to look at, but they offer many benefits as well.
Front Door
Think of your front door as more than just a piece of material that allows you to enter the home. Use your front door to make a statement and add to your home’s curb appeal. Paint the door a fun and bold color different from the rest of your home. It’s also been said that doing this will increase your resale value. It’ll look great and set your home apart from the rest in the area. It’s a simple and budget-friendly way to boost your home’s curb appeal and allows you a little artistic freedom to display some of your personality through color. Don’t be afraid to pick a shade that’ll speak for itself. It looks tasteful if the rest of the home is more muted. Remember to update the hardware to a more modern look too.
Roof
One of the areas that’s often forgotten about is the roof. Look up and be honest about what you see. Ask yourself if it’s time to replace it based on the wear and tear. If you see blemishes on it, then that means other people walking by do too. It’s one of the first parts of your home that’s seen from the curb area. Get a professional to help you assess the situation and rip your old roof out. At the very least, replace damaged and ripped shingles. It’s also a good idea to replace or repair your gutters while you’re at it. The cost is frustrating, but remember that it’ll help the resale value when you’re ready to put it on the market.
Landscaping
Whatever you do, take care of the landscaping. Either do it yourself or hire experts to assist you. It all depends on the size of your yard and how much there is to do. Curb appeal begins with tasteful and well-kept landscaping. Your goal is to have your yard look like it flows and has been well attended to. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be expensive, but you do have to put in the effort to come up with an interesting design. Pay attention to the details like beds around trees, flowers and the area surrounding your front porch. Consistently remove dead and dying plants and pull weeds. Choose a theme for your yard and stick with it. Pick a tasteful surprise element that grabs your attention and makes you stop in your tracks for a moment. Consider areas around fences or along pathways. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and add a bench or combine trees and plants.
Pests
Unfortunately, pests do arrive when you least expect it. Check around your landscaping and your home’s exterior for these annoyances. If you find ants, hornets or weeds and want to get rid of them, call the professionals at go forth pest control to assist. Their technicians are trained to help in situations like these and get you your home back. They offer a variety of pest control and lawn care services to homeowners just like yourself. The team guarantees you’ll be satisfied with your service. Get your yard cleaned up in no time and enjoy your property free of pests. It’s one issue you shouldn’t have to put up with, and that’s why it’s important you get it taken care of right away.
Driveway
One spot that’s not always attended to when making exterior upgrades is the driveway. It doesn’t take much to reseal or refinish a driveway. It’s also your chance to pick a different material altogether if you’re sick of your current style. Choose designs, colors or patterns if you’re ready for a change. A decorative driveway is appealing to the eye and gives your home additional character. Create a border of pavers or flowers to add extra appeal to the front of your home. Place lights along the border of the driveway and your walkways to make it look nice at night and so no one trips. You’ll be glad to see the change when you pull up to your home each day and can admire the upgrades.
Mailbox
Don’t forget about the mailbox when you’re making updates to boost your curb appeal. Plant a bed of flowers around the base to instantly enhance the visual appeal. Consider the color of the mailbox and if you want to paint it. Also, look at the material and if you think it matches the house or not. If it’s old and worn out, then it’s probably time for a replacement. It’s a small project that’ll make your home look great immediately. Think about how many people see and walk by your mailbox each day. It’s one item you shouldn’t dismiss in your quest for a better home exterior.
Front Porch
Go outside and look at your front porch from afar. Ask yourself what items you should add or replace to make it look more presentable. Consider flowers, chairs and rugs. If you’re really feeling daring, paint your front stoop a color or design. You want it to be welcoming, but not too busy. Choose patio furniture that’s attractive and comfortable to sit on. Select cushions and pillows that go with the rest of the décor. Understand the limitations and that you’re not going to be able to fit all the belongings you want on it. Make the front door the focus and build around it with decorations and colors. If you’re not sure, look at images of front porches you like and imitate their design.
Windows
Keep your windows clean by routinely washing them inside and out. Dirty windows are unattractive and make your house look dark and dim. If you can’t get them clean, consult with a professional if it’s time to replace them all together. You may need new windows to freshen up the exterior. They’ll also help better insulate your home. Purchase window treatments that look good from the inside of your home, as well as from the street. You want shades that complement the exterior of the house. It’s important to think about when you’re shopping for the perfect look.
Conclusion
Your home is special to you. That’s why you work so hard to keep it looking nice. Remember to attend to the outside as much as you do the inside. People are looking at your home from the street whether you like it or not. It’s also smart to keep up with your exterior, so it’s in good shape when you want to sell it one day. Take your time and do it right. These are tips for maintaining and improving your home’s curb appeal.
