Adding Curb Appeal to Your Home
Do you dream of living in a truly magnificent house? Imagine waking up every day and relaxing
on a pillow-laden porch swing, taking in the summer breeze. You could spend the morning reading
the local paper and waving hello to your neighbors as they pass, filled with looks of both admiration
and jealousy.
Luckily, there's no reason why this dream can't become a reality. With a few upgrades, your home can be
revered as a shining example of beautiful design--one that will make the whole neighborhood jealous.
It's time to release your inner architect and spruce up your house's curb appeal!
Clean It Up
Be sure to give the exterior a thorough cleaning to remove any lingering dust or dirt. You can start by
picking up any loose debris, twigs, or leaves on the ground. When cleaning, don't forget to check around
normally neglected areas, such as inside the gutter, by the roof vents, or on top of the skylights.
Power wash the walls, windows, patio, and driveway until they shine! For anything that can't take the pressure
of a good washing (such as your porch), just make sure to give it a regular sweeping to keep it free of debris.
If you don't have a power washer, you can easily hire a professional to help you, or rent a machine from a home
design store. Finally, spend some time washing Sunbrellas and outdoor curtains to remove any residual dirt or
pollutant build up.
Make Visible Repairs
Although a torn window screen or crack in the chimney is a minor blemish, it's the first thing people notice.
After all, an obvious defect will really make people wonder what other problems may be hidden inside the home.
If your list of repairs seems insurmountable, try to first walk around the exterior of your home with a pen and
paper and note any issues that need fixing. Then, divide them into repairs you can do yourself (such as adding
a missing screw) and ones that require professional help (such as replacing broken glass). From this list, you
can create a schedule of repairs to ensure you're working toward an achievable deadline.
Spruce Up the Walls with Paint
Freshen up your home with a new coat of exterior paint. If you're an interior painting pro (or just a competent
do-it-yourself homeowner), you're welcome to tackle this job yourself. Keep away from any outdoor fabric, and
remember that any mistakes you make will be visible to anyone who passes by your house. Keep in mind, if your
building rises above two stories, the higher areas can present a safety hazard. In situations like this,
hiring professionals may be worth considering.
If budget is an issue, an inexpensive solution is to paint the front door. When you're painting, don't forget
to spruce up the trim around any doors and windows, as well. If you want your new paint job to stand out,
try to pick a color that contrasts with the color of the house.
Soften the Exterior
Use cloth to mellow the hard lines of a wooden front porch, a balcony with metal railings, or a
concrete patio. Look for fabric with colors and patterns that don't fade under the sun.
If you have the room, patio furniture covered in colorful outdoor upholstery fabric can be particularly
eye-catching. For a smaller space, such as a concrete stoop, a small bench topped with circular pillows
adds a soft touch. If all you have are posts and railings, hang curtains from them. Finish the space with
containers filled with flowering plants.
Don't Forget the Front Yard
Let's face it; the front yard is the first thing passers-by (including your neighbors) see. Keep the lawn mowed,
pull weeds, prune shrubs and trees, and remove any dead plants. Add colorful annuals near walkways and the front door.
The end product all depends on how much you are willing to spend. If you're handy in the garden, you can save
money by consulting a professional landscaper and doing the labor yourself. Additions can range from new planting
beds, walkways, and foliage to pergolas, walls, gates, and fountains. You can even add a beautiful bench to the
yard, and accent it with sunbrella cushions.
Consider High-End Improvements
The ways you can improve your curb appeal are limited only by your imagination and budget. For example:
- If your front siding is looking a bit worn, you can change the character of your home by replacing it with shake, stone veneer, or vinyl siding. As a nice bonus, you'd never need to paint again!
- Want to make the gateway to your home a bit more ornate? Try a covered entry way highlighted by a door frame or ceramic tile.
- If you want to jazz up your windows, you can add window boxes, shutters, and mullions, or even replace old aluminum windows with modern versions framed in wood or vinyl.
If you're making radical changes to your home, set aside a portion of the budget for a professional designer.
He or she can ensure that your updates enhance the rest of your home.
Enjoy the Results
Transform your home into one with true curb appeal. After you finish up your renovations, why not show off your
new pad with an open house? Invite family, friends, and neighbors to your backyard and point out all your
accomplishments, from your new sunbrella fabrics to your freshly painted walls.