Your home’s exterior is what people base their first impression of your house on. It can set the tone for visitors, and has a serious impact on your home’s perceived value. This is especially important if you are selling your home. If your home’s exterior needs a little TLC, there are some projects you can take on that can boost your home’s curb appeal.
New Paint
A fresh coat of paint can be like giving your house a facelift. Depending on your preference, you can choose colors that make it stand out and give it a more striking appearance, or you can try going for a more muted look. Depending on where you live, you may have to follow certain guidelines that dictate what colors you can use outside your home. HOAs often have covenants, conditions, and restrictions that limit what homeowners can do with their home’s exterior. If you live in an HOA, make sure you understand the rules to avoid selecting a paint color that might land you in trouble.
Make Door Adjustments
Changing your front door is a really simple way to spruce up your house. There are lots of ways to approach this. You might consider changing the whole door itself. You can pick from a variety of front door styles to fit your home design. If you like the door but don’t like the color, try repainting or re-staining it. You might also try changing up the hardware. There are a variety of styles of door handles and locks that run the gamut from plain and simple to incredibly ornate. Consider the door as a whole while you’re selecting components and colors to create a cohesive finished product.
Replace Your Windows
Replacing your windows comes with the added benefit of being both an interior and exterior design change, depending on how you approach it. There are a variety of different window styles you can choose from. Of course, depending on what you decide to do, this could end up being a much more involved project, especially if the shape you decide to go with is distinctly different from the one you currently have. Carefully consider whether or not the extra work will be worth the end result. If you are interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, there are specific window panes you can use in place of your old ones that are designed to insulate your home better.
Change Siding
Changing your siding can be a pretty involved project, but it has the potential for huge impact. You can change your siding by giving it a fresh coat of paint, or you can change it out altogether and use a different material in its place. Siding can be done using a wide variety of materials. Vinyl, wood, cement, stone, stucco, and brick are among the most commonly used materials. Each has its own pros and cons, and come with a totally different look. Of course, it might be best to start by cleaning your siding thoroughly. You might find that a good cleaning is enough to create the change you wanted.
Revamp Your Roof
Changing up your roof is probably not on your list of simple projects either, but, like siding, the impact doing so can have is not to be underestimated. Consider whether or not the type of roof you have is optimal for your home and climate before changing it. For example, asphalt shingles are the go-to option for many. They’re not only easy to install and repair—they’re also relatively inexpensive. They don’t tend to last quite as long as other materials though. Metal roofs, by comparison, are low maintenance and very durable. However, they tend to be more expensive and can be tricky to install.
Update Your Lights
Outdoor lighting offers multiple benefits that homeowners will likely find attractive. Updating the lighting outside your home can be a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal at night. A well-lit house tends to look warmer and more inviting. This can be as simple as changing the light bulbs for a different shape or ones that give off a different sort of light. Or you can add new lighting as well. If you choose this route, be sure to involve a licensed electrician. They have the expertise needed to safely rewire and add to your electrical system without damaging it or themselves, and to get the job done right the first time.
Give It a Good Cleaning
Cleaning your home’s exterior is probably the very first thing you should do to improve its appearance. It’s best to start at the top and work your way down. Your roof and gutters need to be cleaned regularly in order to function properly anyway. Cleaning your exterior walls and windows helps keep your house from looking dull and dingy. Clean your walkways and driveway as well. This helps maintain both the appearance of your property, and the safety of you and anyone else there.
Add Greenery
Adding greenery in the form of flowers, shrubbery, and trees can do amazing things for the value of your home. They greatly improve your home’s curb appeal, especially when they are planted and arranged optimally. To do so, consider color, height, spread, and balance when planning your plants. This will help you avoid a disorganized and unbalanced end result. Keep in mind how close your plants are to your house as well. Trees, for example, should be 10-20 feet away from your house to help prevent potential home damage.
Maintain Your Lawn
While we’re talking greenery, maintain your lawn as well. Lawn care tips and tricks can help you keep it healthy and looking green and lush year after year. You know you need to mow, fertilize, and water regularly. Aeration doesn’t exactly look pretty right after it’s been done, but it can greatly improve the health and appearance of your lawn in the long run. Remember to edge your lawn carefully as well. Clean lines and edges will give your lawn a well-kept and clean appearance.
Keeping your home’s exterior looking sharp can be quite the hassle. It’s easy for projects to become overwhelming quickly. Fortunately, there are some relatively simple things you can do to boost your home’s appearance and curb appeal. Remember, you are in control of how in depth you decide to go.
For more tips, read this next: Why You Need to Get Ahead of Home Repairs Year-Round