A home’s curb appeal is one of the most important factors when it comes to making a great first impression. Potential purchasers, visitors, and even casual onlookers will usually notice a house’s façade first. Simply improving the curb appeal of your home can also increase the home’s value!
For example, if you reside in Lansing, Michigan, where the median home value is approximately $145,000, a lovely, well-kept house exterior might greatly raise this number. A recent study revealed that houses with great curb appeal sold 7% quicker than those without it.
The good news is, that enhancing your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With some creativity and a bit of effort, you can dramatically transform the look and feel of your home’s exterior. Even small improvements can make a big visual impact.
Here are eight easy and affordable ways to give your home’s curb appeal a major boost.
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Roof Replacement for an Instant Facelift
The roof, a prominent feature of a home’s exterior, serves a dual purpose. It protects your home and enhances its aesthetic appeal.
Let’s go back to our example in Lansing. In Lansing, Michigan, where the climate oscillates between freezing winters and intense summer storms, a new roof can provide your house with an instant facelift and robust protection.
When selecting roofing materials, neutral earth tones such as brown, gray, and black often complement Lansing’s snowy landscapes. However, for homeowners aiming to make a bolder statement, vibrant shades like red, green, or blue can provide a stunning contrast. It’s essential to remember that the longevity of your roof greatly depends on professional installation. Investing in high-quality roof replacement services ensures that your new roof remains both visually appealing and long-lasting.
Give Your Front Door a Makeover
When it comes to enhancing the curb appeal of a house, the front door deserves major attention. It’s the focal point that greets visitors and makes that all-important first impression. Giving your front door a makeover is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home’s look.
Start by adding a fresh coat of paint or stain in an inviting, eye-catching color. Warm tones like red, yellow, or sage green are great choices that signal welcome. For a bolder look, go for black or navy blue. If your door has an outdated brass door knocker or handle, replace it with updated hardware in satin nickel, matte black, or bronze. Install a new stylish light fixture flanking your door.
For extra character, add sidelights, a transom window, or decorative trim molding. Replacing the door entirely can also completely transform the look.
Power Wash Exterior Surfaces
Over time, walls, brick, stucco, and other exterior surfaces can become dirty, dingy, or stained. Using a power washer is an easy way to restore and refresh the look of your home’s exterior. The powerful spray will remove years of built-up grime and have your siding, brick, and stucco looking like new again.
Be sure to carefully follow the power washer instructions to avoid damaging exterior materials. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first before power washing the entire surface. Pay extra attention when power washing bricks, as the pressure can erode mortar if not done properly.
Install Exterior Lighting
Outdoor lighting serves both form and function when it comes to curb appeal. Well-placed lighting highlights your home’s best architectural features while also improving safety and visibility.
Line walkways and driveways with solar-powered path lights to illuminate the way for guests. Make sure porch and entry lights are stylish, in good working order, and have energy-efficient bulbs. Post-mount lights also add charm along a front walk or driveway.
Add Flower Boxes and Hanging Baskets
Flower boxes, planters, and hanging flower baskets are a simple way to infuse color and charm into your home’s exterior. Use them to accent windows, frame the front door, or adorn porch railings. Choose flowers and colors that complement your home’s style and exterior colors.
For a cohesive look, stick to one or two colors, like red and pink or purple and white. Go for low-maintenance plants like petunias, geraniums, and begonias that can withstand summer heat. Remember to water and deadhead flowers regularly so your blooms will thrive all season long.
Install a New Garage Door
As one of the largest features on your home’s exterior, an attractive new garage door can boost your curb appeal. Look for steel or composite doors with interesting architectural details like arched tops, window inserts, or decorative hardware.
Choose a color for your garage door that complements your home. Deep tones like navy, red, black, or gray add striking visual interest. Wood-lookalike doors in stained cedar or mahogany also add warmth and texture. Insulated doors are a bonus, helping to seal out drafts and reduce energy costs.
Update House Numbers and Mailbox
Visible house numbers and an attractive mailbox are important curb appeal elements that are often overlooked. Choose easy-to-read numbers in a style and color that complements your home’s look. For example, bold black numbers on a white background stand out on colorful exteriors.
If your mailbox has seen better days, replace it with a new one that coordinates with your home’s style. For a fun DIY project, paint or stencil your house numbers or mailbox. Surround your mailbox with pretty flowers and plants for added charm.
Clean and Seal Decks, Fences, and Patios
Outdoor living areas like decks, patios, and fences are an integral part of your home’s curb appeal. Thoroughly clean stained or dirty deck boards, fence boards, and patio pavers using a power washer or special deck/patio cleaning solution.
Reseal weathered wood fences and decks with a fresh coat of transparent or tinted waterproofing sealant. This will protect the wood and help retain that like-new appearance. Sealing concrete patios will prevent further staining and damage. A well-maintained outdoor living space looks welcoming and adds usable square footage.
Wrapping Up
Giving your home’s curb appeal a boost doesn’t require a major renovation. Even small improvements to details like landscaping, exterior lighting, hardware, and finishes can make a big visual impact. With some easy projects, you can give your home exterior a fresh new look and enhance its beauty and value.
