Curb appeal is a big deal when it comes to homeownership and it can have a big impact when it comes to the value of your home. Increasing your curb appeal can make your home more attractive to potential buyers, putting it ahead of other homes on the market when you are ready to sell. It can also increase your home’s value, giving you more equity and a bigger line of credit should you need to borrow against your home to do things like upgrades and repairs. Your curb appeal can even impact the value of the homes around you, giving them a boost on the market as well. And finally, curb appeal can make your home look cozier and more inviting, which is something you’ll get to enjoy every day that you live there. When your home looks good, you can’t wait to spend your time there.
So how do you increase the curb appeal of your home? There are a number of things you can do, from the basic and budget-friendly to the complex. Here are some of our favorite curb-appeal-boosting tips that give you the most return on your investment.
INVEST IN THESE PROJECTS FOR A BIG BOOST TO CURB APPEAL
Do a complete entryway remodel.
The main entry is where your guests form their first impression of your home. A great entry ensures it’s a positive one! Remodeling your entry can make your home seem friendlier and more inviting. There is a good chance the builder used the cheapest doors and windows to finish the entryway, too, so investing in an upgrade can make your home seem likes its worth much, much more. Upgrading your doors and windows could even lower your energy bills. Look for custom windows and doors that can help you show off the personality of your home. Manufacturers like Entry Brite can work with you to design something that’s totally unique to your home and provides you with a focal point for the rest of your outside decor. Bonus tip: Go with a glass front entry door! They are more inviting from the outside and they allow more natural light to enter the interior without sacrificing your privacy.
Invest in landscaping and hardscaping.
A little landscaping goes a long way when it comes to curb appeal! You don’t have to have a green thumb to make it look it’s best, either. Plant rows of perennials in your yard and you’ll have color that comes back year after year with minimal effort on your part. Low maintenance hedges and flowering bushes are a great addition as well. If you really want to keep it simple, set up large flower pots next to your door to add a pop of color and style (the plants inside don’t even have to be real if you tend to kill more than you grow!). Focus on some hardscaping, too, such as adding in a winding path to the front door or adding raised flower beds in your front yard. All of this will add interest to the space and make it look well cared-for.
Light it up.
Outside lighting is a great way to add visual interest to your home. It’s also a great way to make your home a little safer in the dark, as it guides guests safely to your door and acts as a deterrent to would-be burglars. Choose a focal point for your outside lighting, such as the front entryway, a large tree, or a fountain and flood it with light. Add additional lighting along paths and uplighting on architectural points of the home to complete the scene. Make sure you set your lighting up on timers so you don’t have to remember to turn it on and off every night.
Give it a fresh coat of paint.
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way to cleaning up a home, inside and out! If the siding of your home is starting to peel or otherwise look worn out, it’s going to make the entire home look run down no matter how new it is. Invest in some exterior paint to bring it back to life. If you are a part of a homeowner’s association, make sure you know which colors are allowed before you start to paint. Choose a color that’s in keeping with the rest of the neighborhood. You can certainly pick colors that show off your personality, but keep in mind that colors that are too unusual could actually end up hurting your property value (as well as the value of your neighbor’s homes). When in doubt, consult a professional about a color scheme that would work for your home.
Keep it tidy.
Our last tip will cost you no money at all, but it will take a little effort on your part. Keeping the outside of your home clean and tidy is one of the best things you can do for your curb appeal. Homes that are overrun with outdoor toys, litter, or weeds are going to be less appealing. So take a few minutes out of your weekend and get the family involved in a yard clean up. Have your kids put away all of their outdoor toys while you pick up any litter or yard waste that needs to be thrown away. It should only take a few minutes and in the end, you’ll have a home that’s more appealing–without spending anything!
Want to transform your home? Our crew can help with a complete entryway remodel. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and learn how we can make your entryway look incredible!