10 Great Ideas to Add Curb Appeal To Your Home

Published May 27, 2015

Are you in the market to sell your home?

Or perhaps are you looking to update the curb appeal of your existing house?

Either way, curb appeal is important. When visitors or prospective buyers drive up to your home for the first time you want it to make a great first impression. And making a great first impression doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan ahead and take the time to give your home the necessary updates it requires.

Here are 10 relatively easy ideas you can undertake to enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Paint: When it comes to return on investment, paint is probably the biggest bang for your buck. If painting the entire exterior of your home is not in your budget or on your agenda then perhaps think about painting the front door, shutters and trim. Painting your front door a bright, bold colour instantly gives the front of your house a lift and a bright, new look.

Landscaping: When buyers first arrive at your home they will look at how the home is landscaped and what kind of work they will need to undertake. The idea is to have your gardens and lawn present well and not appear to be forgotten. Trim your hedges and manicure your front lawn. Add a couple of colourful planters to each side of your front door. These are the touches that stand out and put your home in the forefront on your street.

De-clutter your yard: Ensure your home always has a tidy and presentable appearance. Put away swing sets, toys and other yard paraphernalia. Minimalism is best when it comes to your front yard.

Flower boxes: Sometimes all a home requires is a little brightening up. Nothing adds colour like fresh, beautiful flower boxes. Fill them with summer planter box flowers or small evergreen plants, such as miniature boxwoods. The flower boxes add a nice texture to the front facade of the home.

Creative house numbers: If your house numbers are difficult to find or next to impossible to see at night, it’s best to either illuminate them or install new ones. Clean your roof: It sounds tedious but a clean roof is important. You may not require a complete overhaul but it’s best to clean your roof of any debris or moss and have the gutters cleaned as well.

Paint or stain your porch: If you have a porch or patio deck that may be missing stones, or areas where paint is chipping off, it’s a good idea to have the deck restained or painted to give it a nice, fresh look.

Exterior light fixtures: Light fixtures are like jewelry on the outside of the house. Not only do they provide necessary light to accent your home but they also add texture to flat surfaces. Add patio furniture: Setting up a nice seating area with some patio furniture gives the patio a livedin feeling and allows the prospective buyer to imagine themselves living there.

Don’t forget your mailbox: A tattered, worn mailbox speaks volumes about how you care for your home. Always keep small accessory items such as this in tiptop shape. This will demonstrate that you care about your home and how it appears from the street.