What is your home’s first impression? Is it inviting and welcoming, or could it use a little work? Also referred to as your home’s curb appeal, this first impression describes the overall attractiveness of your home from the street. You don’t have to spend a fortune to boost your home’s curb appeal. Check out these easy exterior projects that anyone can do.
Paint the Front Door
The front door is the first thing visitors see when arriving at your home. It’s also one of the last things a guest notices when leaving your home, meaning it influences their overall impression. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. Go with a bold color to make your front door stand out, or opt for something more subtle that pairs well with your home’s exterior color.
Some homeowners may also consider a brightly decorated wreath to add a pop of color to the exterior of their home. You can also further decorate your home’s front porch with a brightly colored rug and plants that match the door. Position a few chairs to create a welcoming environment on your front porch. This allows you to sit and catch up with neighbors while giving your home a cozy, inviting curb appeal.
Repair Blocked Gutters
Repairing and cleaning blocked gutters can also make a difference when it comes to curb appeal. Gutters full of dirt, leaves, and other debris can quickly diminish the appeal of your home. In addition to improving the overall look of your home, taking care of blocked gutters also protects your home from expensive damages.
Your home’s gutters redirect rainwater and melted snow from the roof to the ground. Over time, the gutters get clogged by leaves and debris. The clogged gutters block the flow of water, which can lead to it pooling on the roof, leading to expensive roof damage. The water may also leak into the home’s windows, causing attic or basement damage. In some cases, it may even lead to foundational problems. As the water sits, it also attracts pests. Eventually, the pests can make their way indoors, causing even more expensive damage.
Pressure Wash
Hiring a pressure washing company or renting your own for the day can remove built-on dirt and debris from your home’s exterior. You can also use a gentle soap and thoroughly clean the home’s siding, roof, awnings, porch, steps, and walkways. Attachments can make cleaning easier and help you access harder-to-reach areas.
However, when pressure washing, make sure you don’t get too close to the home. Otherwise, you could spray the exterior paint off. If you have never used a pressure washer before, it may be worth it to outsource the task to a professional. While it’s not a difficult task, failing to take extra care can lead to expensive paint damage.
Keep Up With Landscaping
Landscaping is a crucial part of your curb appeal. Regular lawn cutting and bush trimmings are the first step in beautiful landscaping. Beyond that, you might add privacy and design to your home using mature trees or carefully maintained flowers and plants. A beautiful, vibrant garden can also provide fresh flowers or vegetables while giving your home a beautiful design. Landscaping and gardening may also become a fun hobby that you enjoy that serves the double purpose of improving your home’s appeal.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on landscaping for it to make a difference. A few well-maintained flowers surrounding the door draw visitor’s attention to these areas. You could also go with potted plants on the porch for a lower-maintenance option. Swap out the plants between seasons to get the best results. Gardening themes can make your outdoor garden efforts even more entertaining. Opt for a quaint cottage garden theme or use blending gardening techniques to give your home’s front yard an artsy, creative curb appeal.
Paint the Fence
An unsightly fence can quickly bring down your curb appeal. While removing and installing a new fence may not be an option, applying a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. If you have a wooden fence, make sure you sand down the existing paint before adding a new layer of paint. Make sure you add a protective layer to your fence to prevent further fading.
Your home’s curb appeal isn’t only an important consideration when considering selling. Your home’s curb appeal affects how you and your visitors view the home. You don’t have to break the bank to boost your home’s curb appeal, and many of the projects that offer the best results are DIY-friendly. Give your home’s porch a fresh coat of paint, or keep up with landscaping. Prioritize exterior maintenance tasks, like fence repair and gutter care, to boost appeal.