Whether you are seeking to sell your current home or just increase curb appeal for aesthetic reasons, there are several things you can do to freshen up your home’s look this year. Some are quite cheap, quick and easy, whereas others are more costly and labor and time intensive.
1. Lawn Care
While regular mowing is important in the quest for curb appeal, lawn care is a much broader task. In one weekend you can trim hedges, prune ornamental trees and bushes, and touch up mulch and edge walkways. Consider updating your plantings if needed to keep things fresh, colorful and seasonal. Make sure to clean up when you are done so twigs and leaves are no left around. For maintenance of a lush green lawn, you may wish to fertilize and water your lawn in the summer months.
2. Update Your Walkway and Entrance
In most cases, the front walkway and door are the first impression visitors have of your home. If your walkway is outdated or just boring, consider giving it a bit more flare with something like flagstone, decorative stones or stamped concrete. There are creative things that can be done with front stairs as well, such as large wooden stairs or tile. Also, consider painting your front door a bright accent color and adding some accessories, such as a wreath on the door and potted plants to either side. Keep in mind symmetry is usually aesthetically pleasing in decorating. Try to make your walkway and front door consistent with your decorating style inside.
3. Install Shutters and Repair Gutters, and Downspouts
Rusty, loose, or missing shutters, gutters, and downspouts are relatively easy to repair, repaint, or replace and make a huge difference in the appearance of your house. According to SunburstShutters.com, if your home does not currently have shutters, installing them can make a house look much more finished. Use an accent color on your shutters to draw attention to your home. If your gutters are in good shape take time to thoroughly clean them out. Leaves and twigs hanging out of them makes your house look sloppy. With a few hours and a small amount of money you can completely change the look of your home.
4. Power Wash
Over time, the exterior of your house, porch, and deck will develop a thin film of dust, dirt, mold, mildew, and other stains that can be hazardous to your health and decrease the curb appeal of your home. A good pressure wash can help remove all these contaminants and make your home look much fresher and cleaner. You can rent a pressure washer from a local hardware store and do it yourself or hire a professional. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure to read the instruction manual to avoid damaging windows, trim, and siding.
Decorative outdoor lighting can make your home and garden look more polished as well as providing lighting to make your house visible to people driving by after dark. Many outdoor lights are solar and battery powered and do not even require running electric cords, which can be difficult to conceal in a garden setting. Consider choosing a couple of classy lawn ornaments or a bird bath for your garden area. These small additions can make a big difference in the appearance of your garden.
Many people become overwhelmed by the idea of updating the curb appeal of their home. Especially if you are trying to sell your home, it can be discouraging to think about investing too much money. Many things can be done quickly and cheaply to make your home much more appealing to the passer by.
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