How can I add curb appeal to my home?

Whether you are sprucing up the look of your home simply for your own enjoyment, or getting it prepped to sell, congratulations on taking the first step to make it more visually pleasing.

Your home’s curb appeal is the first impression that potential buyers or guests will have of your property. It’s important to make sure that your home looks its best, both inside and out. Fortunately, there are several ways to do it that will help greatly, without being major project.

Here are five tips on how to add curb appeal to your home:

1. Start with the front door

The front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior, so making sure that it looks its best is a good move. If your front door is old, damaged, or in need of a fresh coat of paint, consider replacing it or painting it. You can add some personality to your front door by painting it a bright color or adding some decorative hardware. Bright red or blue doors are very trendy, and are an easy way to add some nice variety and curb appeal to your home.

If you decide that replacing it is the way to go, be sure to choose high-quality materials like solid wood or fiberglass, which offer durability and visual appeal.

Pro tip: enhance the door’s appearance with well-chosen hardware, such as elegant handles and a decorative knocker. A new front door not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal but can also improve security and energy efficiency.

Tip #2 to improve your home’s curb appeal:

2. Add an arbor over your garage door

An arbor is a great way to add some style and personality to your home’s exterior. It can also provide shade for your garage door (or front door, another option) which can be especially helpful during the hot summer months. Depending on what type you choose, it can also extend the usable area of your garage when the overhead door is open. Think: extra project workspace for tables, garage sales, and socializing. Shade, style, personality, curb appeal. What’s not to like?

3. Install a new walkway

A new walkway is a great way to improve the overall look of your home’s exterior. Maybe you have one that has suffered from deferred maintenance or is outdated. If your home doesn’t have one at all, it can go a long way toward adding the “ooh and ahh” factor of the front of your home. It can also make it easier for guests to get to your front door, especially if you have a long driveway.

Elderly relatives with walkers, frolicking children, and prospective home buyers are all among the types of people that could appreciate a clean, fresh walkway.

4. Plant some flowers or shrubs

To plant or not to plant, that is the question.

If you’re not sure, consider this: landscaping is a great way to add some color and life to your home’s exterior. You can plant flowers in your front yard, along your walkway, or in pots on your porch. Shrubs can also add some privacy, class and structure to your landscaping. If you’re not into high-maintenance landscaping, there are ways to set it up that don’t require a lot of time to maintain, but still look good. *****

Final tip for adding curb appeal to your home:

5. Add a railing to your front porch

Railings are required in many cases for porches or decks that are 30 inches or move above grade. Whether or not yours are that height, a railing can make your front porch look more inviting, in addition to its inherent safety benefits.

For the current homeowner, it can also provide a place for you, your family and guests to sit and relax. In a world of ever-increasing digital activity and decreasing face-to-face interaction, the railed-in front porch brings to mind the “good old days” of yesteryear, and invites a warm conversation.

As the nostalgia for simpler times grows among multiple generations, a front porch with a railing provides a subtle nod to days gone by. This will not only increase the curb appeal, but the inviting nature of it will be an asset when it comes time to sell your home.

In conclusion

Don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to adding curb appeal to your home. There are endless possibilities, so have fun with it and see what you can come up with.

By following these tips, you can easily add curb appeal to your home and make it look its best. So what are you waiting for? Start improving your curb appeal today!

BONUS additional tips:

• If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of things you can do to improve your curb appeal. Even power washing your driveway is a great start.
• If you’re not sure where to start, ask a professional for help. A handyman, landscaper or home improvement contractor can give you some ideas and help you choose the right materials and colors.
• Keep your curb appeal in mind when you make other changes to your home. For example, if you’re adding a new roof, choose a color that will complement the rest of your home’s exterior.