Of course, when we spend so much time and money fixing the interior, sometimes we forget to pay attention to our home’s exterior. However, your home’s curb appeal is just as important as the cozy library you created in your spare bedroom.
Here are ten ways to ensure that the outside of your home looks just as fabulous as the inside of your house, regardless of whether you have the funds for a major outdoor renovation or are simply looking for a few small DIY projects.
Power Wash Your Siding
Is there anything more satisfying than taking a power washer to your house and watching years of dirt wash away? The siding, porch and driveway accumulate quite a bit of gunk throughout the years, especially if you live in a climate with four seasons.
Something as easy as an afternoon power wash can make a massive difference in enhancing your curb appeal. It’s also a great way to prepare your home for a new paint job. Power washing wipes off chipped paint, debris and spiderwebs on your siding so you can apply a fresh coat.
You can always rent a power washer if you don’t want to buy one.
Paint Your Front Door
Your front door is the first impression of your house. Replacing an old one with a contemporary design is a good option. However, you can also paint it.
Make the front entrance pop with an eye-catching and bright color, or keep it more subdued and clean. A 2018 Zillow report found that homeowners earned $6,721 more than the listing value when they painted their front door charcoal or black.
Plant Flowers
Flowers imbue gorgeous color and appeal to your home’s exteriors. Adding garden beds with an assortment of plants and flowers can make any home more inviting. Choose native plants adapted to your region’s climate and soil to ensure they thrive. Native gardening also improves the environment, reduces pests and enhances your yard’s natural habitat.
Putting in garden beds can be costly and may take extra time for some people. Thankfully, you can get a similar effect by adding planters and window boxes. You might also opt for potted or hanging plants on your porch and entryway.
Fix Up Your Lawn
Lawn care plays a tremendous role in maintaining beautiful curb appeal. Homeowners should regularly mow their yards, pull weeds and rake leaves during the fall.
According to a recent survey, property values can increase by 10%-12% when you improve your landscaping correctly.
Water your lawn during the warmer months to keep it green and luscious and resod or plant fresh grass seeds in brown spots. Yard maintenance doesn’t have to be an enormous undertaking as long as you find a way to keep up with it.
Replace Your Roof
The roof is a highly prominent feature of your home exteriors — particularly if you own a bungalow or completed a home addition with a unique roofline.
The average roof’s life span is about 30 years, depending on the type and quality of materials used and the climate.
Adding a new roof is a costlier exterior renovation with many benefits. New roof shingles can add $17,147 to your home’s market value, in addition to preventing water damage and improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Upgrade Your Siding
Your house might look outdated if it was built 20 or 30 years ago. Thankfully, modern siding uses more luxe materials to make your home feel contemporary and sleek.
Contrast is highly desirable if you decide to give your siding a much-needed upgrade. Think white trims against dark gray, deep blue or charcoal. You might also select a white or light neutral color with black window frames instead.
Homeowners can expect to pay between $5,444 and $16,595 to replace their siding. This cost ultimately depends on the square footage, materials and labor.
Install New Windows
New windows can dramatically enhance your curb appeal and improve interior energy efficiency.
Consider the different types of windows to choose from and the many available frames, from colors to design and materials. There are vinyl, fiberglass, clad wood and fiber cement options. For increased energy efficiency, look for windows with lower SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient). Currently, black window frames are increasingly popular against a lighter siding, while you may want to let more natural light into your home with a larger window opening.
Take some time to consider what window style will work best for your home type. Passersby will undoubtedly take notice of a sparkly, clean window installation.
Light It Up
Give your nighttime curb appeal a makeover with outdoor lighting. Think about adding solar lights along your driveway and walkway, in your garden beds or a motion-sensor spotlight. You could also hang sconces next to your garage door.
Do you have a beautiful tree or tall bush in your front yard that you want to highlight with uplighting? Maybe you want to add colored lightbulbs or purchase fixtures that illuminate a particular pattern.
Install your lighting to integrate aesthetics with function. For example, consider where people move around the most in the evenings — walkways, driveway, front porch — and find a focal point to spotlight.
Add An Outdoor Entertainment Area
Adding an outdoor area for entertaining friends and family is an excellent way to enhance your home’s exterior.
Homeowners have grown steadily more interested in outdoor living. According to the 2021 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends report, outdoor projects increased six percentage points to 57% from 2018 to 2020.
Maybe you’ve thought about including a deck, patio, outdoor kitchen or fire pit feature. Upgrades to your outdoor area can be a big project. Hiring a professional can ensure craftsmanship and high-quality materials to help you create a gorgeous backyard oasis.
Decorate Your Entryway
Sometimes the easiest, most cost-effective projects get overlooked when enhancing your home’s curb appeal. There are probably plenty of ways you can decorate your entryway.
Rocking chairs or other seating are famous design elements for a large porch. You can accentuate its look with an outdoor rug, throw pillows and a small side table, as well.
A seasonal wreath can be a nice touch if your doorway is on the smaller side. Even if it isn’t a holiday, a year-round wreath made with greens and florals can be just the right amount of elegance on your front door.
Of course, you want to prevent cluttering your front entryway. Balance your furniture and decor with a few plants or a welcome mat.
