Whether you own a newer or an older home, it will likely start to lose its curb appeal and become lackluster over time. Things like clutter, dirt, overgrown plants and chipped paint can drive down the value of your home quite significantly. The good news is that we have some quick, easy and inexpensive ways to keep it looking sharp. Whether you’re getting ready to put your house on the market or you simply want to transform the exterior of your current home into a clean, inviting place, we highly recommend trying these 7 quick and easy ways to improve your curb appeal.
- The first thing on the list is to get some fresh paint on the exterior of your home. It is recommended that you re-paint your home every 10 years, depending on the quality of the paint you are using. Short on time or cash? Simply paint your front door a bright beautiful color that matches well with your siding and trim. Or, if you have vinyl siding, consider touching up your trim or other paintable surfaces. A few cans of paint can completely transform your outdated home into a beautiful welcoming dwelling.
- Add some lush landscaping or update your current landscape. One of the easiest ways to improve the appearance of your yard is to clean out any dead flowers or weeds, add fresh flowerbeds and mulch. Pick out plants and flowers that easily bloom in your area to avoid unnecessary maintenance and upkeep.
- Do some serious spring-cleaning. This includes getting rid of any unnecessary clutter, storing items such as your garbage can and recycling bin, as well as keeping the lawn mowed and manicured. Rid your lawn and garden of any weeds and water the grass often to ensure it stays lush and green. If you have any trees, bushes or hedges on your property, always keep them trimmed and pruned.
- Update fixtures on your home, such as the address numbers, your mailbox, light fixtures and doorknobs. Replacing these features with shiny new hardware is a cost-effective way to give the exterior of your home a quick makeover. These tiny changes can really bring your home back to life and prevent it from appearing aged or dated. It’s also very inexpensive to do!
- Replace old windows or freshen them up with a detailed cleaning and some paint. Windows often become damaged, chipped or just plain grimy over time from constantly being exposed to harsh weather conditions. Thoroughly cleaning your windows and re-caulking where necessary can not only improve the overall curb appeal of your home, but it can also cut down on your utility bills by fixing any potential air leakages.
- Pressure-wash the siding of your home, your driveway and any walkways. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can rent one for a small fee. The pressure washer will ensure your home and property look shiny, clean and new.
- Lastly, it’s your home so don’t be afraid to make it your own with homey touches – this could include simple items like a welcome mat on your doorstep, a bird feeder hanging from your porch and garden statues. Anything that makes your home and property feel warm and inviting can really improve its appeal.
All of these ideas are fairly quick and inexpensive, however they will all greatly contribute to improving your home’s curb appeal.