We all have that one neighbor. You know, the one with the gorgeous house and yard that make us feel like slobs in comparison.
Know what I mean? Your neighbor’s house has curb appeal. (That just means their property looks great from the street.)
But how do they do it? It’s easier than you think! Whether you want to impress prospective buyers or just your neighbors, these tips will transform your house in no time.
1. Get a Second Opinion
Photo: Ben Seidelman
We tend to get so familiar with our own house that we overlook problem areas that everyone else notices.
Any second opinion is helpful, but ideally you want to ask someone who has never been to your house before — or at least who doesn’t come over often. An outsider will be able to see your house more objectively than you can, and they might have some great ideas for adding curb appeal.
2. Take Good Photos (if you’re selling)
Did you know that 88% of homebuyers start looking for a new house online? That means your online curb appeal might be just as important as your in-person curb appeal.
If you’re putting your house on the market, start planning your photos now. Once your property looks the way you want, take high quality photos of it in good lighting, or hire a professional photographer to do it for you.
3. Your Porch
The porch is a major focal point of your house, and one of the first things people look at. Even if you don’t have a raised porch, a nice looking entry point instantly adds curb appeal. For most houses, the most important features are the front door and the hardware near it.
Photo: nola.agent
If your front door is damaged, you may want to replace it. If not, a fresh coat of paint will probably suffice. Don’t be afraid to go with a bold color if it fits the style of your house. Need some ideas? Check out this slideshow of bold front-door colors.
If you do nothing else, give your door a good cleaning with a damp cloth. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes.
Once your door is looking spiffy, consider upgrading your old address numbers and porch light to match its style. If your mailbox is next to your front door, give it a paint job or replace it.
4. Pressure Washing
Does the outside of your home look a little dingy? Before you start picking paint colors, give your house a good pressure washing to remove dirt, mud, mold, mildew, algae, and other grime.
Here’s how to do it:
If pressure washing doesn’t do the trick, then a fresh coat of paint is a worthwhile investment. Now, that’s a whole other project, but if you need some help choosing paint colors, read these tips.
5. Your Garden
Photo: Craig W. Smith Photography
Start by fixing what’s already there. Pull weeds, prune trees and bushes, and replace dead spots in your lawn with new grass. Once you’ve taken care of any major eyesores, you can move on to the fun part.
If you want to do a full landscape makeover, go for it! Otherwise, here are some quick and easy ideas for sprucing up the front yard:
- Place some potted plants on the porch. It’s simple way to boost your curb appeal when you have limited time or space.
- Build your own window flower box. They look homey and inviting, and you can easily water your flowers through the window without going outside.
- If you hate gardening, put in a rock garden. Do you find yourself dreading yard work? Consider dedicating an area to a rock garden. Rock gardens are sleek and serene, and you won’t have a giant lawn to water in the summer.
- Add an arbor if you have a fence. Leave it bare to add structure, or adorn it with vines for a romantic feel. Here are some examples.
6. Path Lighting
Photo: Todd Bush Photography
Path lighting not only looks welcoming and sophisticated, it also makes coming home in the dark much safer. If your yard gets a lot of sun, solar lighting is a great choice.
You have plenty of options, from large hanging lanterns to mini lamp posts you can stick in the ground. You shouldn’t have trouble finding something that fits the style of your home.
7. Your Roof
Photo: Hoachlander Davis Photography
It’s time for the finishing touch: the roof.
Your roof takes up a lot of highly visible square footage, so it has a big impact on your property’s curb appeal. Get your roof inspected and cleaned if it’s starting to show signs of wear, or it’s been 3 to 5 years since you last had it inspected.
Not only will your roof look better, regular maintenance can increase its lifespan and significantly raise the value of your house.
Does your roof need some work?
For a free roof inspection or a no-pressure quote, contact us today or call us at
(503) 537-0158.
