First impressions of a home are incredibly important. The way your home looks on the outside gives potential homebuyers or visitors a great indication of what it looks like on the inside. This is why a home’s curb appeal should be a key focus for any homeowner.
Whether you’re looking to sell your home or just want to impress your neighbors, here are 10 easy ways that you can boost your home’s curb appeal.
Why is curb appeal important?
The obvious situation where curb appeal is so important is for homeowners looking at selling. The best way to attract potential buyers to your property is by making a good first impression.
Not only will curb appeal bring buyers to your home, but it will also boost the value of your property. By having a neat, tidy, and well-thought-out front yard and entrance, you immediately attract passers-by and spike their interest.
But, a home’s curb appeal shouldn't just be a priority for homeowners who want to sell. Great curb appeal can also make your home a welcoming and inviting place for visitors and neighbors.
So, if you find that your home's curb appeal is lacking, use some of these tips and witness the difference.
How to increase curb appeal for your home
Paint the front door
Image source: Good Housekeeping
Your front door will be one of the first things that visitors or potential buyers see when they approach your home. With the importance of making a good first impression, your front door should be made a true focal point.
Luckily, transforming your front door can be as easy as a quick paint job. This is one of the most affordable home improvements you can do to add curb appeal and has the bonus of being DIY. Whether you make a statement by adding a bit of color or keeping it simple, a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference to the look of your home.
Install window boxes
While window boxes may not be suitable for all homes, they are a great way to add a pop of color and charm to your front porch. Simply purchase the window boxes as a ready-to-install set or make them yourselves, and within a day you can have them up on your house.
Not only is installing window boxes a fast way to improve how your home looks, but it is also a cost-friendly option. You can find window boxes for as little as $20 and once you add some soil and your choice of flowers it can really add to your home's curb appeal.
Create or update the walkway
Commonly, the only considerations when constructing your walkway are its function and convenience. However, your walkway can be made a real centerpiece of your front yard and can improve your curb appeal.
A well-thought-out walkway can create a charming and inviting entrance. What’s more, you won’t have to spend a lot to make a big difference. Something as simple as a stone or brick border, or using pavers could be all your walkway needs.
Add or refresh planter beds
Adding or updating your home’s planter beds is a fantastic way to make your front yard more visually appealing and eye-catching. There are also so many things you can do with planter beds and landscaping even if you are on a small budget.
Adding some mulch or greenery and giving your planter beds a bit of love and care can instantly improve your curb appeal. You can take it one step further as well by creating a defined border or planting some new flowers.
Update porch and exterior lighting
Image source: Install It Direct
Installing new outdoor lighting to illuminate your entryway will not only improve your safety, but if done right, it can also have a big impact on your home’s curb appeal.
There are several options for exterior lighting for your home. What it comes down to is what type of light best fits your property. You can add string lights to trees, light up your walkway with solar lights or use up lights to highlight your home's features. You’ll be amazed at the difference that some exterior light fixtures can make.
Learn more: How Much Does It Cost to Install Outdoor Lighting?
Replace mailbox
Get rid of your old and rusty mailbox and replace it with one that stands out and helps express your personality. Whether it is just a touch of color or putting the mailbox on a new stained timber post, it does not take a lot of effort or money to spruce up your mailbox.
Make sure that when you are updating or installing a new mailbox that it still follows the regulations set by the United States Post Office.
Maintain your lawn
Perhaps the easiest way to maintain your home’s curb appeal is to keep your lawn in tip-top shape all year round. That does not just mean mowing your lawn but also weeding, watering, and cleaning up around walkways and the roadside.
When someone is walking by your house, you want to impress them with your attention to detail and how you take care of your property. An overgrown front lawn isn’t impressing anyone!
Find out: How Much Does It Cost to Maintain and Mow the Lawn?
Plant a tree
One of the most common and cost-effective ways to improve your curb appeal is to plant a tree, or two or three. There is just something about having a tree in your front yard that visitors or potential buyers seem to love. It may be the beauty that a tree provides, or the wildlife it brings, whatever it is, it works.
Just be sure that when you are going to plant a tree, you seek advice from a qualified arborist or horticulturalists. They will let you know what trees are most suitable for your garden.
Display house numbers
Give your house numbers a makeover and make it easier for people looking for your home. This could mean replacing your house numbers with new designs made from metal, wood, or stone.
If you are after a more unique house number, then perhaps DIY your own. This way you can add your own style and personalization to the design.
Create a seating area
Image source: Lawn Starter
An easy way to display a welcoming and inviting home is to add a cozy seating area to your front yard or porch. Just by adding a couple of patio chairs and some cushions you can turn something bland into an attractive space that will boost your curb appeal.
The great thing about adding a seating area is that you can make it as simple or expansive as you’d like. Keep it easy with some cheap wooden chairs or go all out with rugs, pillows, and tables. Whatever you decide, the addition of a comfortable seating area can really improve your home's curb appeal.
DIY curb appeal
The great thing about all of these tips is that they can be easily turned into a DIY project. From painting your front door to displaying your house numbers, all of these jobs are able to be done by yourself. This will allow you to not only save money but also learn some new skills along the way.
So, while many aspects of your curb appeal require assistance and advice from a professional, there are some things you can do yourself that will make the world of difference.