We all know that first impressions tend to last.
From meeting friends to blind dates, the initial glimpse is all you need to get butterflies – or whatever the opposite of those is. Heebie-jeebies, probably.
Curb appeal is the first impression that your property gives to visitors, potential buyers, and onlookers alike. According to a study done in 2020, curb appeal can contribute to up to ten percent of a home’s selling price.
If you are getting ready to sell your home, or you simply want it to look its best, there are simple enough changes and enhancements that can be done to make that happen.
Add curb appeal to your property with these eight upgrades below that can be done in a few days or weeks, depending on the one you choose:
1. Install Window Boxes
Window boxes are a little bit of hard work, but think of them as a beauty project – high maintenance but so worth it.
Most window boxes require frequent watering, so install them where they are well within reach. They should be around 12 inches deep to ensure that the plants inside of them have room to root and grow.
Some of the most perfect window box plants include ivy, pansies, and other annuals in the spring and summer seasons.
2. Painted Front Door
There is nothing worse than a dingy, creaky old front door.
An affordable and easy way to give your home’s exterior a makeover is by painting your front door in a new color. If you do not want to commit to something too vibrant, or if color pops are not your thing, choose a neutral color that is typical for your neighborhood.
A rich Charleston dark green is a delightfully sophisticated color choice.
If, on the other hand, you are feeling brave, choose a bold color. These colors demand attention instantly, like bright mustardy-yellow or raspberry red. Both of those colors work well with both plastered and brick walls.
Either way, no matter what color you choose, a new coat of paint on your front door will do wonders for your home.
3. Symmetry in Motion
One of the easiest methods of implementing outdoor symmetrical design is by lining matching ornamental planters along your driveway. Symmetry naturally makes our brains see balance, making it the most visually appealing choice.
4. Install A Concrete Driveway
Concrete is one of the most dynamic construction materials available.
Installing a concrete driveway is more eco-friendly than asphalt, and concrete can also be recycled. These driveways are durable and safe if they are installed properly.
If you are considering adding one of these gorgeous driveways to your property, contact a professional like this Edmonton concrete contractor for more information.
Concrete does not have to just be a drab gray color; staining techniques can be used to create a myriad of patterns and designs without having to use spaced pavers.
5. Landscaping
Boosting curb appeal is easy with fresh landscaping.
The perfect landscaping for your property can make your home look far more attractive from the street. Proper landscaping can also benefit the local ecosystems on your property, clean the air going into your house, and prevent soil erosion during summer rains.
Incorporating landscape design with native plants and sustainable materials can further enhance your house curb appeal and contribute to environmental conservation.
Choose a landscape design that does not just make your home look good but also makes it worth much more money. Attractive and well-maintained landscaping is always a fantastic idea!
Nothing makes a property look more like a happy home than a well-landscaped garden with beautiful big trees and brightly-colored flowers against the backdrop of luscious hedges.
6. Mailbox Makeover
This upgrade may seem small, but it is super effective.
Your mailbox is one of the first things that visitors and prospective buyers see when they arrive at your property. If your current mailbox is faded or rusted, it is about time that you upgraded it.
It is a relatively simple project, but it can do a lot to improve your home’s overall curb appeal. You can repair or replace – that part is up to you. There are several gorgeous options available online that can be delivered to you at the click of a button.
7. Goodbye Grime
Pressure washing is a hugely satisfying thing to watch.
It is a relatively simple task, but the payoff is massive. It is significantly more affordable than repainting the exterior of your home, and you do not even necessarily need to buy the machine – pressure washers can be leased from most home improvement stores.
Let the design and architecture of your home speak volumes by cleaning up the roof and walls.
8. Outdoor Lighting
Well-placed outdoor lighting can do wonders for enhancing the exterior look of your property.
For the best results, take the ambient approach and use both up and down lights. Consider choosing lower-wattage bulbs because softer lighting is less disruptive to the creatures living in your garden.
Use lighting to help define landscaping spaces and to highlight features. String lighting is a popular choice because it is both affordable and beautiful.
Always contact a qualified electrical contractor when installing lighting – it is always better to be safe than sorry.
To End
Curb appeal does not have to be the bane of your existence, nor does it have to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most enhancement projects can be done in just a few days, and most of them on your own – with a few key exceptions.
The result of hours of hard work is years of bliss in a home that you can be truly proud of. Or better yet – an increase in the selling price of your property when you are ready to sell.
