As a homeowner, one of the most important aspects of your home’s upkeep includes your home’s exterior. “Curb appeal” is a term that is tossed around a bunch but most people don’t seem to put much weight into it until they are selling their house and the upgrades are suggested by their realtor.
However, the curb appeal of your home is more than just a concern during resale. Proper exterior home upkeep can improve your neighborhood values, aid natural wildlife in your area, and, more personally, create a sense of pride and comfort that you feel whenever you pull onto your street and see your house gleaming with color, finishes, and refinery.
From spacious country living to managing a small yard in the suburbs, here are five simple ways to enhance the curb appeal of your home and brighten up the exterior of your space.
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Clean Up and Decorate Your Front Patio or Porch
Instead of ignoring your front patio, or worse, only dropping a few pieces of patio furniture out there that your neighbors know you are not using, create a space that is uniquely yours and brings joy to you and your family when you come home.
Locate some planters at your local thrift or hardware stores and hang some easy-to-care-for plants off your porch or patio. Give the space a good cleaning, preferably with a power washer, to remove any stains. Select furniture that you will actually use, like a bench to sit on while you wait for guests or a table to place your groceries on while opening the door.
The space on your porch or patio should not be filler, but decorative or useful, if not both, and can be with a few easy adjustments and small purchases.
Give the Walkway and Siding a Good Cleaning
Chances are it has been a while since you have given your front walkway a good power-washing clean, and probably the siding on your house, as well. Borrow a power washer from a friend or rent one from your local hardware store, and really dig into some of those natural, earthy stains that you have been ignoring for so many years.
Although this task only takes an afternoon, you would be surprised how quickly your home brightens up once you return it to its original color and condition, and soon it’ll become part of your yearly routine. If a power washer isn’t something you can get your hands on, screw in the old-fashion garden hose and use that to blast some of the worst spots — you’ll still see results that will make a difference.
Roof Repairs and Replacements Are Always a Must
You probably think you don’t catch a glimpse of your roof that often, so it can’t impact the street-view of your home, but in reality, you can see your roof the moment you turn onto your street. Years of weather and age can take a toll on a roof, possibly without you realizing it, diminishing its color and overall look.
Repairing or having a roof replacement can immediately enhance your curb appeal, boosting the look of not only your house but the entire neighborhood. Colors fade, shingles become cracked or missing, and it overall takes on a look that it did not have when it was new. These can all be simple fixes once you pick up the phone and call your trusted roof — they will work with you to stay in budget while improving the value of your curb appeal.
Locate a trusted roofing company in your area to help you spruce it up, and suddenly you’ll notice the color and quality of the roof every time you come home — plus, your house will be better protected when harsh weather hits — a win-win!
Replace, or Paint, Your Siding for a New Look
While cleaning your siding, you may have noticed damages, fading, or cracks to the materials. This is normal, as the siding of your house handles all the weather and helps regulate the interior climate, so it takes a beating.
Just as important as your roof, though, is your siding. If your siding doesn’t need to be replaced, you can get away with adding a fresh coat of paint to add a pop of color to your home. Consider the look of your neighbors’ homes when choosing a complementary color — or not, and go wild with painting and make your home look vibrant again and really stand out.
If the siding is too far gone, contact a siding installation company in your area who can help you make repairs or replacements. You’ll be surprised by not only the curb appeal enhancements but the climate regulation inside once you install new siding.
Landscape with Trees, Bushes, Even a Pond
Once everything is clean and new on your home, tackle the front yard. Trim up your bushes, remove weeds or dead plants, and lay some new gravel or mulch down. Tiny ponds are also available for installation in front yards, no matter how small a space you have to work with, and can add a charming touch.
Adding even just a few bird feeders, birdbaths, or small trees can really change the look of your front yard. Suddenly the bare grass is alive with color and wildlife activity, and people are happy to take a stroll and enjoy the views on your street.
Conclusion
Some changes to your curb appeal are easy to implement, while others can take time and a bit more savings. However, if you tackle these items year by year, you will have a home that glows with life, color, and pride.
Don’t wait until you are selling to make your home look good, improve it today for your own enjoyment.