Your Home’s Exterior Sets The Scene.
Once upon a time…
When was the last time you heard this classic line? Was it the bonfire story told last weekend at the cabin, or fairytale book you read to your kids before bedtime?
Quick question: Do you notice how the best stories start with a home?
Whether it’s a spooky abandoned house, the dragon’s lair, or the castle in the far-off kingdom, the place where a character lives sets the mood from the beginning of the adventure to “Happily Ever After.”
What does this have to do with real life?
Surprisingly- a lot.
We’re told not to judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to houses? Curb appeal matters.
Think about this…
…selling your home? Curb appeal adds, on average, 7% to the value.
…just moving in? There’s nothing more celebratory than making your new house your home.
…what’s the difference between a ‘good’ neighborhood and a ‘bad’ neighborhood? Curb appeal again. Eyesores don’t tell a good story. But improving your own home can start a trend of upkeep. Good curb appeal is contagious!
Wondering where to start?
Here are five ways to boost your home’s curb appeal that will
- Add value to your property
- Give your the best visual bang for your buck
- And even save you money in the long run.
#1. Replace Your Home’s Front Door
Never underestimate the power of a new front door- especially a steel entry door.
Steel entry doors have spiked in popularity and not just for their aesthetic appeal.
Low maintenance, affordable, and energy efficient, these doors excel at protecting your home from nasty weather. Plus, maintenance is easy. Did someone open your door with muddy hands? Soap and water will make it shine in an instant.
Another bonus? Their durability can also lower your utility bills. A well-fitted steel entry door helps block drafts and save you money on heating and cooling.
Replacing a worn front door with something clean and bright is the perfect way to say “Make Yourself at Home.”
#2. Liven Things Up With Landscaping
Did you know that planting yellow flowers is a real estate secret used to sell homes faster?
A little splash of color can go a long way!
It’s time to take a weekend to rehome plants in worn out pots, add some edging around your walkways, and even plant those strategic evergreens to block the view of your neighbor’s backyard.
Not much of a green thumb? Marigolds, pansies, and sun flowers are great choices for big color with low maintenance. Sunflowers in particular can make a great privacy screen- and cover up the fencing that’s at the end of its life.
Check out these tips for growing your own sunflower privacy screen here from The Spruce.
#3. Upgrade Your Siding
Of course clean, beautiful siding boosts your curb appeal. But here’s something else to consider: if siding looks old or worn, it’s putting your home’s interior at risk.
Most homeowners don’t think about repairing faded or worn siding panels. After all, it happens gradually over time and we just get used to the way it looks. Even if we do notice it’s looking little worn… why spend time and money fixing an aesthetic problem, right?
Three reasons: Boost Curb Appeal. Lower Utility Bills. And Prevent Mold + Water Damage.
Does your siding need replaced? If your siding is loose, warped, or cracked, schedule a time for our crew to come out and take a look.
Updating your home’s exterior color can completely change its look. Look at our client’s home here in our software mock up of their favorite color options:
Read here to learn how the pros choose siding colors for their homes.
#4. Create Curb Appeal with a Walkway that Invites
How does your walkway look? Is your concrete cracked and broken? Is the path from your car to your front door just worn out grass?
Let’s change that.
A walkway gives your home a look of completion. Plus, the style options (remember- we’re setting the scene to YOUR story!) are limitless.
Wanting a cottage-look? Stone paths flanked with lush wild gardens are a beautiful choice.
Do you like your lawn golf-course neat? Showcase your precision with something like this:
Or maybe you want to lay brick to match the historical build of your home?
Anyway you choose, nothing says “welcome home” like a clear path to your front door.
#5. Install Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting builds curb appeal by
- Providing safety
- Creating ambience
- And spotlighting your homes unique features
Think about that spooky house on the hill…or the “dark and stormy night”…? The right lighting can transform your home into a cozy retreat that keeps your family warm through every rainy day.
Here are a few inspirational images.
This home uses exterior mounted string lighting to create a playful and welcoming area to enjoy the summer evenings.
Porch lighting can be a dynamic way to frame your entryway for guests- especially for those winter parties where the sun sets early.
Security lighting doesn’t have to look unappealing or blind your neighbors. These spotlights are positioned to add a stately look to this home and discourage trouble.
Your “Happily Ever After” Starts Here
We’ve all spent a little more time at home this year. With that, we start to notice those little things we’ve always meant to “get to”…but never seem to get done!
Are you ready to turn your house into a place you really love living in?
Your home is your castle. Let us help you with your next project.
Whether it’s adding a deck for family dinners, updating your exterior, or finally adding that office…we can help. Schedule a free call with Vern here to talk about the next steps in getting your dream project off the ground.
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