Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a home’s exterior. It can be enhanced through landscaping, painting, and adding architectural details.
There are many things you can do to improve the curb appeal of your home. These can be things like painting the exterior, installing new siding or windows, or even adding a deck or porch. No matter what you choose to do, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the improvements you make are in line with the style of your home. Second, keep your budget in mind and don’t overspend on unnecessary items. After all, you want to make sure that you get a good return on a home improvement investment—experts recommend a 70% ROI. Third, consider the long-term maintenance of any improvements you make. For example, if you add a deck, you’ll need to factor in the cost of regular cleaning and staining. By keeping these things in mind, you can make sure that your curb appeal project is a success.
Curb Appeal Translates to Real Value
Curb appeal is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it’s the first impression potential buyers will have of your home. If your yard is messy and overgrown, they may not even want to come inside for a tour. Second, a well-maintained home indicates that you’ve taken good care of the property as a whole — something that will be very appealing to buyers. Finally, good curb appeal can actually increase the value of your home, making it more likely to sell quickly and at a higher price. So if you’re planning to put your house on the market, take some time to spruce up the yard and make sure the outside of your home is just as inviting as the inside.
Quick Project 1: Rehabilitating Your Lawn
If you’re looking to improve the curb appeal of your home, one of the best things you can do is rehab your lawn. This means taking care of any damage or overgrowth, and planting new grass if necessary. There are a few things you’ll need to do this job correctly:
First, you’ll need some basic equipment like a rake, shovel, and hoe. You’ll also need a lawn mower and weed eater, both of which can be rented or bought from most hardware stores. You may also want to purchase some topsoil or grass seed to help get your lawn back in good shape. You can even get some lawn sprays for maintaining your lawn—you can use it to spray nutrients or grass paint.
Once you have the proper equipment, it’s time to get to work. First, remove any debris from the lawn. Once you’ve moved out the larger objects, pull out large weeds and overgrowth by hand. Then, use the lawn mower and weed eater to finish the job. Once you’ve cut down the grass and trimmed the edges of the lawn, evaluate whether you need to plant more grass or spray nutrients for a healthier lawn. Then, start spreading seeds or spraying fertilizer as necessary. Remember to maintain your lawn, too!
Quick Project 2: Installing New Siding
Installing new siding is a quick and easy way to improve the curb appeal of your home. Not only does it make your home look new and updated, but it can also increase its value. It’s easy enough to do on your own without any help from contractors or commercial construction companies. If you’re thinking about installing new siding, here’s what you need to know:
The first step is to measure the exterior of your home. This will help you determine the correct size and type of siding to purchase.
- Once you’ve determined the size and type of siding, purchase it and have it delivered to your home.
- Next, remove the old siding from your home. This can be a challenging job, so be sure to wear protective gear and use caution when removing it.
- Once the old siding is off, install the new siding using the instructions that came with it. Make sure everything is properly aligned and fastened in place before moving on to the next section.
- Finally, seal all of the joints in the new siding using silicone caulk or another type of sealant. Allow the sealant to dry completely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking of selling your home, there are a few simple projects you can do to add some extra value. For example, painting the trim and shutters can give the outside of your home a fresh look. Inside, you might want to consider painting or re-staining the kitchen cabinets, or maybe even replacing the countertops if they’re looking dated. These projects won’t cost a lot but they’ll make a big impact when potential buyers come to take a look. And that extra value will show up in the sale price. So if you’re thinking of selling, don’t neglect these simple but important projects.
