5 ways to Increase your home’s curb appeal on a budget!

Feb 6, 2017

5 ways to Increase your home’s curb appeal on a budget !

What is Curb Appeal? 

Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a home when viewed from the street. Some of the biggest factors in curb appeal are the front entrance, landscaping, the condition of the paint and overall maintenance of the home.

Why Curb Appeal Matters?

Homes with high curb appeal command higher prices and take less time to sell. Even if you are not planning to sell your home anytime soon, a fresh and welcoming exterior is a wonderful thing to come home to each day.

On a Budget?

If you are on a budget there are ways to improve your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank. Down below are some ideas to inspire a few changes around your home. They can be done all at once or you can take your time making improvements at your pace.

Here are 5 ways to increase curb appeal on a budget:

 

1. Replacing the Front door

Replacing an outdated door can be just what your home needs. Not only will it change the appearance of the house but it may also save you money in the long run.

Older doors can allow a significant amount of air to pass through in the summer and winter. A drafty door can let air conditioned air pass through in the summer and allow the cold air in the winter to fill up in your home.

In each of these circumstances your electricity and heating bills can increase because your air conditioner and heater must work twice as hard to stabilize the temperatures.

2. Paint the front door.

Adding a pop of color to your front door can be hugely cheering. If your door isn’t old enough to replace or you like the current door you have adding some color can be just the thing you need.

 

3. Landscaping

Your home is your castle and you can customize it to make it reflect your taste and values. Landscaping is one of the first things people notice walking up to a house. You can add curb appeal by removing unwanted trees, adding some native flowers, or maybe even some soft lighting to make your home inviting at night.

You can also give your home a quick face lift by Cleaning up your yard, mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and sweeping the steps.

BEFORE

AFTER

 

4. Freshen the paint job

A fresh paint job has the power to totally transform the look of your house in less time and for less cash than any other remodeling project. A new coat of paint will also protect your home from the sun, wind and rain. Properly applied, new paint should last for a good 15 years, provided you use top-quality materials. It is wise to consult with a professional to ensure a first class finish to your home.

 

5. Maintenance is a Must

Nothing looks worse from the curb like crooked gutters, broken shutters, missing bricks from the front steps, or peeling paint. The good news is there are some maintenance tips below that can dramatically help improve the look of your house.

• Refasten or replace sagging gutters.
• Replace or Repoint bricks that have lost their mortar.

 

• Reseal any cracks in the asphalt and walls.
• Straighten shutters.
• Replace old and damaged windows

 

Just by making a few of these adjustments can increase your home value by 10% or more!