Your home is your biggest asset. You want to keep it updated and make it the envy of the neighborhood. The problem is often finding the time and resources. Start with the smaller jobs, then schedule one project at a time.
Curb appeal is a term used to describe how pleasant the house and front lawn look from the street. If you want people to look inside the house, you must first spruce up the outside. Proper lawn mowing, pruning, weeding, and fertilizing are essential.
The Yard
Be sure to keep the grass trimmed and edged so that it won’t spread onto the driveway, sidewalks, and walkways. Prune trees and bushes so that they do not block windows. Weed the flower beds, and kill off unwanted growth sprouting up through cement cracks. Don’t have the time or energy to plant a flower bed? Get some potted flowers and line the driveway and porch with them. You could also add hanging baskets and flower boxes.
Paint
The front door could probably use a coat or two, and it’s one of the first things people notice when they approach your house. Paint garage doors, shutters, fencing, trim and everything else that’s peeling and faded.
Lighting
Outdoor lights have gotten an overhaul since you bought this house. Put new light fixtures on the front porch or steps, over the garage, driveway and house sides. Modern lights are attractive to the eye, especially those that use brighter and energy-efficient LED bulbs.
Mailbox
Dented or chipped mailboxes are easy and cost-effective to fix or replace, and you can plant some annual or perennial flowers around the post. Before installing a new mailbox, review the U.S. postal regulations on how to do it properly.
Power-wash
You may not notice it, but the driveway and walkways are embedded with dirt and grime. Rent a power washer to clean the cement and asphalt areas of the driveway and front door walkway and steps. While you’re at it, wash off the sidewalk, patio, and deck.
The driveway
If the asphalt and cement are in bad shape, consider resealing or repaving. If you’re selling your home, a damaged driveway or front porch can be a deal breaker. It’s also not the first thing you want your guests to see when they approach your home.
Ornamentals and house numbers
Suncatchers, birdbaths, solar light sticks, and wind chimes are nice additions that add charm and warmth. The front door could use some decorative house numbers; they’re visually appealing and don’t cost much.
Woodwork and metal accents
Whatever doesn’t need paint may need some stain or varnish. Shine up metal doorknobs, handles, flagpoles, railings, and other fixtures.
Outdoor living
Dress up that front porch or deck with wicker outdoor furniture. A couple of rocking chairs and a porch swing with comfy cushions will entice you outside more often.
Edging around perimeters
A subtle detail that makes all the difference in a home’s curb appeal is the edging around curbs, sidewalks, and the driveway. Using a weed eater or trimmer to create clean edges the lawn and hard surfaces leaves your lawn looking neat and meticulously maintained.
If you want to spend more time outdoors and host backyard parties, focus on the backyard. A power-washed, stained deck will look brand new. Consider widening the patio. Expanding the patio will save you time on maintaining the lawn. Hardscaped features are trending right now, as are outdoor kitchens. You may never want to dine indoors again.!
Summer is the perfect time for an outdoor makeover. The more you do now, the more you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor in the fall and winter. And when it comes time to put your home on the market, it will sell quickly and for top dollar. Curb appeal is the beginning of a great real estate deal.
About Author: Ashley Miller is a home decor and lifestyle writer who cures her HGTV obsession by refurbishing anything and everything she can get her hands on.
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