BOOST CURB APPEAL IN A WEEKEND

Many people wait to update the exterior of their home until they decide to sell, but it’s a project that can have an immediate return – on your happiness!  Nothing says ‘I have my life together’ like a well landscaped yard, a well-kept front porch, and a well styled front door.  It’s pretty much guaranteed to make you happier every time you pull in the driveway. 

If you are looking to sell – first impressions matter.  88% of homebuyers begin their home shopping process online, and 63% of them will drop by if they like what they see online.  It’s not unusual for buyers to see a home’s exterior and decide to cancel their showing if they don’t like what they see. On the other hand, a well-maintained exterior lets buyers know that a home has been well taken care of.  Do what you can to boost curb appeal, and you’ll increase the number of qualified buyers considering your home.

Either way – your home likely has plenty of beautiful elements and just needs some TLC or finishing touches to really look its best. Here are fifteen budget-friendly, high-impact projects you can do in a weekend to boost curb appeal and get the most out of your hard earned dollars.  With a little time and effort, you’ll be amazed by the results.

1. Get a nice, deep clean.

There’s nothing that can freshen up your home's exterior like some good old pressure washing. Aluminum, wood, and vinyl siding are safe surfaces to power wash, as are wood decks, asphalt or concrete driveways and sidewalks. If you don't own a power washer, you can rent one from your local home improvement center. Just avoid areas with caulking, like windows and doors, because you can strip some of the sealing. And as tempting as it may be to power wash your roof, don’t do it —  you may damage the shingles’ coating.  When you’re done, clean your windows inside and out with a great streak free window cleaning product or a vinegar-water solution. Avoid cleaning windows when they are in the direct sun, as they’ll dry too quickly and leave streaks.

2. Paint your front door and/or accent areas.

Paint is a quick and easy curb appeal booster. Instead of painting the entire exterior of your home (which can be quite costly), you can make a big impact just focusing on the trim, doors and shutters. Consider your home’s architecture, overall style, and the amount of natural light the doors and accent areas get before you commit to a color.  If your front door is under a large overhang, anything dark could just fade into the shadows – so you may want to take the opportunity to do something fun and bright.  Shades in the blue, gray, and green families are still very popular – but yellow, red, and black can make the strong impact that some homes are calling for. Want to keep it neutral? You can also consider sanding and staining with a rich, natural color.

2. Install a new storm door.

Many homes are fitted with inexpensive aluminum screen doors that hide an attractive entry door. Newer storm-door designs offer larger glass panels, sturdier frames, and more color choices. The average price of a new storm door is about $400. On the low end, basic-latch 4-inch-wide aluminum models cost around $100. High-end options include features such as thinner profiles, heavy-duty aluminum construction, keyed entries, beveled glass panels, and retractable screens will cost $400 or more.  Be sure to inquire about the cost of installation if this project is above your skill level.

3. Add new door hardware.

Replace your front door’s existing hardware with something new for a quick and noticeable upgrade. Choose a color that contrasts with your door’s paint color, such as black hardware on a white door or brass hardware on a black door. Take it a step further by adding a fun door knocker for guests to use when they come by.

5. Update your house numbers.

If your house has old or faded house numbers on it, purchase some new numbers for a quick and easy update. Choose a font that aligns with the architecture of your home but that is also distinctive enough to really grab the eye. Also remember to think about your finishes – in most cases you will want your new house numbers to match the finish that is on your exterior light fixtures, mailbox, etc. Simple house numbers can start at $2.00 for a number or you can look into customized plaques that can cost $50-$100.  Even if you’re not super handy, replacing the numbers is a quick and easy job that can be done in about half an hour or less.

6. Add some decor to your front door.

Embrace the power of a wreath and a doormat - two small details that can instantly make a house look like a home.  You can find wreaths that work for any season – intentionally choose seasonal elements if you want to change out your décor for frequently, or avoid seasonal cues if you want your look to last year round. Wreaths made from dried or preserved greens and florals add a nice level of sophistication, but there are many completely faux options that no one would believe are fake!  The layered doormat trend is a great opportunity to personalize your front door.  You can invest in a nice doormat and change out an outdoor rug underneath it for a nice seasonal update. Price for your wreath, doormat, and outdoor rug will vary based on the materials you choose and the size you want, but you should be able to secure all three for under $200.

7. Accentuate your windows.

Shutters are an easy way to accentuate the size of your windows. They make your windows look larger and add visual interest by disrupting a bland exterior wall. For maximum curb appeal, choose a shutter color that contrasts with your home’s color to really make them pop. A pair of two of raised-panel vinyl shutters at a home improvement center falls in the $50-$80 range, and they are available in several of the most popular home trim colors.

8. Update your exterior light fixtures.

Curb appeal doesn't end when the sun goes down. New light fixtures for your porch or entryway can do wonders to help update your home.  Pendants, sconces, flush mounts, OH MY!  When shopping for new exterior lighting, be sure to consider both the style of your home and the function of the lights. You will want the new lighting to complement the style of your home, but it also needs to adequately illuminate your entry and provide a feeling of safety and security to your home. New outdoor light fixtures come in a variety of price points, from ~$50 a piece for basic styles to $200-plus for more intricate designs. Look for fixtures that have the same mounting system as the current ones that you have to save yourself some time on the installation.

9. Stage outdoor furniture and decor smartly.

Too much outdoor furniture can clutter your home’s appearance, while too little can make it look scarce or neglected. Try to find a good balance somewhere in the middle, and be sure that all outdoor furniture you have is clean and in good condition. For small yards, think about putting in simple ceramic stools for seating and add some extra charm by setting up a small table with a pretty planter on the top. Outdoor furniture can be pricey, but you may have luck at second hand stores. Some new paint and fresh outdoor pillows can finish the project.

10. Light up your landscape.

Highlight pathways, trees, and landscaping with path lights, spot lights, or in ground well lights.  It’s an inexpensive way to highlight your home’s best attributes, improve safety and create dramatic effects for your home's nighttime appeal. For ease, choose solar lights with LED bulbs – with no wiring necessary, they are easily installed and are practically maintenance free. To create a natural glow and inviting exterior try to stick to lighting with warm-colored light bulbs.

11. Makeover your mailbox.

Swap out a dated mailbox with something more stylish. It’s a super relatively easy project to take on, and can make an understated but noticeable difference in your home’s curb appeal. When you install your mailbox, make sure that you are following the regulations that are set forth in the city that you live in. Depending on the type of mailbox that you need (i.e. a standing mailbox or one that’s attached to the wall), this project could be done in 30 minutes or take more like 2-4 hours. There are a wide range of mailboxes out there, but if you’re working on a tight budget you can pay as little as $25 if you only need a new mailbox without a post. If you need a new post (or want to buy a mailbox with a built-in post), expect to spend at least $100.

12. Get a healthy lawn

One of the least-expensive improvements you can make to improve curb appeal requires two simple steps: First, apply a weed-and-feed treatment to your lawn to ensure the grass has the soil nutrients it needs and doesn't have to compete with weeds. Second, sharpen your lawn mower blade regularly and cut the grass at or near the mower's tallest setting.

13. Freshen up trees, shrubs or mulch.

Put in small ornamental trees if you're preparing the house for sale soon. If you're staying put, think long-term and try oaks, maples, honey locust, or other large and strong species suitable for your region. Consider fast-growing species or small ornamental trees, such as pagoda dogwood, redbud, flowering pear, river birch, or Japanese maple; these can add dramatic interest without requiring years to get established. Boxwoods come in a fantastic variety of shapes and sizes, and are a hearty option – thriving in both full sun or light shade.  Add some fresh mulch or woodchips and it could look like you have brand new landscaping!

14. Add interest with container plants or flower boxes.

If your house is lacking color, try adding some container plants or flower boxes. Added flowers and greenery brings color and appeal to any home. Bringing a few potted plants to your front steps or porch can dramatically enhance the look of your home. Be sure to think about how flowers will work with your exterior paint colors.  If you plant pink flowers in containers next to a red door, you may end up with a Valentine’s day vibe that no one’s in love with. You can find nicely potted plants, like boxwoods in a planter, for less than $100, depending on height.  Pre-made wood or plastic window boxes cost between $50 and $100 each.

15. Disguise eyesores.

You can’t avoid having eyesores around your house. From garbage bins to air conditioning units, they’re easy to forget about after you’ve been looking at them for years. However, they will stand out like a sore thumb to new home buyers – and some of these eyesores may be relatively easy to hide or camouflage. Consider placing a small lattice fence or a side of paneling around your air conditioner, hide your hose in a pot or storage bench, or disguise an electrical box with some creative painting.

Final thoughts . . .