Upgrading Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Simple DIY Projects

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

When it comes to selling your home, the first impression is crucial. The exterior of your house, often referred to as curb appeal, can make or break potential buyers' decisions. A well-maintained and visually appealing exterior can significantly increase the value and attractiveness of your property. In this article, we will explore simple DIY projects that can enhance your home's curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Understanding Curb Appeal

Curb appeal refers to how your home looks from a quick glance. It is the first impression that potential buyers get when they drive by or walk up to your house. Research has shown that homes with better curb appeal sell for 7% more than those without, and they often sell faster with more competing offers. Therefore, investing time and effort into improving your home's curb appeal is a wise decision.

Evaluating Your Home

Before you start any DIY project, it's essential to evaluate your home's current state. Take a walk around your property and observe it from different angles. Note down what needs attention and what could use a revamp. For example, if you notice missing shingles on your roof or overgrown bushes in the front yard, these are immediate concerns that need addressing. On the other hand, painting a worn-out fence might not be necessary maintenance but can still boost your curb appeal.

Planning and Prioritizing

Once you have identified the areas that need improvement, it's time to plan and prioritize. Make a list of what you hope to accomplish, your budget, and timeline. Tackling deferred maintenance should always take priority. For instance, if you have broken house numbers or an old mailbox, these should be replaced first. Then, focus on what can give your home the most significant gain in terms of curb appeal.

DIY Projects for Enhanced Curb Appeal

Here are some simple and effective DIY projects that can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal:

1. Painting the Front Door

One of the easiest ways to improve curb appeal is by painting the front door. A fresh coat of paint can make a significant difference in how your home looks from the outside. According to a 2018 study by Zillow, painting the door black or charcoal can increase the resale value of your home by $6,271 more than expected. Here’s how you can paint your front door:

• Choose a Color: Select a color that complements your home's existing brick or siding. Bright and popular colors like red, blue, or yellow can turn your home from drab to fab.
• Prepare the Door: Clean the door thoroughly and remove any hardware like door knobs or knockers.
• Apply Primer (Optional): If your door has a glossy finish, apply a primer to ensure better paint adhesion.
• Paint the Door: Use high-quality exterior paint specifically designed for doors. Apply short brush strokes to ensure good coverage, then run the brush back over an entire section in one long stroke to help reduce brush marks.
• Add a Second Coat: Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat for a durable lasting finish.
• Reinstall Hardware: Once the paint is fully dry, reinstall any hardware you removed.

2. Landscaping and Gardens

Landscaping is usually the most important part of good curb appeal. Here are some tips for enhancing your lawn and gardens:

• Remove Overgrown Bushes: Overgrown bushes can make your yard look smaller and less appealing. Remove them and replace them with more manageable plants like hostas or peonies.
• Add Mulch: Refreshing the mulch around your plants can add a wow factor to your yard. Choose a color that complements your plants and garden beds.
• Plant Hardy Perennials: You don’t need to plant award-winning rose bushes to have good curb appeal. Pick a few types of hardy perennials that are native to your area. These plants are low maintenance and will bloom beautifully throughout the seasons.

3. Pressure Washing the Front Walkway

A dirty front walkway can give a negative impression of your home. Pressure washing is an easy way to clean it up:

• Rent or Buy a Pressure Washer: You can rent a pressure washer for small jobs like this or buy one if you plan on doing more outdoor cleaning projects.
• Prepare the Area: Clear any debris from the walkway before starting.
• Clean the Walkway: Use the pressure washer to clean the entire walkway, paying special attention to any stubborn stains or dirt buildup.

4. Installing Bulb Lights and Solar-Powered Lawn Lights

Adding lighting to your porch or yard can give it a beautiful glow and highlight your landscaping:

• Install Bulb Lights: Use string lights or individual bulb lights around your porch or yard. These can be hung from trees or placed along walkways.
• Use Solar-Powered Lawn Lights: Solar-powered lawn lights are an eco-friendly option that adds a dramatic spotlight to your trees without needing electricity.

5. Upgrading Old Hardware

Outdated hardware like door knobs can detract from your home's curb appeal. Here’s how you can upgrade them:

• Choose New Hardware: Select hardware that fits the rest of your home’s aesthetic. For example, if you have antique door knobs, consider using an appropriate cleanser to give them a nice shine.
• Install New Hardware: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing new hardware.

6. Adding Window Boxes and Trellises

Window boxes and trellises are easy to install and can add another splash of landscaping to your home:

• Install Window Boxes: These are fairly easy to install and can be filled with flowers or herbs. Choose colors that complement your house.
• Add Trellises: Trellises provide additional space for climbing plants like ivy or roses. They also add visual interest to your yard.

7. Replacing Outdated Mailbox and House Numbers

Outdated mailboxes and house numbers can make your home look old-fashioned. Here’s how you can replace them:

• Choose New Mailbox: Select a mailbox that fits the rest of your home’s aesthetic. For example, if you have a modern house, choose a sleek mailbox.
• Replace House Numbers: Choose a font that fits the rest of your home’s aesthetic or stands out from your neighbors.

8. Adding Seasonal Wreaths and Potted Flowers

Seasonal wreaths on your front door or potted flowers can add more color to your home:

• Choose Seasonal Wreaths: Add wreaths during major holidays like Christmas or Halloween. These can be made from natural materials like pinecones or dried flowers.
• Plant Potted Flowers: Choose flowers that are easy to care for and bloom throughout the seasons. These can be placed on your porch or yard.

9. Improving Your Lawn

A lush green lawn is an eye-catcher for potential buyers:

• Put in Grass Seed: If your grass looks dry and sad, consider putting in grass seed. Water it regularly until it takes root.
• Maintain Regularly: Regularly mow your lawn, water it, and fertilize it to keep it looking its best.

Conclusion

Enhancing your home's curb appeal doesn't have to cost thousands of dollars. With these simple DIY projects, you can significantly improve how your home looks from the outside without breaking the bank. Remember to evaluate your home first, plan and prioritize your projects, and focus on key visible elements like your lawn and front door. By following these tips, you can make a lasting first impression on potential buyers and increase the value of your property.

In conclusion, upgrading your home's curb appeal is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating an inviting and welcoming environment that showcases the best of what your home has to offer. Whether you're selling your home or just want to enhance its appearance, these DIY projects are sure to make a difference. So grab a brush, pick some flowers, and get started on making your home stand out from the crowd