5 Cheap ways to improve Kerb appeal
We wanted to share with you 5 Cheap ways to improve the exterior of your home and create curb appeal:
5 Cheap ways to improve Kerb appeal First Impressions are everything and many people believe that their home is an extension of themselves. Therefore, adding curb appeal to your home and improving the exterior should be high on the list of your home improvement priorities. There are dozens of small, inexpensive home improvements that you can do to up your home's curb appeal to give your house an attractive finished look that you can be proud of.
1. Landscaping/ Lawn:
Spend a little time each week ensuring that your lawn, flowerbeds, drive and pathways are free of weeds, fallen leaves and other debris. Choose flowers and shrubs that fit in with your maintenance level; most flowering plants will need feeding and de-heading in order to keep them blooming and most are seasonal, so will need replacing once their flowering season is over.
If you know that you don’t have the time for this level of upkeep then perhaps consider self-propagating ground cover, such as ivy or ferns, both of which require minimal upkeep with the odd trim. Potted plants and/or hanging baskets framing your front door are an easier and less time consuming way to add colour and vibrancy to the front of your home if you don’t have time to maintain an entire flowerbed. Also ensure you mow and edge your lawn on a regular basis and declutter your garden by clearing away any toys or tools left out after use.
Landscaping can make the difference between selling and not selling you home
2. Driveway:
Consider hiring a power washer to remove any stubborn stains, dirt and mildew from your driveway, patio areas and pathways. General dirt builds up over time and a power washer is the perfect way to make your concrete slabs look as good as new.
Keeping these areas clean hinders rot, decay and premature aging of the home, so in the long run regularly using a power washer not only makes your house look good, it can save you money too. For weeds that are growing between crack lines and are difficult to remove by hand, use a weed control spray to kill them off.
If you have a garage then use it to park your car, not only is it safer for your vehicle but a clean, clear drive creates a spacious feel to your property.
A simple clean will make a positive impact
3. Paint:
This is still the best way to get the most wow factor for your money. Spring is a great time to get the paintbrushes out and freshen your exterior paintwork. Be sure to remove any cobwebs and dirt before you start, as preparation is key to a professional job.
Your front door and door trim is probably the most important, as that is exactly where visitors head to and get a close up view whilst waiting for you to answer your door. If you have wooden windows/shutters then these will need repainting also.
If the exterior walls of your house are painted then be sure to start repainting them when you have enough time to finish the entire job, as paint will fade with time and trying to even out different shades of paint can be time consuming and frustrating. Also, treat and paint any fences and other woodwork, such as trellis’ and birdhouses, as nothing screams ‘unloved’ as much as old, faded, rotting wood.
Adding a little colour to you home can make a big difference
4. Windows, fascia and gutters:
If you haven’t already, then consider using a window cleaner, as most are excellent value for money as they have the tools to do a great job in very little time and don’t tend to charge the earth. Ask your window cleaner, to also wipe down any PVC window frames, your fascia and to clear out your gutters now and again too. Most will do this for a small extra charge and it will only need doing every couple of months.
Ensure that you keep on top of the inside of your windows, as it pointless if the outside is gleaming but there are sticky fingerprints all over the insides. Try and keep your windowsills inside clutter free and place an interesting ornament or a vase with fresh flowers on your sill that can be seen from outside.
5. Outdoor Décor:
Think about buying a house nameplate or number or repainting or polishing an existing one. Not only do they make your home look better, but they also help visitors and delivery drivers find you more easily. Little touches like a pretty mailbox or new door furniture, a nice doormat, outdoor lighting all help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere to your home.
The exterior of your home doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to look great. Be creative, use decor ideas which suit your neighbourhood and the age and period of your home. A clean, well maintained exterior will give your home a loved and cared for feel creating curb appeal and improving the value of your home.
