The first thing we see when driving up to a home is its curb appeal. If your home is in need of a little ‘spruce up’ to change things up this season with these quick and easy tips. Not only are they practical, but they are small changes that will make a big impact!
1) Keep your yard in good shape – Greet your guests with color and greenery in decorative containers and beds. If you have any bare spots in your yard, fast-growing ground cover are ideal for those spots. Whether you’re looking to define your property line or for a way to provide more shade, consider adding planting trees and shrubs to your yard. Regularly watering, mowing and weeding your grass can help you combat browning, weeds and root issues during the hot months. These tips along with removing outdoor clutter in your yard can help you provide an inviting home atmosphere.
2) Paint your doors and shutters – Doors and shutters are often an overlooked accent of your home. You can give the exterior of your home a new look and feel by adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door and shutters. Consider bolder colors to make the front door of your home an inviting focal point. Glossy paints are ideal for doors because they help make architectural features stand out and tend to stand up to nicks and scrapes better than flat or eggshell paint, so your new look can last longer. Shutters add character to your windows. Applying a fresh coat of paint to your shutters can extend their life and improve their look. Pick a shutter color that complements your existing paint, siding or brick. Enjoy newfound charm without breaking the bank with these two exterior updates.
3) Inspect and repair your mailbox – When it comes to completing your front yard look, don’t overlook your mailbox. Frequently opening and closing of your box brings on normal wear and tear. Repairing or replacing your broken or weather-worn mailbox can help improve the look of your home’s exterior. Whether you prefer plastic, wood or iron-work to match the look and feel that you desire, it is important to ensure that your remounted or new mailbox conforms to U.S. Postal Service requirements for size, strength and quality of construction. Always keep the path to your mailbox clear for safe delivery and receipt of mail and added curb appeal.
4) Make your windows sparkle – You can extend the life of your windows by keeping them clean and functional. Regular window cleanings can help you spot potential problems like wood rot on window sills, sashes that are painted shut, damaged screens and insect nests. Removing dust and grime from your windows not only makes your home brighter but can also give it the curb appeal that you desire. Consider hiring a window cleaning service to safely clean hard-to-reach windows and help extend the window life of your home.
5) Add stylish, budget-friendly lighting to your home – Create the perfect ambiance for your home with outdoor lighting. Choices in decorative fixture style plus bulb color and light level can provide the curb appeal that you desire. Brighten your entryway, flood, lamppost, deck and motion-detector lighting using CFLs or LEDs in these fixtures to help save on energy costs. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. By replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR, you can save $75 each year and create the perfect backdrop for your home.
