What You Need To Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal

Whether you plan to sell your home or intend to stay in it for years to come, boosting your home's curb appeal can be important for increasing its value and making it a great place to live. Some may feel intimidated by the prospect of updating the outside of their home, or by upgrading it. While it can seem like a big task, the reality is that it doesn't necessarily have to be. There can be many simple ways to boost your home's curb appeal. If you are looking for some tips to help your home get noticed, or just to beautify it, here are some things to think about.

Consider Your Driveway

A nice driveway can be a big draw for potential buyers. It can also make your home more functional, in general, as well. Many may not think much about their driveway, or what it is made of whether, it is crushed asphalt or something else. That said, it can have a significant impact on your home's desirability, and its curb appeal, too.

If you have a driveway that is uneven or filled with potholes, it can be a good idea to fill them or to consider resurfacing your driveway. This can help your home look more put together and make your outdoor space safer.

Work On Your Sidewalks

Along with your driveway, you also need to think about any sidewalks on your property. While you may not have control over sidewalks just outside your property line, if you have paths or walks in your yard, maintaining them can make a difference in how your home looks. If tree roots are growing under your walkways, or they are significantly cracked you may want to look into replacing them. An uneven walkway can not only look unappealing but is more likely to lead to injuries. Making sure that your sidewalks and walkways are properly maintained can not only help to catch a potential buyer's eye but can help keep your family safe, too.

Fix Siding Issues

The state of your siding can have a lot to do with how good your home looks to potential buyers. Additionally, even if your siding is relatively new, if it is dirty or stained it can look older than it is. One of the first things you should do when it comes to siding is power wash it to remove any stains or debris. If there is any significant damage, like cracks or holes, these need to be addressed next. If your siding has significant damage overall or is very old, it may be beneficial to consider replacing it altogether.

Work On Your Yard

Having appealing yard space is another important factor in boosting your home's curb appeal. While mostly just your front yard will be on display, thinking about your back yard can be a good idea, when working to improve curb appeal.

The first thing to think about when it comes to your yard is your lawn, and what your grass looks like. Dead or patchy grass can cause your home to look unkempt and can drag your curb appeal down. Similarly, big patches of dirt without grass growing can also be unappealing. Taking some time to plant new grass may not seem like much, but it can have a big impact.

Along with this, it is also important to make sure that you mow your lawn regularly and ensure that it is free of weeds if you intend to sell your home. If your lawn becomes too long, it can look disheveled, and cause a potential buyer to think that the rest of your home is, too. Trimming hedges and shrubs can also help your home to appear more put-together and well-cared for.

Take Stock of Your Outbuildings

Your outbuildings can also affect your home's curb appeal, even if they are in the backyard. This can be particularly important if you have outbuildings that are falling down, or in serious need of repair. While extra buildings like detached garages and sheds would usually be seen as an asset, if they are falling down or appear hazardous, they may seem like a drawback more than anything else. A potential buyer will look at them and simply see another task or project that they will need to take on after they move in.

Because of this, you need to take stock of your outbuildings and how much value they actually bring to your property overall. If they have fallen into disrepair at all, then it is necessary for you to either consider fixing them or tearing them down.

Think About Overall Appearance

After you have worked on fixing the obvious issues that can impact your home's curb appeal, you will need to take some time to think about your home's overall appearance. Sometimes, even if you have taken care of all of the damage and other issues with your home, it may still not have a cohesive look that draws potential buyers in, or that allows your home to shine to its fullest potential.

One thing that can help your home look put-together is the proper landscaping. Some may not think that it makes a big difference, but even a few plants or shrubs can help tie your house together in a meaningful way.

Besides that, some other small touches that can make a big difference are your mailbox and your home numbers. House numbers in an updated font can be eye-catching, and a new mailbox can also help give your home a more polished look.

Some Parting Thoughts

There can be many reasons to want to boost your curb appeal, whether you are looking to sell your home quickly, or just want to get more enjoyment out of your home while you are living there. Even though improving the curb appeal can seem like a big task, it doesn't have to be. By taking things one step at a time and considering how your home looks overall you can craft the style of curb appeal that will truly help your home stand out.