Easy and Affordable Tips to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal
Simple Changes for a Stunning Home Exterior?
Improving your home's curb appeal doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips to make your home look great and increase its value.
Spruce Up Your Yard
A tidy yard with a manicured lawn, fresh mulch, and trimmed shrubs can make a big difference. Replace overgrown bushes with leafy plants and colorful flowers. Use dark or reddish-brown bark mulch around bushes and trees for a rich, polished look. Define garden beds, pull weeds, and plant a few geraniums in pots for added charm.
Keep your lawn healthy by using lawn food and watering regularly. Fix bare spots with seeds or sod, eliminate crabgrass, and mow consistently. According to the National Association of REALTORS?, professional lawn maintenance can offer an impressive 217% return on investment.
Give Your House a Good Wash
Before tackling any paint jobs or planting, clean the exterior of your house. Use a bucket of soapy water and a long-handled, soft-bristled brush to scrub away dirt and mildew from the siding. Power washers (rental costs: $100 to $250 per day) can reveal the true color of your walkways and siding.
Don't forget to clean your windows, wipe cobwebs from eaves, and hose down downspouts. If dirt on your garage door won't budge, use a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. A professional cleaning crew can get the job done quickly but will cost around $150 to $300.
Upgrade Your Mailbox and House Numbers
An attractive mailbox and new house numbers can make your home stand out. High-quality mailboxes range from $20 to $2,000, while a hand-painted mailbox costs about $50. If a new mailbox isn't in your budget, refresh your old one with paint and new numbers.
Decorative house numbers and address plaques are widely available and affordable, ranging from $10 to $222. These small upgrades can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal.
Freshen Up the Paint
One of the best ways to boost curb appeal is by painting the exterior of your home. Buyers and appraisers notice fresh paint immediately. Painting a 3,000-square-foot home can cost between $360 and $1,600 for paint alone, plus $20 to $50 per hour for labor.
Stick to your current color to avoid standing out too much. Bold colors might not appeal to everyone and can affect your home's value.
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Add Some Color
A touch of color can attract potential buyers. Plant tulips in the fall for a spring bloom, or add pansies around your mailbox. Place a brightly colored bench or chair on your front porch. Painting your front door a bold color like red or blue can also add a cheerful touch.
Keep Up With Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial. Sagging gutters, missing bricks, or peeling paint can set off alarm bells for potential buyers. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
Install or Fix Fences
A picket fence with a garden gate can add visual appeal and value to your home, especially in family-oriented neighborhoods. A professionally installed fence can cost between $1,600 and $2,200.
If you already have a fence, ensure it's clean and in good condition. Repair broken gates and tighten loose latches.
Repair the Roof
The condition of your roof is one of the first things buyers notice. Missing or faded shingles can detract from your home's value. If your neighbors have new roofs, yours will look especially dated.
Investing in a new roof can provide a 100% return on investment, with the national median cost being about $12,000. If your roof is in decent shape but dirty, hire a professional to clean it for $300 to $1,400.
Improving your home's curb appeal with these simple tips can increase its value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Happy home enhancing!
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