Your Spring Curb Appeal Guide
The weather has finally warmed up and spring has officially sprung. This time of year always makes us want to spruce up our homes—both inside and out—and creating a welcoming front entrance tops our to-do list. Not only is it the first thing guests notice about your home, but it also boosts your home's property value, making it a worthwhile investment. The good news is that making a good first impression doesn't require a complete overhaul — these five statement-making upgrades can be accomplished in a short period of time and willl perk up your home all summer long.
1. Repaint Your Front Door
A fresh coat of paint can transform your front door and provide a more welcoming entryway into your house. Or consider replacing it altogether with one that adds some personality. There are myriad ranges of colors, styles, and options, including doors with decorative glass. Adding a storm door with a glass design can also improve the entrance and provide better energy efficiency.
To paint the door, first remove it, lay it flat, and lightly sand it with a fine-grit sandpaper. Foam rollers work great for painting doors since they minimize runs and lap marks. You will still need to use a brush to work the paint into the doors design and crevices.
2. Add a Hanging Plant or Container Garden
Landscaping your entire front yard with plants and flowers can get very pricey—not to mention, time-consuming—but when strategically placed, even just one planter can boost your home's curb appeal. To maximize the planter's impact, hang it right beside your front door so guests can't miss it when they ring the bell. Rather than pot multiple small plants, transplant them into one large planter to really make a statement. An added bonus: You'll only have one container to water. Alternatively, invest in two eye-catching pots to flank your front door. Then fill them with blooms that will last for months, such as decorative grasses, to get the most for your money.
3. Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting
Lights that lead to your entryway and welcome guests after dusk while also increasing their safety. Soft exterior lighting also makes your home appear more inviting and friendly, and it can emphasize landscaping and any other features you want to call out to anyone approaching your front door. Plus, the lights improve security by reducing dark spots near your house.
Solar lights are perfect for sidewalks and paths since they don’t require running electrical cable or the use of extension cords and they are easy to install—just stick them in the ground. They provide a pleasant ambiance that’s not too bright. Most solar lights have a run time of at least 6 hours.
4. Install New Garage Doors
Garage doors don't have to be drab or purely functional. Because they have such a commanding presence, upgrading to a garage door with a vibrant color or engaging design can dramatically improve the way your home looks. The doors are available in wood, steel, or fiberglass in a wide range of styles and colors. You can even get window treatments in your garage door that match the windows in your house. If you have an old, dilapidated garage door, replacing it can also improve your energy efficiency—modern garage doors are better insulated. They're also stronger, which enhances home safety.
5. Cut Back Trees and Bushes
It doesn't matter how attractive your home is if no one can see it. Trees, branches, and shrubs can obscure your home's features and make it seem dark and uninviting. Plus, trees that rub against your house can damage your siding, limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive, and offer a bridge to squirrels, mice, and other critters that want to get onto your roof or under your siding.
Rent or buy a chain saw to trim back tree branches, and use a hedge trimmer to tame your bushes. Cut away anything covering a window or touching your house. Well-manicured trees and shrubs compliment a healthy green lawn.
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