Home Remodeling Tip: Curbside Appeal

Creating Curbside Appeal
on a Budget

home remodeling articles and tips

There are many simple and low-cost updates that can be done to the outside of your home in order have your home look more appealing and increase the potential value of your home.

Start with a few simple tasks to improve what you have already. Here are some improvements to get you started and all you need are a few cleaning products.

Wash windows - It may seem like such a small task and one that is easily overlooked, but once the windows are clear and shiny, it will make such a difference.

Power wash siding and porch areas - You can rent a power washer at your local hardware store and spend a few hours getting rid of the old dirt and grim that has been building up on your siding and your front porch. If you feel inspired, power wash your sidewalk and driveway to get rid of oil stains and other dirt. Just make sure you know what level of water pressure is right for the job, so you do not damage anything.

Clean out gutters - With the changing of seasons, debris really gets stuck in gutters and should be cleaned out at least twice a year. After the gutters are free from debris, give them a good scrub.

When it comes to your yard, there are quite a few ways to improve your landscaping and lawn to make your house look more attractive.

Lawn care - Fertilize your lawn up to four times a year, once per season. This will cut down on the amount of weeds in the lawn and feed your lawn the nutrients in needs in order for it to be green and lush throughout the year. For those pesky weeds, find weed killer and put a permanent stop to that crab grass. But make sure you purchase a weed killer that kills only weeds and not your grass.

Edge sidewalks, driveways, and around landscaping - Having that finished look, really showcases the lawn you are maintaining and any flowers, plants and shrubs you may have.

Remove weeds and grasses that may be growing in between the cracks of the sidewalk.

Trim shrubs and trees - If your shrubs and trees seem to be growing out of control, more than likely they are taking away the beauty of your home. Trim branches from your trees, and cut back and form your shrubs. Not only will it tidy up the look of your yard, but the focus will come back onto your house and the shrubs and trees will act as decorative accents. Remember you don't want to overcrowd your yard with plants, flowers, shrubs and trees, you just want to add enough to draw the eye up to your home. Try planting flowers up the walkway to your home. Have potted urns of flowers on each side of your porch. The point of landscaping is to draw the eye up towards the house.

Just with a few simple and easy tasks, your house will stand out and will give you the confidence to perhaps complete larger do-it-yourself projects to further add more curb appeal to your home. You may even inspire a few neighbors to spruce up their property and maybe after all is said and done, have them over for a cool glass of lemonade and some delicious appetizers served on your Noritake colorwave dinnerware. Then everyone can truly enjoy their fruit of their labor.