6 Ways To Increase Curb Appeal

6 Ways To Increase Curb Appeal

For San Diego homeowners, the gorgeous weather you experience year-round means that when thinking about home improvements you can never go wrong tackling the exterior of the house. Because San Diego residents are able to spend so much time outside, whether the improvements are for resale or for your own enjoyment, you will almost always add value to your home by increasing your curb appeal. Here are six improvements that will help your home make a great first impression all year long.

1. Refresh the Roof

The roof may not be the most exciting home improvement, but its appearance makes a huge impact your home’s value and curb appeal. If your roof is structurally sound, you can improve its appearance with a good cleaning. However, if your roof is old or beyond repair, replacing the roof will be a good investment. Although pricing depends greatly on the material used and the pitch of the roof, a basic shingle roof can cost anywhere between $4,500 and $10,000.

2. Repair the Driveway

Fix any cracks or stains in your driveway. The driveway is a large part of the first impression, so even if you have a beautifully maintained home, a dingy driveway can devalue the whole property. A concrete driveway, while more expensive than asphalt, can last up to 40 years with proper maintenance. The average cost is $7 to $10 per square foot.

3. Pressure Wash the Exterior

Pressure washing is an easy and affordable way to make a big difference in your home’s appearance. Take the pressure washer to dirty siding, driveway, decks, and walkways. You can rent a pressure washer from any home improvement store.

4. Landscape with Color

Tasteful and colorful landscaping can transform the exterior of a home. Choose plants suited for San Diego’s climate. Succulents, like blue agave or aloe, require little water and add a beautiful shape to the landscape. Bright ground cover plants such as rosemary and verbenas also do well in the San Diego climate. Even potted plants and window planters add curb appeal.

5. Freshen Paint

A bright new paint job will present a welcoming exterior. The cost of house painting depends not just on the size of the home, but also on the amount of prep work the painters will need to do before painting. If you don’t want to paint the entire house, put a fresh coat of paint on the shutters, trim, and the front door to freshen up your home’s appearance.

6. Install a Privacy Fence

Fence installation will not only add privacy and security for you and your family, but it also adds resale value to the home. In areas like San Diego where people are looking for indoor/outdoor living spaces, a privacy fence is especially appealing. Although you’ll want to get several estimates for the fencing cost before hiring a professional, in general, a wooden privacy fence will cost around $20/per foot for materials and $45/hour for labor.

After tackling big projects like the fence or roof, don’t overlook small details that can also add to the curb appeal of your home. If your house numbers are not easily visible or are outdated, replace them with a new set of numbers that match the style and color of your home. Add solar lighting to walkways leading into your house. Replace or refresh your mailbox with a coat of paint that matches your home’s trim. Add tall planters on either side of your entryway to create a welcoming entrance. All of these small changes can make a huge impact on your home’s overall appearance.

 Here are Some Other Articles Related to Your Search:

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• How to Add More Curb Appeal to Your Home Today
• Ideas for Boosting Your Exterior Home Appeal