How to improve the curb appeal of your home and impress guests

Curb appeal is essential for any property, making it easier to sell a home quickly or simply impress the guests who have visited you over the years. Kerb appeal can be tricky to get right and may require extra work and investment for the aesthetic to pay off. You'll also need to consider the message you're trying to send guests. Do you want your home to be cozy, inviting, sleek, sophisticated, luxurious, and impressive? 

Much of what you decide to do to your home's exterior will depend on your personal preferences, but your lifestyle may also make a difference. For instance, if you sometimes conduct business from home, it could help to ensure that your home exterior helps show strength and professionalism.  

Keep Paint Touched Up 

Nothing like old, flaking, or patchy paintwork can give a negative impression of your home. All kinds of things can impact the paintwork of your property, from choosing the wrong type of paint to weather to general wear and tear. Taking care to keep on top of the appearance of any painted exterior parts is critical to maintaining high curb appeal. Consider supporting a few pots of the paint you use on hand when the exterior needs a touch-up. 

Reduce Clutter 

While clutter may not accumulate as quickly in the garden as in the home, it can still give a negative impression on guests and be detrimental to your mood. A few outdoor features can be excellent to provide the exterior character, but you should avoid going too far with outdoor additions. A few potted plants and other décor items can be ideal. It is also best to ensure that the kids put their toys away after using the garden.  

Use Effective Lighting 

It would be best if you light up the exterior of your home for the safety of visitors in the evenings. A classic and timeless choice is a lantern-style light for the side of your front door. You could also consider installing lighting to guide guests along the path or driveway, mainly if your garden isn't very well illuminated by street lighting.  

Select The Right Front Door 

Your front door is the centerpiece of the entire property exterior, so you should choose it carefully. It is the first thing guests will see when they visit your home and vigorous defense against the elements and intruders. Looking for a well-made door with a high-quality lock would be best. You should also select quality hardware that gives your door character and uniqueness. This includes the handle, knocker, and keyhole.  

Install Housing For The Bins 

Having the bins on display is another thing that can give guests a less-than-favorable impression of your home. Installing housing for the containers can be an excellent way to get around this issue and ensure that the exterior of your home looks neat and tidy. Simple wooden housing is popular, as it will withstand all types of weather and prevent your bins from being damaged or tipping off in bad weather.  

Choose The Right Doormat 

A doormat can be a great way to add a welcoming touch or a bit of humor when greeting guests. You could choose the classic 'welcome' mat or look for something with a pun or joke if humorous is the way you want to go. You could also look for an option that adds a bit of color or playfulness, mainly if yours is a family home with young children.  

Upgrade Your Windows 

Quality windows can make an excellent impression on visitors and be a great way to boost your home's energy efficiency. It would be best if you chose a quality double-glazing window installer with a wide range of window styles to suit the aesthetic you hope to achieve. Everest is an excellent double-glazing window installer, and you can read more about the benefits of Everest windows from the experts over at the Federation of Master Builders.  

Repave Your Driveway 

Your driveway will need to be large enough to accommodate the guests you hope to host over the years. It will also need to be tidy, weed-free, and undamaged to give guests an excellent first impression. Getting your driveway repaved can be a perfect way to breathe new life into the feature and ensure that you continue providing a good image for years to come.  

Grow Seasonal Plants 

No home exterior would be complete without plants. There are so many options to choose from that it may feel a little daunting, so it is a good idea to start small. You could begin with some hanging baskets or potted plants on either side of the door.  

Grow some plants that will thrive throughout the year, providing a splash of color around the door year-round. Once you've found your green thumb, you could landscape your front garden in a way that displays colorful blooms all year round to delight your guests.  

Choose A Color Other Than White 

Choosing a bright pop of color for your home's exterior accents can be a great way to show your personality. This could be windows, door frames, or any cladding you choose to install. The color you choose will depend on the look you're hoping to achieve. This could be bright, playful colors or darker, dramatic options.  

Brighter colors may not be ideal for selling your home, where you want to ensure that visitors can envisage themselves living in your home. If you're boosting curb appeal for selling, it is a good idea to stick to neutral colors like greys.  

Display Your House Number Clearly 

Not displaying the house number clearly can be a significant downside for first-time guests at your home. Showing your house number clearly can make it easier for people to find you and give you a chance to show some creative flare.  

There are many options for house numbers, so you will find one that looks beautiful with the overall exterior décor. If there isn't excellent street lighting, you could also consider illuminating the house number to make it even easier for guests to find.  

Include A Garden Path 

Many people feel they need to choose between a garden path and a driveway, but if your front garden is large enough, why not spring for both? A drive can be tricky to navigate as it is when cars are parked on it, so including a path can be great for guests who arrive on foot. You could make it a bit whimsical by paving a meandering way down the garden or choosing something creative like a mosaic design.  

Get The Gutters Cleaned Regularly 

Clogged gutters can lead to all kinds of problems for your home, ranging from leaks to bad smells to nesting birds. Keeping your gutters clean and debris free will protect the structure of your home and deter any animals or birds from trying to make the gutter and roof space their home. Clean gutters will carry excess water off your roof correctly, preventing damage over time and keeping your home exterior looking beautiful.  

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