Whether you’re selling your house or just want to come home to an attractive exterior every day, beautifying the street-facing elements of your property can be a fun and rewarding project. Set yourself up for success by identifying the major areas you want to work on and why.
Start With the Entry
The first thing the eye is drawn to on any home is the main entrance. One of the quickest and cheapest ways to instantly transform this space is to paint the front door a bright, appealing color. You can also go for a full replacement but this requires a bigger investment and handyman expertise. Replacing just the doorknob rather than the full door can make an impact without breaking the bank. Houses with street-facing garages will also benefit from updates to the garage door. If you’re looking for garage door inspiration, consider how the colors and textures will tie in the rest of your upgrades.
Liven Up Your Lawn
According to a university study, landscaping can increase a home’s selling price by up to 11 percent. If your goal is to get the most bang for your buck on your sale, focus on the areas of the exterior that will be the most enticing to buyers. Professional landscaping may be worth the price if the bump in profit offsets the cost of paying someone to do the work for you. Smaller DIY projects like filling in mulch, weeding flowerbeds and adding colorful annuals can spruce things up on a budget. Upgrades that improve functionality or reflect your personal tastes are likely more important if you’re staying in the home.
Don’t Forget the Features
Small details add up. A fresh doormat and a color-coordinated wreath can bring a new feel to dull entry. Peeling paint on an ancient mailbox can be an instant eyesore as well as an easy fix. Look out for the little things and clean up or replace where you can. House numbers are a fun area to personalize but remember to choose highly visible colors and sizing. Go with your preferences but remember that the delivery driver still needs to be able to find your house in the dark.
Create Inviting Outdoor Living Space
Even if you don’t have a front porch, a well-placed outdoor bistro set or a few patio chairs can create a small sitting area in your front yard. If you’re lucky enough to have a large porch or deck consider adding a swing or a matching outdoor furniture set. Don’t forget fixtures or string lights. The right exterior lighting can make for magical evenings and safer trips up the stairs on late nights. Motion sensing lights don’t have to be ugly and are often solar-powered, eliminating the need for outdoor outlets and unsightly cords.
Giving your home a facelift can increase its value and improve your experience living in it. Make improvements based on your needs, whether they’re resale focused or functional. Either way, creating a beautiful entry has its rewards.
