You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and “curb appeal” is all about first impressions. Curb appeal is both real and imagined. It is both the general attractiveness of your home from the outside, but curb appeal also has a real monetary affect on your home. Both definitions lead to one basic idea. Curb appeal is all about desirability. Put another way, when people see your home from the road, do they want it?
It’s not necessary to be in the market to sell your home to think about curb appeal. Why should the outside of your home be reserved for other people, and why should it only matter when you are about to leave? Every day when you come home from work, that feeling of pride you get when you pull into the driveway – curb appeal is one reason for that feeling.
But enough about feelings. Let’s get practical. What can you do to raise the curb appeal of your home? Here are some simple, relatively inexpensive, ways to be sure your new home gets the attention it deserves.
1. Go Green
No, we’re not plugging solar panels. Think more old school. Plants! Nicely potted plants can add depth to your home’s exterior. Focus on some identical, affordable planters, and you’ll be amazed what a difference a few plants can make.
2. Style Meets Concrete
Those concrete sidewalks weren’t a bad idea. They could just use a little TLC. Stained and scored concrete looks like tile, is extremely durable and can make a dramatic difference to your exterior entryway.
3. Light It Up
Outdoor lighting doesn’t have to be crazy expensive to make a dramatic difference on your after-dark curb appeal. A well-lit home is not only much better to look at, it is safer for you. Don’t be in the dark. Find some stylish porch lights and sidewalk accents to keep your home looking good for prime time.
4. A Cool Front
Yes, it’s obvious. No, this list could not exist without including the front door paint job as one of those essential parts of curb appeal. Vibrant colors are definitely in right now, but there are as many options for front doors as there are house plans. There’s no excuse for a boring front door.
5. The Blank Canvas
Garage doors are big, and they take up a lot of space that could be filled with curb-appeal eye candy. The solution is simple. Spiff up that giant garage door. Try a new paint job. Add some hardware just for looks and make something impress for less than the cost of lunch. Get creative. There’s plenty of room to experiment.
Curb appeal is important, and so is getting exactly what you want when you build a new home. Inside and out, design your home to make you feel proud and happy every time you return. For great advice on curb appeal and home building, call the experts at United Built Homes. We’re ready to help you get exactly what you want out of your next (or first) home.
