A house’s aesthetics are important to homeowners and onlookers alike. If your home is appealing on the outside, passersby will be curious about what's on the inside--making you the talk of the block.
On the other hand, if your house lacks charm on a drive-by, people will assume the inside also does.
Here's how you can create the ideal curb appeal to attract the neighbor's gaze in a positive way.
Why Visual Appeal Matters
People see the exterior of your home before they see anything else, which means they can easily make snap judgments about what's inside before crossing the threshold.
Your house's curb appeal will dictate how most of the neighborhood experiences your property. Think of it like this – your neighbors are judging you. They know who you are before ever meeting you, simply because of your yard.
Did you know homes with professional listing photos sell 30% faster? Find out more here!
1. Update Older Yellowed Windows
Yellowing windows are a significant drawback to your home's outdoor aesthetics. If your windows are older, thin, and yellowing, it's time to update them. Not only do older windows look unpleasant, but they risk your home's safety in a storm and make your HVAC system work overtime to keep up with the needs of any air leaks they can cause.
If the windows are newer and leaking, look into a window sash replacement instead! These replacements will allow you to save some money while making your home's exterior much more alluring.
2. Replace An Aged Roof
How old is your roof? The average roof lasts thirty to fifty years, but a poorly made one won’t survive that long. To complicate matters, an older and unattractive roof detracts from your home's charm.
Older roofs offer the possibility of leaks; they put pressure on your HVAC system, and the curling and discoloration are an eyesore. One way to boost your roof's curb appeal is to look into whatever types of concrete roof tiles catch your eye and then make an update that will last.
3. Revamp Your Porch
Your porch doesn’t affect the health of the interior of your home very much, but it plays a significant role in curb appeal. It's important to transform your porch into a welcoming and attractive space! This can mean repainting, adding stylish furniture and lights, or even updating minor details like your house numbers and welcome mat.
Your porch should entice guests to come inside. It's the first impression company will have of your home, and you want them to see your place as charming and welcoming. If you're unsure where to start, pick a paint color that's in style, and then go from there!
4. Check the Quality of Your Siding
Siding can pull a lot of weight when it comes to the attractiveness of our properties. Not only does the color of your siding decide how people will describe your property, but it also sets the bar on how insulated your home is, how safe from storms and moisture it is, and so much more.
Whether you like horizontal or vertical siding on a house, it's important to consider the health of what's on your property right now. Is it bowing? Discolored? Cracked? Check the siding and make sure it can handle whatever's thrown at it.
5. Add Visual Interest to Your Landscaping
The visual interest of your home can hinge greatly on how healthy and abundant the greenery is! This is the cheapest fix that will allow you to make something gorgeous if you know what you're doing.
To create lasting outdoor beauty, consider the following tips.
Use native and local plant life that can survive in your area without constant watering.
Choose colors and types of plants you find visually appealing and fun.
Keep the lawn cut, edged, and green if it's grass.
Adding pavers for landscaping can also help break up areas.
Want more easy ideas for increasing your home’s value? We’ve got you covered.
Mistakes to Avoid
Although a lot can go right when updating your property, more can go wrong. When updating your property, you must make every choice possible to keep it going the right way.
This means don't rush the project. Not only would rushing the projects leave you lacking your desired curb appeal, but it also opens you up to having to make expensive corrections.
Above all else, don't invest too much money. Never spend more than 20% of your home's value on any part of your home, including the exterior. If you're making too many updates, the property value won't be able to keep up with it, and you could be facing a major loss.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Your property deserves to catch the eyes of every passerby! Your home is your biggest asset, and you should always treat it with love and care. If it looks inviting and appealing on the outside, you’ll be so much more satisfied every time you go inside. Whether this is an older home, you're giving a new life, or you're trying to fix a more contemporary property that needs some love, these updates are the changes it could use.
Looking to update your home to sell it in Virginia Beach? Start with a free strategy call with CGP to make sure you’re on track to make the maximum profit.
Ryan Shure is an editor for the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.