Curb Appeal on a Budget: 10 Ways to Create an Attractive Home Exterior
Want to squeeze out every extra dollar when selling a home in Pennsylvania? Be sure to explore some of these ideas for curb appeal on a budget.
5.34 million existing homes were sold in 2018. Whether you're hoping your home will join that statistic, or you just want to have a nice house, you need to focus on your curb appeal.But on average, it costs $15,000 for landscaping and front yard renovations. So what can you do to boost your curb appeal on a budget? Don't worry, we have some solutions.
Keep It Clean
As any realtor will tell you, keeping things clean is half the battle to making them look new and appealing.There are three areas in your curb appeal you should focus your attention to get the most out of your maintenance. These are your lawn, your siding, and your roof.Do what you can to make sure you have a nice lawn. Keep it maintained and free of clutter. If you have any outdoor furniture, make sure they're in good condition and season-appropriate.If you have kids, keep their toys out of the lawn, and if you have pets, make sure to regularly clean up after them. This alone can do a lot to boost your curb appeal.Secondly, you want to take care of your siding. Sometimes you can get away with power washing your siding to make it look like new. Even still, you should consider repainting it every few years to keep it looking new and fresh.Finally, make sure you're taking care of your roof. It should be clear of any debris like leaves or sticks, and you should keep an eye out for algae or molds that might dare to grow there.Not only will this boost your curb appeal, taking care of your roof will help it last longer. A well-maintained roof can help boost your home's appraisal too.
Take Care of Your Plants
If you have any landscaping or plants in your yard, take care of them. An ugly dead plant brings negative energy into your home and hurts your curb appeal.Trim your shrubs and cut dead branches off your trees.If you have a lawn, make sure to take care of it. When you get landscaping done, make sure you understand how to take care of each plant, and set aside time every week to tend to them.And on that note, you can always add some big potted plants to your front stoop to boost curb appeal too. But remember to take care of them or they'll work against you.
Consider a Statement Door
A statement door color catches the eye and makes your home look more intriguing. Plus repainting your door is pretty cheap, only a few hundred dollars at most.Consider how the color for your statement door acts with the rest of your home. If you generally have an appealing paint color, or your home is dynamic, then you can opt for a deeper, interesting color. The key is it shouldn't detract from the rest of your home.But if your house is a bit bland, a vibrant statement door can help it pop. Don't be afraid to be bold here.
Redo Your Walkway
With an armload of groceries, the last thing you want to do is trip over a loose brick in your walkway. If your walkway is starting to show its wear and tear, it may be a good idea to replace it.If it's in good condition, you may be able to power clean it, do some light maintenance, and maybe line it with solar lights or plants.Your walkway is the main path to your front door. It needs to say, "Welcome home."
Consider Repainting
If your siding is still in good condition but the color is a bit meh, you can probably get away with repainting it. You can save money by taking a DIY approach, but this will be more time-consuming.Or if there's wiggle room in your budget, you can always hire professionals and have it done as easy as that.
Get a New Porch Light
Light fixtures can change the entire feel of a room - or of your curb appeal. If your lighting is outdated, it's time to get a new one.If your lighting is particularly outdated, replacing the fixtures can make your home look years newer and much more stylish.
Expand Your Porch
A wider porch can attract more potential buyers and boost your curb appeal. But if you decide to do an add on, make sure to check if you need any permits for the expansion.Regulations vary from state to state and even from county to county. Unpermitted work can negatively impact your sell-price. If you have the budget and the time, a porch can be a great choice.
Upgrade Your Fence
The American dream is to have a big house with 2.5 kids and a white picket fence, right? That's a white picket, not a run down chainlink. So if your fence is looking a little worse for wear, consider upgrading.White picket fences might be appealing, or a big privacy fence can boost value.
Get Window Boxes
Window boxes are perfect for a fresh flower smell in the bathroom or an easy access herb garden in your kitchen. Or just a cute factor on the front of your house, window boxes can add a lot of value to your home's curb appeal.
Use These Tips to Boost Your Curb Appeal on a Budget
Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to live with unsatisfying curb appeal. These tips for curb appeal on a budget can help you boost your curb appeal without breaking the bank.Struggling to choose the right neighborhood for your new home? Don't worry, we got you covered. Check out our blog here!