Sprucing up your home’s exterior is a part of many homeowners’ home maintenance routine. Adding a seasonal flair to your home’s exterior is a great way to make a good first impression, whether you’re selling your home, or welcoming family and friends. While you’re spring cleaning, here are some ideas on how to improve your curb appeal in time for summer.
Fresh Coat of Paint
An easy place to start your DIY curb appeal project is with a fresh coat of paint. Painting the siding or the front door is the perfect opportunity to give your home a new look with a new colour.
When the siding or entry door doesn’t need repainting, how about the trim? Cleaning, repairing, and painting worn or damaged trim can make your home’s exterior appear new again.
Upgrade Fixtures and Hardware
Even when the exterior of your home is in good shape, it can seem outdated or a little uncared for if the lighting fixtures and hardware are dusty, damaged, or not as functional as they once were. Replace the lights on either side of the entry door with ones that complement its architectural style. Give your home a high-end feel with new hardware.
Replace your home’s address numbers with larger ones that can be easily seen from the street. Has that mailbox been hanging around for a while? Select a new one in a bold colour or constructed of a gleaming, shiny metal.
Add Colour to Your Landscaping
Improve curb appeal this summer by adding colour to your landscaping in a number of simple ways including:
- Window boxes
- Decorative planters
- Flowering shrubs
- Hanging baskets
Container gardens are another ideal way to make your landscaping more functional – you can grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers with minimal weeding, etc.
When it’s Time for New Gutters
If you will be replacing the gutters in the near future, consider gutter system options that will boost your curb appeal. Copper gutters will add an elegant look to your home. Seamless aluminum gutters can improve the aesthetics of a home’s exterior.
Or how about rain chains? Rain chains typically replace traditional downspouts. But they can also be added as decorative elements on their own or integrated into a pond, rock garden or another kind of landscaped area.
Perk up the Driveway
An oil-stained or tired-looking driveway can really impact your curb appeal. Get your driveway ready for summer by power washing the surface.
Does it need sealing? If water pools on the surface, there are noticeable cracks, or it’s warping/sinking, it might be time to seal the driveway.
Once the driveway has been cleaned or sealed, you can further improve its appearance by adding a border of stone or brick edging pavers. Both level and elevated pavers will give the driveway a clear, defined look, but elevated edging has the added bonus of helping prevent someone from accidentally driving on to the lawn.
