Everyone wants a home that stands out, especially when it comes time to sell. This situation is the most critical moment to have a home that sets itself apart in the marketplace. It’s also the time you want to find practical advice on increasing your home’s value without breaking the budget.
But why wait until you plan to leave your home to spruce it up and enjoy it? Taking care of these little things as you go can significantly ease the burden of repairs and updates when readying your home for sale. Update it now with simple and inexpensive home improvements that add value and increase the welcoming appeal of your home every day.
1. Fresh Paint
This tip is obvious yet underrated: A fresh coat of paint does wonders for a home's look and feel. Removing faded paint sends the message that your home is fresh and well-maintained. Start with a good power-washing for a clear picture of your home’s paint and siding condition, thenconsider a paint job if your home could use a new look.
Watch all exterior facia and other wooden areas, such as decorative shutters, for signs of rotting, paint peeling, or other evidence of aging. If the paint is in good condition and appealing overall, concentrate on the accent areas for easy color updates that can go a long way to making the whole exterior look well cared for and refreshed.
Plus, a home's paint color really does play a part in home value. Experts say neutral, light colors help retain or improve home value. If you are gearing up for a home sale in the near future, check with reliable references to learn more about which colors and styles are popular in your current market.
2. Siding Upgrades
Installing all-new siding can be very cost-prohibitive, but look at any wear and tear with a critical eye. If isolated areas of damage can’t be repaired with paint, consider updating with faux stone, brick, or other textures to create accent areas that enhance the look.
3. Visually Pleasing Front Door
A home's front door is the first up-close and personal interaction a guest has with your home. Undoubtedly, an unappealing front door takes away from a first impression,while having a well-maintained and inviting front door enhances curb appeal. If your front door is less than stellar, it may be time to invest in a new entrance.
Consider comparing the cost of a new front door with other alteration options, such as new trim or windows that update and modernize a bland or outdated option. However, when replacing or making alterations to your front door is not an option, consider repainting it or updating the door hardware.
A minor update to a front door can make a big difference. For example, Zillow states that a black door adds more than 6k to a home's value. Other colors, like dark greys and slate blue, can also deliver universal appeal.
4. Porch Appeal
Along with an appealing front door, the entryway is ideal for adding outdoor accessories to boost your home’s curb appeal. Address plaques, planters, and wall-mounted mailboxes are easy and effective ways to complete the look of your home’s entrance. While you’re at it, invest in a new rug or doormat.
Even if you don’t have a porch, consider ways to distinguish the area in front of your door to make it more welcoming and welcoming. You can accomplish this by widening the open area around the door with decorative sidewalk blocks, landscaping, or planters. You can also add a porch awning, veranda, arbor, or covered trellis.
5. Updated Windows
Upgraded windows are also home improvements that add value. Modern units are more energy-efficient than older ones, helping maintain a more comfortable indoor atmosphere while controlling energy costs. According to one report, homeowners can expect nearly a 70% return on their investment in upgraded windows.
If this addition isn’t on the table for you, ensure window casings, seals, and glass are in good condition, painted, and polished. Consider adding shutters or other accent trim, and always choose neutral colors that complement your front and garage doors.
6. New Garage Door
Your garage door is often one of the most prominent features of your house. Is it time for a fresh coat of paint or a stylish new feature? You could also consider newer options, such as garage door skins and magnetic panels, that may be just the right touch for your exterior makeover.
7. Updated Outdoor Accessories
Consider your use of lawn ornaments, address signs, and post-mounted mailboxes, too. A cohesive, minimalistic look often impacts your home’s value more effectively than overly elaborate outdoor decor.
Make sure items such as address signs and mailboxes are easily visible and in good repair. It is the first thing home shoppers will associate with your home when visiting for the first time. Along with adding visual appeal, well-lit and visible address signs can increase home security by allowing first responders to locate your home quickly in an emergency.
Applying a fresh coat of paint in a new shade to your lawn furniture, mailbox, signs, or other ornamentation can catch the gaze of visitors and potential homebuyers. A new, upgraded accessory that naturally adds contemporary elegance to the front yard may be even better. Consider the cost-effective visual appeal of a new mailbox or address sign when looking for simple ways to increase curb appeal.
8. Low-Cost Landscaping
Outdoor spaces can add so much beauty to a home. When researching how to improve your home’s value, you’ll soon find that attention to detail in your landscaping certainly increases curb appeal.
Consider upgrading your home's exterior appearance with large planters in complementary colors and flowers that match your home’s palette. It is an easy way to update your landscaping without a lot of digging and mess.
Take a closer look at your existing plants and garden beds. Are they easy to maintain and native to your local area? For instance, if you live in a drought-ridden area, replace water-hungry plants and features with more climate-appropriate options. Update your garden borders and edging to maintain a polished look.
If you are considering adding a new landscaping feature, consider the area around your post-mounted mailbox. It is a smaller, contained area that can really enhance your home’s curb appeal.
You could also:
- DIY a deck, patio, or porch.
- Install an arbor or trellis.
- Consider a fire pit, barbecue, or outdoor entertainment system.
- Add, repair, or improve logical paths and walkways.
- Install, repair, repaint, or stain your fencing.
- Invest in a fountain or water feature.
- Update outdoor furniture to create an inviting sitting area.
- Repair the driveway and add more parking.
- Plant a tree (or two).
- Refresh your mulch.
- Add window boxes or hanging planters.
9. Improved Lighting
Lighting is an often overlooked but important part of enhancing a home's appearance. Adding the right lighting or updating your existing fixtures can make a home feel protected and inviting. Also, proper lighting can increase a home's value by 20 percent.
If installing an updated lighting system stretches the budget, then consider options like:
- Lanterns
- String lights
- Solar security or path lights, especially along the front walkway and steps
- Lighted wall art and accent features
- Lighting features in gardens and landscaping
10. Roof and Gutter Updates
One of the best ways to improve curb appeal and resale value is to replace a roof nearing the end of its lifespan. However, that project can be considerable in expense. If a new roof isn’t necessary or in the budget right now, make sure to clean and repair any problem areas.
Then, look closely at your gutters and downspouts. Properly hung gutters that are clean, in good repair, and uniform in color and type can go a long way toward creating a brighter, more polished look at the roof line. As a bonus, well-working gutters and downspouts also help protect the roof and structure while extending the life of the shingles.
Update Your Curb Appeal with Post and Porch
Adding value to your home can be done anytime, and it does not have to include adding debt. Outdoor home improvements can be as simple as a few upgrades. And, as you can see from the tips above, a little sprucing up goes a long way toward making your house feel more like home.
Browse our quality mailboxes and planters for simple ways to give your home a warm and welcoming feel.