10 ways to add instant curb appeal to your home
These small, inexpensive improvements to your yard and home's exterior add up to a dramatic upgrade, whether you're looking to refresh your house or make it more appealing before a sale.
1. Paint, paint, paint
Whether you paint your front door, your trim or your entire house, few projects can transform a house as dramatically and inexpensively as paint. Top-notch paint costs only a few dollars more per gallon, but it will cover better, go on smoother and last longer than the cheap stuff-it's a smart investment.
Pro tips:
If you want a small house to look larger, paint it white.
If your house is a mishmash of styles or has flaws, paint everything the same color to help visually unify the house.
Several paint manufacturers market computer software that allows you to mock up different paint color schemes on a digital image of your house (or on a house close in style supplied by the program).
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2. Install new house numbers
Replace shabby or dated-looking numbers with ones made of brass, aluminum or stainless steel.
Pro tips: They'll look best if the finish matches that of the light fixture and door hardware. You can buy do-it-yourself address plaque kits from home centers, hardware stores and online retailers.
MORE: How to reinforce your front door knob »
3. Upgrade your mailbox
Whether you have a box mounted to the house, a letter slot next to the door or a freestanding box on a post near the street, a new mailbox can add a splash of curb appeal. Purchase an approved mailbox and follow regulations regarding height; for example, curbside mailboxes must be mounted so bottoms are 42 to 48 in. above the ground.
Pro tips: Hanging plants and flowers growing around a mailbox may increase curb appeal, but the bees and other stinging insects these plants attract aren't always your mail carrier's best friend.
4. Line a walkway with bricks or pavers
Is your concrete walkway in decent-but boring-shape? Adding color, texture and width to an existing walkway by lining it with pavers is a whole lot easier and cheaper than replacing it. Stone, clay and concrete pavers are all good choices.
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5. Replace a light fixture
Consider function as well as style when selecting a fixture; it should light up your steps, house numbers and door without being too dominant. To simplify the project, buy a fixture that has the same mounting system or screw spacing as the existing fixture. Make certain the power is off and the new fixture is rated for exterior use before installing it. Some sconce-style lights are now available with unobtrusive, built-in motion detectors.
MORE: How to mount lights on vinyl or metal siding »
6. Plant a tree
Plant a tree and you get not only curb appeal but also shade, an improved view from the inside and fall color. A tree planted in the right place can help block wind and act as a mini solar device by screening out the hot summer sun when it's in full leaf and letting in welcome winter sunshine when it's leafless. You can also consider planting two trees to "frame" the house or entryway; and foundation plantings are another way to add appeal.
Pro tips: Before planting, determine the mature size of the tree. Plant it far enough away from the house so limbs won't overhang the roof or cause other problems.
MORE: How to plant a tree that will thrive »
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7. Add low-voltage lighting
Low-voltage lighting can dramatically improve your home's nighttime curb appeal, and by lighting walkways and dark corners, it can improve safety and security as well. Lighting can be grouped into three basic categories: downlights, uplights and specialty lights.
Pro tips: Buy a transformer that includes a timer or light sensor so the lights automatically turn on and off.
MORE:How to install outdoor lighting »
How to create low-voltage outdoor lighting »
How to install deck lighting »
How to choose and install motion detector lighting »
8. Install shutters
Decorative shutters can add color, quaintness and depth to a house. Shutters with louvers or raised panels have a traditional look; those with decorative cutouts have more of a cottage or country feel. For an authentic look, mount wood shutters using special shutter hinges and keep them pinned against the house with old fashioned shutter dogs.
Pro tips: Shutter clips are available for "invisibly" mounting vinyl shutters.
9. Install a new storm door
Even if your primary door remains the same, a storm door with an oval window or decorative glass can act as a great cover-up. It can add security, and increase your home's energy efficiency.
Pro tips: Self-storing units with glass and screen panels that can be adjusted in tracks according to season are the most convenient. Those with interchangeable screens and storm panels have a cleaner, uninterrupted look but require a safe place to store the unused panel.
MORE: How to make perfect-closing storm doors »
How to replace a storm door »
How to adjust storm doors »
How to fix broken storm-door handles »
10. Install flower boxes
Few projects add as much charm and color to a house as flowers in window boxes. These work best when mounted below double-hung, slide-by or stationary windows-casement and other swing-out window sashes will decapitate the flowers. Easier yet, arrange container gardens in pots and planters on the front stoop or along the walkway.
Pro tip: Use a plastic liner to prolong the life of the planter and simplify fall cleanup.
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How to build a copper trellis »
How to build a garden pond »
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine
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