Curb appeal is an essential concept in home design that refers to the attractiveness of a building when viewed from the street. It is not only a factor in aesthetic appeal but can also influence how potential buyers perceive the property value and its desirability as a place to live. A house with well-maintained landscaping and architectural features will be more likely to attract favorable attention from those passing by, helping to increase its current or future market value.
Research has found that curb appeal can play a significant role in boosting a home’s resale value. In one study, homes with high curb appeal could sell for up to 5 percent more than homes without it. Additionally, houses renovated with modern exterior designs and upgraded landscaping sold for an average of 8-10 percent more than those without such improvements.
However, you might not know where to start with your curb appeal investments. Fortunately, there are a few key areas on which you can focus to get the most bang for your buck and maximize the potential return on investment.
Landscape Design and Maintenance
First, consider investing in the landscaping around your home. A well-manicured lawn, with trimmed bushes and trees, can help create an inviting exterior that will draw in potential buyers. Planting flowers or installing a few small trees and shrubbery could also add to the attractiveness of your property.
In addition to improving the aesthetics, proper maintenance, such as mowing the lawn and pruning plants, can ensure that your landscape remains attractive for the long haul. Regular watering is essential, too. Without water, plants may fail to thrive or die completely. To reduce water usage, some homeowners opt for drought-resistant vegetation or install automated sprinkler systems that are programmed to apply just enough moisture at regular intervals.
There will be some upfront costs associated with landscape design and maintenance, but the potential ROI can offset them.
Exterior Paint Job
Your home’s exterior paint is another area to focus on when improving curb appeal. Replacing a faded or dated paint job will instantly give your property a new look that will surely get noticed. You can opt for classic neutral tones, such as tans and grays, or make more of a statement with bolder shades like blue or purple. No matter what you choose, make sure that it complements the other features of your home and landscaping.
You might also want to consider investing in high-quality paints explicitly designed for the exterior of houses and buildings – they often provide better protection against the elements and fading.
Finally, to ensure that your paint job looks its best and lasts for years, hire a professional painting contractor with experience in this type. A good painter will prep the surfaces correctly and take all necessary safety precautions while on the job.
New Garage Door Installation
Installing a new garage door is another way to boost curb appeal and quickly add value to your home. It’s an easy and relatively inexpensive project that can significantly impact the overall look of your property.
When choosing a new garage door, there are many options available – you can select from materials such as wood, steel, or vinyl. Choose between manual or electric openers, and pick colors that best match the rest of your exterior. Consult a new garage door installation expert so the job gets done correctly.
Outdoor Amenity Installation
Outdoor amenities like decks, patios, and fire pits can add to your home’s exterior attractiveness. They can also create space for entertaining guests or spending quality time with family and friends. And since these features are becoming increasingly popular in the real estate market, they could potentially increase your home’s resale value.
If you decide to invest in one of these amenities, make sure it meets local building codes in size and structural stability. If necessary, hire a professional contractor for construction. These select materials will withstand weather conditions and keep aesthetics in mind when deciding on design elements like shape and color.
Adding these amenities will come with a more significant price tag than the other curb appeal projects on this list, but they could bring a sizable return on investment.
Final Thoughts
Overall, improving your home’s curb appeal is an excellent way to increase its value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. When considering improvements, focus on the areas that will get the most bang for your buck and maximize the possible return on investment. Invest in quality landscaping design and maintenance, replace faded or outdated paint jobs, install new garage doors, and consider adding outdoor amenities such as decks, patios, or fire pits. With these changes, you can expect an increased return when you sell your home.
