Summer is here, and most of us and our neighbors are outside planting, trimming and preparing the patios and deck for cookouts. We're also taking time for evening strolls through the neighborhood. Looking around at what your neighbors are up to may result in a desire to improve your home's curb appeal. Many home improvement projects can be expensive. Even though the market is improving, some homeowners are wary about putting more money into their homes. What can we do to spruce up our home's appearance without breaking the bank?
There really are many inexpensive changes that you can make to your home that will make a big difference in curb appeal. It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do, whether the whole house, the trim or just the front door. If you are the neutral color type, try making that front door pop with a coat of red or aqua.
Replacing your landscaping can be expensive. Try window boxes or planters to add to your home's beauty. Do some research and come up with a container garden that will add extra dimension and color to your front porch, patio or sidewalks.
Do your windows look bare from the street? Try adding some appropriately sized shutters. Make sure that the shutters are sized so as not to make the windows look disproportionate.
Too often we overlook our garage doors. Our garage doors can account for up to 30 percent of our home's exterior as seen from the street. You don't want a damaged, rusted, or peeled paint garage door being the first thing people see when they walk by. An attractive and appropriately matched garage door can greatly add to your home's curb appeal.
Of all these projects, a new garage door will provide you the best return on your investment as well as providing the most value for your home.
When considering home improvements, most people consider resale and whether or not it will add to the home's value. Structural changes and curb appeal are both important when making decisions regarding home improvements. A home that is good looking from the street will bring in a larger number of prospective buyers when it comes time to sell your home.
So don't let budget constraints keep you from improving the appearance of your home's exterior. There are many low-cost changes that can be made that have a big impact on how your home. Whether you're making these changes to make your home more marketable, or to enjoy for yourself, summer is a great time to get outside and focus on curb appeal.