A great way to add value to your home is to boost its curb appeal. Even if you aren’t planning on selling, an exterior makeover is a valuable investment in your home. There is a huge spectrum of ideas that can amp up the look of your home’s exterior, no matter if your budget is $1000 or $10,000. When considering the portions of your home that you want to upgrade, take a step back from your home and analyze everything from the landscaping to the trim, walkways and even hardware. Decide what is in need of the most help and work your way from there. Here are some ideas for upgrading your home’s exterior.

One of the first things to consider for your home’s exterior is all of the aesthetic details of your actual home – the shutters, the trim, the door and hardware. A simple repair and paint job can work wonders and give your home a completely new look. Give all the trim on your home a paint job in a complementary color to your home’s exterior. A bright color, like white can really make the details pop. Don’t forget your shutters when painting either. If the shutters are in bad shape, they can easily be replaced. However, they are very easy to paint if they just need some updating. Paint them the same color as your trim for a uniform look but make sure you use paint that is made for the outdoors so your hard work will stand up to the elements. Your front door is another place where you can really make a statement. Either replace the door or give it a paint job in a bright, cheery color that says “welcome!” Updating all of the hardware on and around your door can really make a big difference as well. Replace the kick plate, doorknob and door knocker for an inexpensive upgrade. Don’t forget a house number either! New numbers somewhere on the exterior of your home is an important detail.

After addressing the details of your home’s construction, it is time to focus on the landscaping. Is your walkway in need of an upgrade? How about your flower beds and bushes – are they overgrown and in need of attention? If you have a simple concrete walkway a great way to make an impact is to put in a stone or brick walkway. This can be a weekend project for those hardcore do-it-yourselfers out there, or you can have it installed for you. A new walkway makes a huge impact on the way your home looks from the street. When it comes to the landscaping, symmetry is always a good thing. Symmetry is pleasing to the eye and gives your home a nice, cohesive look. Clean out all the beds freeing them of weeds and other debris and trim up the bushes. Even replace the bushes (if it’s springtime!) for a completely brand new look. For an even bigger impact, edge all of your beds with stone or brick for a truly finished look and be sure to freshen up the mulch. An inexpensive, easy way to get some great landscaping is with a container garden. Purchase some pre-potted plants and some pretty pots, stagger them down your front steps and around the front of your home for instant impact.

Finally, when looking at your home’s exterior, make sure there are no major cosmetic repairs to address. Look at your gutters and make sure they are intact, clean and providing proper drainage. If you have siding on your home, make sure it is all securely attached to the house and maybe even give it a fresh paint job. Also, be sure there is no rotting wood anywhere on your home as this could lead to water leaks and further damage to your home’s construction. Also, consider some exterior lighting beyond the front porch light. Line the walkway with some solar lights for added security and to give your home a regal glow. Whether you spend a weekend or a month updating the exterior of your home it is an investment well worth the time that will pay off every time you walk up to your front door.

Author Bio: Keith Smallwood is the president of Creative Energy Exteriors, a leading Richmond home improvement company providing products and services such as Richmond replacement windows and Richmond storm doors. Creative Energy Exteriors can be found online at: CreativeEnergyExteriors.com .

Category: Home Management
Keywords: curb appeal, your home and curb appeal, increasing curb appeal, nice house