Ask the Experts: 10 Ways to Add Kerb Appeal to Your Home
Number 4 is our favourite.
Whether you're looking to sell your property or simply want to be proud of the lot you've got, adding curb appeal to your home is easier than you might think - and although we say you should never judge a book by its cover, a beautiful and neat front-of-house will make your property instantly more desirable. Read ahead for our editors' top 10 tips.
1. Paint Your External Doors
It almost sounds too good to be true, but trust us—this is the easiest yet most effective way to instantly add some curb appeal, and it won't break the bank. Choose a light, bright colour such as magnolia or lemon yellow for a fresh, appealing look or go bold with a pillar box red or royal blue to make your home stand out.
2. Replenish Outdoor Lighting
If you have outdoor lighting, ensure that all of the bulbs are bright and in working order. If you haven't installed outdoor lighting yet, why not start with an outdoor security light? Not only will it keep your house secure, but it'll handily lead you and your guests straight to your front door at night. If you have a long path, opt for solar lights to ensure that the full entrance space is lit.
Just like you would spruce up your console, mantelpiece or kitchen counters with accents, the same rule applies to your front-of-house. Refresh your door with a sparkling new handle, add a brand new number or name plaque to ensure your address is visible to postmen and consider a new doormat to create a warm sense of welcome.
Clear your outdoor clutter just as you would inside your home. Waterproof storage boxes are great for organising any unsightly recycling bins. Mount wall hooks or invest in a shed to keep bicycles out of the way.
Whether you have a local window cleaner or prefer to do it yourself, ensure both the outside and inside of your windows are sparkling clean to instantly refresh your curb appeal. Try to give them all a quick once over a least once a month, if you have the time.
6. Power Wash the Pavement
It's cheaper than you might imagine to hire a power wash for the day and giving your paving stones a serious deep clean can give the illusion of an entirely new patio.
7. Wave Goodbye to Weeds
Don your gardening gloves and blitz those weeds. Weed killer from the garden centre will make the job a whole lot easier and will instantly transform your front-of-house.
8. Keep the Grass Trim
It might seem simple, but keeping your grass neat and trimmed is one of the most effective things you can do to add curb appeal to your home. A well-manicured lawn shows that you take of your property and gives a good indication that the inside of your home will be in a similar state.
9. Tidy the Bins
If you have to peg your nose every time you open your bins, there's a good chance that they need some TLC. Wash them out in the shower or with an outdoor hose and then leave to air dry. Wipe the lids and ensure that all of your rubbish can easily fit inside - if it's not, it's time to invest in a second bin.
It's a sad fact that the appearance of your neighbours' front-of-house can have a serious impact on your curb appeal. If their lawn is looking a bit lacklustre or their bins are diabolical, consider offering to help them out - you might even make a friend in the process.
