5 Exterior Projects to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

February 9, 2016

When preparing to put your home up for sale, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do first.

While it can be tempting to instantly start sprucing up the inside of your home, never underestimate the power of curb appeal. If the outside of your house looks unkempt or rundown, it’s easy for a potential buyer to simply move on without even looking inside. While some of these exterior projects can be expensive, they can add drastically to the value of your home.

1. Replace the siding
New siding can make an older home look new. Not only that, but upgrading from vinyl siding to cement siding has a huge return on investment and buyers love it. If you can’t afford to upgrade your siding, or would rather spend the money elsewhere, hosing down your siding can significantly improve its look.

2. Upgrade your door
A vibrant front door will attract people’s attention and set the scene for the rest of your home. New hardware for the doors knocker and handle can give your home a modern feel. If your storm door or screen door is looking a bit haggard, then consider replacing that as well.

3. Overhaul your landscaping
Having a green lawn adds a lot to the curb appeal to your home, but a lawn with no variety isn’t very appealing. Revamping your landscaping could be as simple as adding a few window boxes or hanging plants, or it could involve a complete overhaul. At the very least, make sure your grass is mowed and your hedges are trimmed.

4. Fix up your windows
Clean windows and new shutters can do wonders for your home. However, also be sure to replace any windows or screens that have cracks or tears in them. No amount of dressing up a window can hide the fact that it’s broken. If your home is old, consider getting all new windows that are better insulated and more energy efficient.

5. Repair your roof
No one wants to buy a new home only to discover that their roof is leaking. Be sure to clean your roof (and keep it clean) and get an inspection to make sure there are no problems. If there are, address them promptly. You may need to replace your entire roof, and while this is quite an investment, a new roof can dramatically increase the value of your home.

Exterior projects are an extremely important part of preparing a home for sale. The outside of your house is the first thing that people see and doing just a few of these projects can help your home look warm and inviting to potential buyers.

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