10 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing people see, which is why curb appeal is so important. What is curb appeal? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a property’s exterior when viewed from the sidewalk or street.
Fortunately, improving curb appeal on a budget is totally doable, and you can increase your market value with just a few tweaks. Here are 10 low-maintenance curb appeal ideas from our community living experts.
1. Refresh the Front Door
If you’re looking for ideas on how to add curb appeal, start by refreshing your front door. As an exterior focal point, the front door is a key part of your home’s first impression. Protecting what’s inside while also communicating your style, your entrance shouldn’t be neglected.
Front Door Curb Appeal Maintenance Tips
- Cleaning. Your front door should be cleaned monthly. First, remove debris with a dry microfiber cloth. Then, dip the cloth into a mixture of soap and water. Wipe down the door from top to bottom, rinse with a damp cloth, and dry immediately. Clean glass panes with glass cleaner and wipe down hardware and hinges.
- Sealing. Regularly inspect and replace worn-out weatherstripping and seals.
- Lubricating. Use a light coat of silicone spray on hinges annually.
- Refinishing. Apply a new coat of paint, stain, or varnish every three to five years. (Tip: Black front doors have the highest resale value.)
2. Add Attractive Landscaping
Curb appeal landscaping frames your house and adds textural interest. But nice landscaping does more than make your property look fantastic; it pays off, too. That’s right: high-quality landscaping can increase home value by up to 15%.
DIY Curb Appeal Landscaping Tips
- Prioritize symmetry. Mirrored landscapes are desirable and feel well-planned. Put matching planters on either side of the front door and build balanced garden beds.
- Refresh mulch. Spread a two-to-four-inch layer of mulch in flower beds or around trees for aesthetics and protection.
- Plant smart. Plant low-maintenance perennials that thrive in your area for color and minimal year-over-year spending.
- Prune. Trimmed trees and bushes generate visual appeal and encourage growth.
3. Upgrade Your House Numbers
When it comes to increasing curb appeal fast, little details add up—even your door digits. To cheaply improve curb appeal in minutes, swap out your dated house numbers for something modern that complements your architectural style. For maximum impact, choose numbers that contrast with the surface and match other hardware elements. Plus, make sure your numbers are clearly visible from the street (at least four inches tall) and hung at eye level.
4. Install Exterior Lighting
Outdoor lighting can transform the way your home looks and feels, enhancing safety, security, and functionality, and improving curb appeal. Consider installing exterior lights for the following:
- Paths and steps
- Driveways, alleyways, and garages
- Entries and doorways
- Decks and patios
- Garden and landscape features
5. Repair the Driveway
The driveway is often a second thought when boosting curb appeal, but cracks, stains, and uneven pavement are unsightly and can signal other deferred maintenance issues to potential buyers. Regularly clear out weeds and debris, remove stains with a pressure washer, and fill in cracks to create a clean, smooth surface that makes your property welcoming.
RELATED: How to Use a Pressure Washer
6. Care for Windows
Like doors, windows are make-or-break features for curb appeal. As the “eyes” of a home, they define your style, stand out from the street, and reflect maintenance and value. Always give yours the TLC they need.
Window Curb Appeal Tips
- Clean. Rinse outside windows with a hose, then scrub with a sponge dipped in a mixture of water and dish soap twice a year.
- Paint the frames. Consider painting window frames in a color that matches or complements the door color.
- Add accessories. If the new color isn’t giving you enough pop, putting shutters around the windows may do the trick.
7. Clean the Exterior
A sparkling exterior demonstrates pride in ownership and can prevent problems down the road. Address these exterior areas to add curb appeal to the front of your house:
- Siding. Wash to remove dirt and mildew.
- Roof. Inspect and replace shingles.
- Gutters and downspouts. Clear leaves and debris.
- Pest control. Remove spider webs and nests.
- Concrete. Pressure wash patios, driveways, and sidewalks.
8. Make the Porch Inviting
Think of the porch or landing in front of your door as a staging area. To increase curb appeal, add pieces that show your personality and make the space inviting, including:
- Seasonal welcome mat
- Bench
- Rugs
- Outdoor throw pillows
- Side tables
- Rocking chairs
- Wreaths
- Hanging baskets
RELATED: 8 Fall Front Porch Décor Ideas
9. Revamp the Mailbox
Your mailbox matters more than you may think for curb appeal. Spruce up your mailbox by giving it a new coat of paint that matches your home, planting a small flowerbed around the base, or adding fun structural elements. Of course, when using this curb appeal idea, make sure you follow any community rules and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mailbox guidelines.
10. Give the Garage Door a Makeover
Your garage door should either make a statement or fade into the background. If yours is a bit raggedy, replacing it is an investment that will boost curb appeal and the value of your property. In fact, studies report that homeowners can recoup an average of 93.8% of their garage door replacement expenditure. Conversely, if your garage door is in good physical condition, you can paint it to make it look fresh.
The Takeaway: Curb Appeal Matters
Increasing curb appeal is a DIY project worth the time and effort. Make a list of the things you want to improve, then tackle them one at a time to give your home the pick-me-up that makes it the centerpiece of the neighborhood. Our top curb appeal ideas include refreshing the front door, revamping the mailbox, installing outdoor lighting, and more.
Looking for more home improvement inspiration? Check out 10 home improvement projects to knock out this weekend.
Curb Appeal FAQs
Does curb appeal increase property value?
Yes. Research suggests that good curb appeal can raise property values by up to 7%.
What devalues a house the most?
Severe structural or safety issues, poor location, and deferred maintenance can significantly devalue a home.
What house color has the best curb appeal?
Modern neutral colors, like white, soft gray, and taupe, can enhance curb appeal.
How does roofing impact curb appeal?
A new or well-maintained roof makes a strong first impression and signals a cared-for home.