Your home is not just a place to live — it’s an investment. Whether you’re looking to sell or simply create a more welcoming atmosphere – improving your home’s exterior can significantly boost its value. From simple upgrades to more major transformations, there are countless ways to elevate your home’s first impression. In this post, I’ll explore practical and impactful strategies that not only enhance the visual appeal of your property but also offer long-term value. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of your home by focusing on its exterior.
Curb Appeal
A dingy exterior can make your property unappealing to potential buyers or possible lessors. Re-painting the exterior will always freshen the outside look. Use contemporary (in fashion) colours. Window frames can be painted or sprayed in a contrasting colour – or you can widen the size of your windows by painting a thickish stripe butting around the window to create focus and interest. Adding on stone or brick cladding to the front of a house can also increase interest and appeal.
If you have a DRIVEWAY that is looking worst for wear, or does not match the style of your home, it could be dragging down your home’s curb appeal. Brick, masonry, pavers or stained concrete can make for beautiful durable driveways – softened with some greenery on either side.
Garage Doors
GARAGE DOORS must also reflect the architectural feel of the rest of the home. Perhaps they need re- staining, or painting to go with the exterior windows or doors. Some interesting hardware matching that of the house would also add to the overall look and of course practical lighting, but architecturally interesting.
Front Doors
FRONT DOORS make a huge impact on the first impression of a home. Does your front door fit in with the style of the home?- Perhaps replace with one that does. Or what about painting your door in a bright or vibrant colour whilst also adding some new metal embellishments. Place some interesting lights – either wall lights on either side of the front door, or one above to create good lighting and character.
Pathways
Design a pretty PATHWAY up to the front door – either with pavers with greenery in-between or pretty small pebbles (which also adds that security element) or long narrow steps leading up to a narrow patio to the front door.
Landscaping & Postboxes
Refresh the LANDSCAPING with interesting pots filled with flowering shrubs, or small conifers, and place strategically. Trellises (painted or stained) also provide interest to the outside walls of a plane house, with flowering annual creepers such as jasmine that wafts through those open windows in summer!
A simple thing such as re-placing your outdated POSTBOX and home NUMBER will make a difference – pay attention to the small details!
Covered Entrance
A COVERED ENTRANCE whilst being practical will do wonders for a home’s curb appeal – either have one custom made, or you can purchase ready made ones that are easy to install.
Garden
An attractive GARDEN with different areas for entertaining or simply ‘getting away from the world’ always add practical charm and appeal.
Front Gate
Your FRONT GATE must also stand out – take into account security, privacy, and making a statement – either with style or colour, but must be coherent with the style of the house, and the colours used.
Windows & Gutters
CLEAN WINDOWS although a given, are often not paid enough attention to – sparkling windows always makes your home look refreshed and well cared for.
Remove and replace any GUTTERS that are sagging or damaged – even a ROOF with broken or missing tiles, should be attended to! And what about the colour of your roof? Does it go with the colour of the windows, doors etc? One has to achieve a cohesive look.
Conclusion
THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME goes a long way in maximising resale or rental values! Next time we will discuss the inside of the property – with loads of simple yet effective ways to upgrade and add perceived value!
