The key to coming out ahead in the curb appeal game is knowing where to invest your time and money, and choosing the plantings, ornaments or wrought iron railings gates that will add value. Here are 5 little strategies that yield big payoffs.
#1. Make Your House Smile
Make sure the front door as well as all window and door trim are freshly painted and free of scuffs, nicks and dirt. Are the windows clean and do the curtains and blinds match and look inviting? Tip: To see how your house looks, take a picture; you will notice flaws you never knew were there.
#2. De-clutter the Porch and Yard
As much as possible keep bicycles, toys, garden tools, and what-was-I-thinking lawn ornaments out of sight in the garage or backyard. Beware of the temptation to let shoes, sports equipment, and bundles of paper bound for the recycling bin linger on the porch. Edging flower beds, keeping hedges trimmed, and regular mowing also help create a spacious vista.
#3. Invest in Durable High-Quality Attractions
Instead of flowers that are labor intensive and must be replaced each season, invest in permanent features such as brick or stonework, planters, or a pergola leading to the side yard. When you add permastructure, buy the best materials you can afford. Wrought iron railings gates and fences cost little more than aluminum yet last far longer and add far more value to your house.
#4. Just Add Shade
Trees help trim heating and cooling bills and they will give your home a well-established look that is highly prized in our land of raw, sprawling suburbs. If you live in a newly developed area, buy the largest tree you can afford, while those who dislike tending flowers can still enjoy spring blossoms by choosing flowering and fruit trees.
#5. Use Planters and Borders
When it comes to front-of-the-house curb appeal, flower beds need careful planning and tending to avoid looking either messy during growth periods or bare during seasonal shifts. Choose low plants and confined areas, such as a border area around trees and shrubs. Containers such as planters and window boxes are easier to tend and can become strong design features. For example, if the front of your house is symmetrical and has a centered front door, planters on either side will add a sense of importance to your entry area.
Many home owners wait to spruce up their place until it is time to sell, and never get to enjoy the pleasure of living with their investment. Keeping a tidy, well-maintained house and yard and adding permanent value boosters like trees, planters and wrought iron railings gates allows you to enjoy your investment today and still reap the rewards when you move on.
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