Curb appeal Tips

Paint, Paint, Paint

*A little paint makes a huge impact. Whether you paint your front door, your trim or your entire house, few projects can transform a house as dramatically and inexpensively as paint. Top-notch paint costs only a few dollars more per gallon, but it will cover better, go on smoother and last longer than the cheap stuff—it's a smart investment. A few rules of thumb: If you want a small house to look larger, paint it white. If your house is a mishmash of styles or has sagging soffits or other flaws, paint everything the same color to help visually unify the house. Several paint manufacturers market computer software that allows you to mock up different paint color schemes on a digital image of your house (or on a house close in style supplied by the program).

New House Numbers

*Updated house numbers add polish and shine. Replace shabby or dated-looking numbers with ones made of brass, aluminum or stainless steel. They’ll look best if the finish matches that of the light fixture and door hardware. Buy individual numbers or custom plaques. You can buy do-it-yourself address plaque kits from home centers, hardware stores and online retailers.

Click HERE for 33 House Number Ideas.

Upgrade Your Mailbox

*Whether you have a box mounted to the house, a letter slot next to the door or a freestanding box on a post near the street, a new mailbox can add a splash of curb appeal. Purchase an approved mailbox and follow regulations regarding height; for example, curbside mailboxes must be mounted so bottoms are 42 to 48 in. above the ground. And remember, hanging plants and flowers growing around a mailbox may increase curb appeal, but the bees and other stinging insects these plants attract aren't always your mail carrier's best friend.

Click HERE for some modern mailbox ideas. 

New Mulch 

New mulch gives a clean and manicured look that increases your instant curb appeal. The purpose of mulch is to help with weeds and to keep that area full of moisture. This can attract pests and keep moisture near your home. Another option is rock and maybe some flowers depending on the season. At the bare minimum you should make sure that the yard is clean and maintained. 

If you do install mulch make sure you don't create a negative grade towards house and leave a minimum of 6 inches from the soil to foundation line. This will help you avoid unnecessary call-outs on your home inspection.
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Click HERE for additional tips on mulch installation and safety.

Upgrade Your Porch Light Fixture 

*Consider function as well as style when selecting a fixture; it should light up your steps, house numbers and door without being too dominant. To simplify the project, buy a fixture that has the same mounting system or screw spacing as the existing fixture. Make certain the power is off and the new fixture is rated for exterior use before installing it. Some sconce-style lights are now available with unobtrusive, built-in motion detectors.

*Some of the information above can be found on Family Handy Man