Warm weather is here and whether you are thinking of selling or want to improve your home’s value, focus on curb appeal. First impressions are important and your home’s façade and landscape is an instant register of its value. The good news, according to Remodeling magazine, “The most valuable projects, in terms of percentage of cost recouped at sale, are exterior work that enhances curb appeal” Real estate mogul and contributor to the Today Show and CNBC, Barbara Corcoran states “When it looks pretty on first impression people want to pay more for the house right away.” Here are a few ideas for how to increase the welcome quotient for your home.
Landscaping
Most builders are not trained in horticulture or landscape design. If you still have your original shrubbery it might be time to update your landscape. Color and texture can dramatically transform a plain landscape. If budget is a concern consider adding perennials as filler to your existing foundation plantings. Annuals provide an instant pop of color and usually flower all season long. Invest in a great ornamental tree, prized for its great foliage or beautiful blooms. If needed cut new bed lines. As plants mature they can shade out the grass, so instead of fighting nature, take the opportunity to create sweeping, curving bed lines. This produces a professional looking layout, plus it is less grass to maintain. Finally, create a neat, finished landscape by hand pruning shrubs and mulching beds.
Landscaping
Most builders are not trained in horticulture or landscape design. If you still have your original shrubbery it might be time to update your landscape. Color and texture can dramatically transform a plain landscape. If budget is a concern consider adding perennials as filler to your existing foundation plantings. Annuals provide an instant pop of color and usually flower all season long. Invest in a great ornamental tree, prized for its great foliage or beautiful blooms. If needed cut new bed lines. As plants mature they can shade out the grass, so instead of fighting nature, take the opportunity to create sweeping, curving bed lines. This produces a professional looking layout, plus it is less grass to maintain. Finally, create a neat, finished landscape by hand pruning shrubs and mulching beds.
Front Door
Your front door is what greets you and your guests. Adding a beautiful new entry door is a great investment. When it comes to entry doors the possibilities seem endless. You can add more light or create privacy. You can choose from formal, traditional, craftsman and many other styles in between. A current trend is to have a French entry door (double doors.) Even adding a fresh coat of paint and new hardware to your existing door is great way to make your front entry a focal point.
Your front door is what greets you and your guests. Adding a beautiful new entry door is a great investment. When it comes to entry doors the possibilities seem endless. You can add more light or create privacy. You can choose from formal, traditional, craftsman and many other styles in between. A current trend is to have a French entry door (double doors.) Even adding a fresh coat of paint and new hardware to your existing door is great way to make your front entry a focal point.
Windows
Windows are considered the eyes of the home. Upgrading to energy efficient windows is a popular improvement. Sometimes just cleaning the glass and painting the trim is a great way to freshen the appearance. Shutters frame the windows. By changing the color of your shutters, you can update your older home and bring it current in style.
Windows are considered the eyes of the home. Upgrading to energy efficient windows is a popular improvement. Sometimes just cleaning the glass and painting the trim is a great way to freshen the appearance. Shutters frame the windows. By changing the color of your shutters, you can update your older home and bring it current in style.
Lighting
While functional, lighting can also create a mood. Most designers rely on lighting to take their project to the next level. New stately fixtures by your front entry can create elegance. Low voltage lighting can wash over the front of your home creating a warm glow. Landscape lighting can accent features and provide directionality.
While functional, lighting can also create a mood. Most designers rely on lighting to take their project to the next level. New stately fixtures by your front entry can create elegance. Low voltage lighting can wash over the front of your home creating a warm glow. Landscape lighting can accent features and provide directionality.
Portico or Porch
Adding a small portico or full front porch can dramatically change the look for your home. Consider a small remodeling project. Contact your contractor to see if you home can easily accommodate a portico addition. Adding a covered area not only keeps your visitors dry, it also prolongs the life of your front door.
Adding a small portico or full front porch can dramatically change the look for your home. Consider a small remodeling project. Contact your contractor to see if you home can easily accommodate a portico addition. Adding a covered area not only keeps your visitors dry, it also prolongs the life of your front door.
Accent Details
It is the little details that can finish a space and make it special. This is true when it come to curb appeal. Decorative trim adds a touch of class to a structure. Beadboard ceilings and detailed molding can add subtle depth. Walls, boulders and hardscapes can add contrast against plantings. While concrete walkways are practical, they do lack interest. Most are small and simplistic in shape and some have cracked over the years. Replacing your walkway is a great opportunity to further emphasize the home has been well taken care of, as well as adding curves and flow to your front walk. Stone covered or paver walkways are nice upgrades that bring in texture. Finally, landscape art or glazed pottery is a great way to add a focal point with color and interest while dressing up a space.
It is the little details that can finish a space and make it special. This is true when it come to curb appeal. Decorative trim adds a touch of class to a structure. Beadboard ceilings and detailed molding can add subtle depth. Walls, boulders and hardscapes can add contrast against plantings. While concrete walkways are practical, they do lack interest. Most are small and simplistic in shape and some have cracked over the years. Replacing your walkway is a great opportunity to further emphasize the home has been well taken care of, as well as adding curves and flow to your front walk. Stone covered or paver walkways are nice upgrades that bring in texture. Finally, landscape art or glazed pottery is a great way to add a focal point with color and interest while dressing up a space.
Kristen Rollins - (678) 524-4858
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