10 kerb appeal tips

We all know that first impressions matter and our homes are no different. Whether you’re looking to sell your property or just want to improve the look of your home’s exterior, you’ve probably wondered how to improve the kerb appeal. Our top 10 tips will talk you through some quick and easy solutions and guide you through the process from start to finish.

What is kerb appeal?

Kerb appeal refers to how visually appealing your home is when looking at it from the street. It’s the first thing that anyone visiting, just walking past or looking to buy your property, will notice about your home.

A well-maintained home exterior can make the world of a difference and even increase its perceived value, helping you to sell it faster once it’s on the market.

Why is kerb appeal important?

Improving your home’s kerb appeal can:

• Create a positive first impression
• Increase your property’s value
• Attract potential buyers
• Make your home feel more inviting and welcoming
• Improve how you feel about your property
• Improve the appeal of the surrounding neighbourhood

Top 10 ways to improve your kerb appeal

1. Think like a visitor

Before making any changes to your property, take a look at your property from across the street, or ask someone you trust to do this for you.

This can help you spot things you may not ordinarily notice and give you a starting point for improving the kerb appeal of your home.

Make a list of things you would like to change and get started!

2. Refresh your front door

Your front door is one of the first things people will see when looking at your home’s exterior.

Something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can instantly add a brightness and more welcoming look to your property.

Choose a colour that complements the style of your home and also consider upgrading your letterbox, house numbers and knockers as part of the job.

3. Upgrade outdoor lighting

Outdoor lighting can improve the security of your home, as well as its appearance.

Simple changes or additions like wall lights, pathway and porch lighting can make your home feel more welcoming, especially on darker evenings.

LED lighting is an energy efficient and affordable choice when looking at outdoor lighting.

4. Tidy and maintain your front garden

A tidy front garden is probably one of the cheapest and easiest ways to improve the kerb appeal of your home.

Simple changes such as: mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, removing weeds, pruning plants and sweeping pathways can make a huge difference.

5. Add some colour

Plants and flowers are a great way to easily add a pop of colour to your home’s exterior.

Things like hanging baskets, window boxes, decorative planters and seasonal flowers are an easy way to make your home look more attractive.

6. Clean driveways and paths

Driveways and paths are the number one culprit for gathering dirt and weeds.

A quick pressure wash of these surfaces can make a massive improvement to how visually appealing your property is.

Focus on block paving, concrete driveways, garden paths and entrance steps to create a clean look.

7. Repair fences, gates and boundaries

If you have any damage to your fencing or any worn-out areas, it can detract from an otherwise visually appealing property.

You should check for: broken fence panels, peeling paint, loose posts and rusting hardware.

Something as simple as a fresh coat of paint or a top-up of wood stain can make the area look more polished.

8. Keep windows clean and well maintained

Your windows might often get forgotten about but keeping them clean can make you’re a huge difference to your home.

Regularly clean: window glass, frames, sills and conservatories as well as making sure to repair any damaged seals, cracked panes or peeling paintwork.

9. Refresh exterior paintwork and timber features

Over time, exposure to the natural elements can leave your home exterior looking weathered and tired.

Refreshing fascias/soffits, timber cladding, garden structures and porch areas can not only improve the appearance of your home but also extend how long these areas can last without being repaired or replaced.

10. Hide bins and waste areas

While it may not be something you usually think about too much, wheelie bins, recycling and utility metres can be an eyesore and ruin the appearance of your home.

Moving these things to an enclosed or hidden area or creating a dedicated storage area for them can make an instant improvement.

Common mistakes to avoid

When it comes to improving your home exterior, don’t make these mistakes:

• Overcrowding your garden with decorative items
• Ignore your routine maintenance
• Choose colours that make your property stand out in a negative way or clash with neighbouring homes

Improving your home’s kerb appeal really doesn’t need to be a huge job that takes up a large amount of time or becomes expensive. By focusing on quick, easy and simple upgrades, you can make a huge difference to the kerb appeal of your property.

If you have any more questions about improving the kerb appeal of your home, or you just need additional information about the products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact us today on our customer services on 01472 907051.