Curb appeal is more than just a buzzword, it’s the first impression your home portrays to viewers and potential investors. A well-maintained and visually appealing exterior can create a welcoming atmosphere and make it stand out in the neighborhood.
Fortunately, enhancing your curb image doesn’t have to be steep or tedious. Here are five impactful outdoor projects that can overhaul your home’s exterior and make it glow.
1. Put In a Large Flower Bed
Adding a flower bed is one of the simplest ways to brighten your yard and create a welcoming atmosphere. Start by selecting a location that complements your home’s layout and draws attention to key areas, such as the entryway or front lawn.
Choose a warm setting and prep the soil by pulling weeds and adding compost. Select plants that thrive in your local climate and complement your home’s style. Consider low-maintenance options like perennials and drought-tolerant plants to ensure year-round appeal with minimal effort. When planting, ensure proper spacing and watering to encourage healthy growth.
Quality mulch is crucial for flower bed success. Apply a 2-3 inch layer to retain moisture and reduce weeding time. Dark mulch provides the best contrast for showcasing your flowers.
Cost: Flower bed installation prices vary depending on the size, plant selection, and soil amendments needed. Lawn Love reveals it can cost you between $1,000 to $3,200, with labor and supplies. The national average price is around $2,370, but you can spend as little as $480 and as high as $5,800.
2. Revamp Your Garage Door
Your garage door is often the largest and most prominent feature of your home’s facade. Revamping it can instantly elevate your home’s overall look. A fresh coat of paint or a new garage door can make a notable impression. Opt for neutral shades like beige, gray, or black, which pair well with most home exteriors.
Adding decorative hardware, such as faux handles or hinges, can enhance the door’s charm. Simple handles or hinges can give your door a carriage-house look. For a quicker and budget-friendly transformation, consider using a decorative garage wrap. A stylish wrap adds personality to your home and protects the door’s surface from wear and tear. This small but impactful change can give your home a refined look.
According to Belco Forest Products, you can choose wraps from several materials. Cedar and Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) trims are popular due to their availability and natural aesthetic. Cedar is on the pricier side, but SYP is a viable option. Opt for synthetic materials like fiber cement and oriented strand board (OSB), if traditional wood isn’t your thing.
Cost: For a garage door replacement, you’ll have to typically spend about $750 to $1,700 or more, depending on the size, material, and style. Angi reveals a low-end replacement can cost as little as $250, while a high-end upgrade costs over $2,500.
Repainting a garage door costs about $200 and $500, with the average price being $300. The lowest you can go is $80, but a quality paint job could cost you upwards of $700.
3. Add Landscape Curbing
Landscape curbing provides a clean and defined look, separating flower beds, pathways, and grass areas. It’s a simple way to organize outdoor spaces while boosting curb appeal.
Moreover, it helps prevent soil erosion, limits weeds, and adds a sleek look to your yard. You can pick from various materials like cement, brick, or plastic. Concrete curbing is a favorite due to its longevity and ability to be molded into custom patterns. Alternatively, stone or brick borders offer a more rustic and natural aesthetic.
You can do the installation yourself to save money. However, it needs thorough consideration and setup. Start by outlining the desired areas with stakes and string. Then, dig a shallow trench to lay the curbing material securely. Hire a contractor to ensure a superior installation for intricate designs or larger yards.
Cost: The landscape curbing cost varies depending on the material, length, and project complexity. Typically, you’ll have to pay around $1,426, but it can cost anywhere from $780 to $2,125. You can spend as little as $323 for small projects like small tree rings. However, expect to pay upwards of $4,000 for projects involving high-end materials.
4. Light Up the Landscaping
Outdoor lighting enhances both the charm and utility of your property’s exterior. It highlights key features, increases safety, and creates a warm ambiance. Strategically placed path lights, spotlights, and string lights can highlight your home’s architectural features and create a comforting and inviting atmosphere.
Solar-operated pathway decorations are an inexpensive and sustainable choice to illuminate walkways. Uplighting trees or architectural elements, such as columns or stonework, adds drama and sophistication to your landscape. String lights are ideal for creating cozy and inviting outdoor seating areas.
For energy efficiency, choose LED lighting options. They are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. To achieve the best results, strategically place lights to highlight specific areas, rather than overwhelming the space with excessive brightness.
Cost: Prices can range widely based on the number of fixtures, the type of lighting, and the installation scope. According to Home Guide, on average, a fixture will start at $80, costing up to $300 with labor.
Low-power landscape decor costs $100 to $150 per fixture installed. Pathway and patio string lights are the cheapest, costing between $50 and $150. On the other hand, lamp posts or bollard lights are the priciest, starting from $200, while going as much as $800.
5. Pressure Wash Your Home
A good pressure washing can wipe away residue, filth, and mildew from your property’s exterior, making it appear pleasant and clean. Focus on key areas like siding, driveways, patios, and fences. These surfaces are prone to collecting debris and can look significantly refreshed after cleaning.
Before you start, research the appropriate pressure settings for different surfaces. Vinyl siding will need less force than concrete. Always test in an inconspicuous area first. Always wear protective gear and avoid aiming the sprayer at windows or fragile surfaces.
Cost: US News reveals you can rent a pressure washer for a few hours or a day, or hire a professional. Renting a pressure washer typically costs about $35 to $175 daily. Hiring a professional can cost anywhere from $90 to $200 or more, depending on the size of your home and the job complexity. On average, professionals charge $0.40 per square foot or $25 to $100 per hour.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the best season to start outdoor renovation projects?
Early spring is ideal for most outdoor renovations. The mild weather helps new plants establish roots, paint dry properly, and concrete cure effectively. Plus, some contractors often offer better rates during this shoulder season before the summer rush begins.
Q2. How can I sharpen my home’s curb appeal on a budget?
Start with simple things like lawn clipping, trimming foliage, and removing flower beds. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door or porch is another affordable way to boost your home’s curb appeal. Additionally, focus on symmetry when placing outdoor decor and lighting.
Q3. How much does professional landscape development cost?
Front yard landscaping prices range from $1,500 to $5,000, with $3,496 being the mean. In contrast, basic backyard landscaping falls between $3,000 and $15,000, with $10,000 being the average. Major remodeling project costs start from $15,000 and go as high as $50,000.
Conclusion
You can maximize your property’s curb factor without major renovations or a hefty budget. Simple outdoor projects, like adding a flower bed, revamping your garage door, or installing landscape curbing, can make a significant difference. Complement these upgrades with thoughtful lighting and a thorough pressure wash to achieve a polished, inviting exterior.
These easy and impactful projects enhance your home’s appearance and contribute to its value and charm. Whether you wish to sell your home or simply cherish it, these steps will help your home pop in the finest way possible.
