Creating Curb Appeal
Spring is finally in the air. Isn’t it lovely? It is so refreshing to not have to bundle up to frigid temperatures in the mornings. The trees and flowers are blooming. The grass is getting greener. Allergy sufferers’ pockets are overflowing with all their tissues… Oh, wait; that last one is a bad thing about Spring.
Source: BHG.com Exterior Home Improvements
If you don’t fall into that last category, then you’re probably impatiently waiting on that last cold snap of the year to update the outside of your home and give it that curb appeal that fits your own style. The front of your house is the first impression people get of your home, and it is just as important to keep it looking great. So, here are some ideas you can start on this weekend.
Source: BHG.com Exterior Home Improvements
Wash your house. That sounds kind of funny, but it’s a great way to give your home a quick update. If your home has siding, use a garden hose with a spray attachment and maybe some mild soap or bleach (mix a 3-1 water-bleach ratio) when washing. Being hasty and using a pressure washer on your siding could warp and allow moisture under the panels. As my mother always said, “Haste makes waste.” More and more every day, her sayings keep finding their way into my conversations! lol
Source: BHG.com Exterior Home Improvements
Your lawn is one the least expensive projects you can tackle during a weekend to update your curb appeal. To get your lawn looking healthy and green, spread a weed-and-feed treatment (follow directions on the package for optimal results). Then, to keep it healthy, mow with sharpened and high mounted blades. The higher the cut, the less stress you put on the grass. This will help it to grow at a healthy speed and keep the weeds from receiving the sunlight that makes them grow so fast.
Source: BHG.com Exterior Home Improvements
If your hardware has become discolored and rusty over the years, maybe an update is needed this Spring. However, if replacing all of the pieces is not be within your budget range or if you still love their style, then consider giving them a coat of spray paint and sealer.
Source: BHG.com Exterior Home Improvements
Rain, sun, and winds can be harsh on your trim, shutters, doors, and mailbox and post, which can cause the paint to crack and split. This in turn causes the wood and surroundings to rot. Give all your painted surfaces some love with a new coat this weekend. Better yet, be daring and choose a new complimentary color to your house for an even more dramatic update. A great way to see the color before you buy the paint is to use Sherwin Williams color app online. You can upload a picture and “paint” your house with their line of colors. Click here to try it.
Source: BHG.com Exterior Home Improvements
Lastly, add or update your flowers and plants. Colorful plants and evergreens can give the front of your house a warm welcoming feeling to you and your guests. An important rule of thumb for your plants is to pick a theme (tropical, native, etc) and stick with it.
Source: BHG.com Landscaping Projects
You may not have any cabinets or custom built pieces of furniture, per say, on your front porch or lawn; however, it is still a first impression and says a lot about your home and how you feel about it. Even if you have completely remodeled the inside, it won’t matter much if you don’t take care of the outside. And, even the smallest of outdoor updates can help you gain a sense of pride in the look of your home.