12 Outdoor Projects to Increase the Curb Value of Your Home
Published on 14 August 2020 in Blog Tips by
Last updated on April 13th, 2023 at 03:38 pm
When it comes to selling your property, first impressions matter more than many homeowners realize. That’s why maintaining a well-kept and attractive looking exterior is important for capturing the attention of buyers and making that first impression a good one. It can also boost the value of your home, so it pays off in the end. To get your property looking it’s best before you place it on the market, here are several outdoor projects to help increase the curb value and appeal of your home.Give the Landscape a Makeover
Burnt, patchy grass, broken interlock, and crumbling stairs will turn buyers off in the first initial glance of your property – whether it’s online or in person. By making a few upgrades to makeover your landscape, you can grab their attention and give them more incentive to consider buying your property. Take a stern look at your landscape and determine any areas that look off-putting. Asking a relative with a critical eye can be helpful to pick up on areas that you may have become desensitized to over the years. Some key areas to focus on include sprucing up the grass, planting some flowers to add a splash of colour, laying down new interlock if they’re in rough shape, and improving any areas that have been really neglected over the years.Driveway Gates
Driveway gates and fences will enhance the beauty, privacy, and security of your home. In fact, it extends your home security to the boundaries of your property. Having a surrounding fence and gate can be a great comfort. This is particularly worth considering if your house lies in an area of heavy traffic. In addition to the security benefits, adding a gate also contains animals, clearly marks property lines, and makes a huge aesthetic improvement to your home. When purchasing electric gates, you need to consider a few options. The most obvious is deciding whether you want your driveway gate to open by sliding or swinging outwards. Swing gates are more aesthetically pleasing, but you must take into account the opening radius depending on their length. Sliding gates will eliminate this issue as they retract rather than swing. You will also need to consider how much power is required to open and close your driveway gate. The amount of power is dependent on the size of your gate, how it opens, and how many times it will need to be opened each day.Add Some Cozy Patio Furniture
When buyers are on the hunt for a home, they’re looking for a place where they can envision themselves living. By creating a cozy and alluring outdoor space with some patio chairs, colourful cushions, greenery, and a rug, you can make it more inviting and easier for them to visualize living there.
Refresh the Paint
A fresh coat of paint can spruce up any area of the home almost instantly. Peeling paint, even outside, can give off the impression that the property hasn’t been very well maintained. If this is the case, be sure to add a new coat where it’s needed. It’s possible that your neighbourhood may have rules in place regarding paint colours, such as if you’re part of a heritage community, so be sure to consult local bylaws in advance of that trip to Home Depot.Replace the Front Door
The front door is located front and centre, so it counts when creating that first impression too. It’s important to have a strong, sturdy, and good-looking front door to welcome potential buyers. Old and weathered front doors are not only uninviting, but they can also cause drafts and contribute to higher energy bills.Add Mulch
A simple and effective way of enhancing and tidying up the garden is by adding mulch to it. Placing dark mulch along the garden beds will make it look tidy, sharp, and eye-catching.
Gardens!
In addition to landscaping, why not implement a lovely garden? Take care of that green thumb and your curb appeal at the same time. Perennials are a great option, as are rosebushes and various shrubbery. You could also fill planters with wildflower seeds to go for a real earthy, organic look.Decorative Features
Bird baths, fountains, and beautiful stone statues that would give some poor thief a hernia if they tried to make off with them are all fair game. You want to ensure any decorative elements can’t magically disappear in the middle of the night, aren’t high in value, and can weather the weather! Alternatively, consider a pond or, for something that requires less maintenance, a modern rock garden (perfect for more modern homes).New Siding
If the siding of your home is looking worse for wear – or simply outdated – don’t be afraid to get it torn down and replaced. You’d be surprised what a fresh layering of aluminum or brick façade siding can do for a home’s curb appeal – it’s like the building gets a whole new personality!Pressure Washing
Stains, grime, and dirt begone, as a thorough pressure washing can do wonders for your home’s exterior appearance. Literally blasting away years of “battle scars” from our iconic Canadian winters can make a property look relatively new and cleaner. From the siding to walkways, porch decking to columns, there are plenty of areas around your home that could likely benefit from looking their best.