Maintaining Curb Appeal
(NC)—Caring for the exterior of your house increases value and makes it stand out from the rest. If you are selling your house, curb appeal can make the difference between a drive-by and a sale. A smart looking exterior sends the message that the house is cared for with time being spent to keep it maintained. Consider the following suggestions from The Home Depot Canada to increase your home's curb appeal:
Power clean. Make a noticeable improvement to the exterior of the home with a power wash. Don't forget to give the fences, deck, walkways and driveway a good clean. Give the windows a good scrub both inside and out. If the home still looks dull after the cleaning, give it a fresh coat of paint.
Jazz-up the landscaping. "Architectural landscaping is an immediate way to add colour, beauty and personality," says Dan Blair, seasonal expert at The Home Depot Canada. "Adding potted plants around a home's doorway or porch, placing shrubs alongside the driveway and keeping the grass neatly cut helps showcase a well kept home."
Complete the landscaping project by installing a water feature. They are aesthetically pleasing, emit soothing sounds and are easy to maintain.
Make the entryway inviting. Start with the sidewalk and ensure there are no weeds peeking through the cracks. Next, work on the driveway to remove or minimize oil spots and give it a fresh coat of asphalt sealer.
Come on in. A new door makes a smart visual statement to all that enter your home. If your door is only in need of a new coat of paint, choose a colour that complements the house and neighbourhood. Next, dress up the door by installing hardware, like handles, kick plates and knockers. After the door is updated, don't forget to look down. A doormat is a warm way to welcome the guests.
Lighting upgrades. Replacing the dated exterior porch lights is a quick and easy way to give the house a new look. Consider also adding solar lights to illuminate the walkways and gardens at night.
Regular maintenance. Once all the hard work is done, make it a habit to maintain the exterior appearance of the home. Doing so keeps the house looking pristine while helping avoid serious problems in the future.
More ideas on sprucing up the exterior of your home are available online at homedepot.ca.
- News Canada