Is the outside of your house looking rather gloomy and more than a little dingy? Then it’s time for some external improvements to boost your curb appeal and make your home stand out. You’ll be surprised by how much difference some attention can make, and you may even impress the neighbors.
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Painting
Never underestimate what a fresh coat of paint can do to improve the look of your home. You can simply freshen up your house’s current color, or you may decide to make a change. If you do the latter, be sure to try some samples. Paint swatches on an area of your house that gets different amounts of sunlight. Then look at the colors in various lights. The colors might not be quite what you originally thought. When you’ve selected your color, consider hiring exterior house painters for a professional job.
Repairing
If your home could use some repairs, then make them (or hire a handyman or contractor to complete the projects depending on their complexity). You may need new gutters or a new roof. Perhaps your sidewalks are breaking up, or your windows are chipped or cracked. Your outdoor light fixtures may not work, or your siding may be damaged. All of these problems can make your house look rather shabby. You should do a survey of your home’s exterior and make note of all the issues you see. You might not be able to fix them all at once, but you can at least get a start. If you suspect major problems, bring in a professional inspector to identify what needs repair.
Decluttering
Perhaps your yard or porch or patio is looking a bit cluttered. You may be in the bad habit of leaving tools lying around, or your kids’ toys may seem to be everywhere. In that case, make an effort to declutter your outdoor spaces. You may have to reorganize your garage or basement to create a better storage system. You could even build or bring in a small shed. Your efforts will make your yard look much neater, so get in the good habit of picking up each day.
Landscaping
Landscaping can give your home’s exterior a major boost. You can start small by planting a few flowers or shrubs around your house. This will add texture and a pop of color that will look great. If you’d like to do a bit more, you can bring in a landscaper to create gardens or plant trees. If you have a green thumb, you might take on the project yourself. Be sure to plan carefully, though, and stay within a budget.
Decorating
Finally, don’t hesitate to do a bit of decorating on your home’s exterior. Your front porch would look great with a porch swing or a small seating area. Add some colorful outdoor cushions and a small table, too. You can throw in some seasonal decorations for good measure. On your patio, you could change out your seating, put up an umbrella table, or even bring in a fire pit.
Your house can look great if you take the time to make some external improvements. You’ll grow to love your home more and more.