LITTLE ROCK — The front of our house needs perking up - it looks sort of old, tired and boring. What kinds of things could I do without spending too much?
What you want to do is add what, in the real estate business, is called curb appeal. There are many ideas out there on how to accomplish this, including a total makeover of your landscaping, major remodeling and other things that could cost well into the thousands of dollars.
In an article in diy network.
com titled “Instant Curb Appeal for Under $100,” Tiffany Bell offered a number of ideas.
“There are dozens of small, inexpensive home improvements that you can do to your house to add instant curb appeal ... [that] gives your house that nice and finished look in which you can take pride,” Bell wrote. Her ideas are equally valid for those looking to sell their homes.
Paint your front door, trim or shutters
- Most exterior paint will cost approximately $25 a gallon. Painting trim, shutters and the front door should not take you more than $100, unless you have a very big house. Painting your home can definitely add some brightness and revive your house while adding curb appeal.
You can choose a bold color that makes your house stick out, but just make sure you match it to the rest of the colors on the house. This home improvement project may take several hours, depending on how much you choose to paint, so plan for at least a day of work.
Upgrade your mailbox.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a regular mailbox by the road or a box mounted to your house. Adding a new, nicer mailbox can make your whole home feel upgraded.
You can find a new mailbox from $25 up. When you install your mailbox, make sure you are complying with any city regulations. If you have a simple mailbox mounted on your house, this home improvement project should take less than an hour to complete. If you have a full-size mailbox at the road, plan for at least two hours or so to finish.
Install new house numbers.
If your home has old or faded house numbers on it, buy some new ones to spruce up its curb appeal. Look for modern designs made from stainless steel, brass or aluminum. Try to match the new numbers with the finish on your exterior light fixtures. Make sure the numbers are large enough and well enough lighted that they can be easily read from the street, so that guests or emergency responders can find your house quickly. Simple house numbers can start at $2 per number or you can look into customized plaques for $50-$100.
Plant a tree.
Planting a tree is one of the most common ways to add curb appeal. It’s a simple home improvement project that can really liven up your house. But before buying a tree, consider how big it will get and how it will affect the looks of your house. Also, with the hot and dry weather we’ve been having in Arkansas, wait until a more auspicious time to plant. If you have enough space, try planting two trees to frame your house or entryway.
Replace exterior light fixtures.
When buying new exterior fixtures, consider style and function. You want them to adequately light up your entryway and thus make it safer. Also, look for fixtures with the same mounting system as your current ones. That will save you time. Exterior light fixtures can be found for about $20 and up.
Install flower boxes.
If your house is lacking color, try adding flower boxes in your windows or on the front porch railings. Flower boxes are relatively cheap. The thing you need to remember is that you’ll also have to pay for the flowers and soil, and will have to maintain the upkeep of the plants. Another option is adding some container gardens to your front steps or porch.
Hope this gets you going.
HomeStyle, Pages 33 on 08/20/2011