They say we eat with our eyes first, when looking at a house the same concept applies. A well maintained and aesthetically pleasing house tends to hold more value in our minds and the real estate market. The exterior of a house is equivalent to the handshake when meeting someone new. Trust us when we say first impressions matter. The first look at a house gives you a feel for the character and quality of the house. If your house is looking a little worse for wear, here are some tips on how to increase your curb appeal.

Landscaping

Landscaping is one of the simplest ways to improve the look of your home. This could be something as small as mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. More intricate landscaping can include planting new trees, lining your driveway with shrubs or plants and planting flowers near the front door. Adding greenery to your front yard brightens up your space and makes it more inviting.

Curb Appeal Hardscaping

Hardscaping refers to any man made or solid structure that is not plant life. Types of hardscape can include features like gazebos, decks, fire pits, walkways or fountains. Adding new trim or a hardscape lighting are both great ways to increase your curb appeal from a distance. Another hardscaping technique is stonewall veneering. This technique fits natural hardscape stone together to add texture and color onto the exterior of your home. Hardscaping is often more costly than landscaping but the investment is sure to be eye catching and increase resale value.

Driveway work

Driveways are some of the most used outdoor spaces. If your driveway has cracks or uneven surfaces it can present unsafe conditions like trip or fall hazards. Driveway paving materials can range from concrete, travertine, clay and marble. Clay and concrete tend to be more durable and affordable paving materials. Travertine, marble and limestone offer a unique look that may require additional upkeep.

Fresh Coat of Paint

Adding a fresh coat of paint to your outdoor space is a relatively cheap and quick way to breathe some life back into your home. Painting your fence or shutters may seem like a small change but it can make a big difference. Experiment with different color tones to add some vibrancy to your space. Black or white are universally appealing colors because they match most exteriors but don’t be afraid to use a bright accent color to really make your home pop.

Why Making a Great Exterior Design Matters

Having a well-designed exterior home has many benefits including less maintenance costs, increased security and property value, not to mention your overall satisfaction with returning home everyday. Using durable materials for walkways and driveways will increase their longevity making replacement less frequent. A home that looks well maintained and actively lived in is less likely to be broken into increasing the overall security for your family. Property value will increase if you invest the time to increase your curb appeal.

If you are looking for sound advice on where to get started with your hardscaping and more, reach out to the professionals at U.S. Brick and Block for cost estimates, home improvement ideas and more.