Ensuring that you’re getting the most bang for your buck with your curb appeal projects starts by avoiding certain mistakes. Curb appeal is essential whether you plan on selling your home or you want to make your house a better place to be. Curb appeal refers to all the exterior areas of your property. Here are some common mistakes you can avoid to ensure your home keeps its appeal.
1. Dropping the Ball on Maintenance
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is that they put a lot of effort into installing plants and grade seed but then they don’t provide the necessary maintenance. An unmaintained lawn has the opposite effect of what you’re trying to achieve. For example, grass will grow anywhere from two to six inches each month. This won’t happen, however, unless it is properly watered, fertilized, or over cute. You should be cutting your lawn at least every two weeks. It’s not just lawns that get ignored. Another big maintenance activity often put on the back burner is trimming bushes and trees to keep them neat. Installing hardscapes, lawns, plants, and other elements in your yard is not enough. You need to set a schedule for maintenance for the exterior of your home.
2. Overdoing the Landscape
While a beautifully landscaped yard can enhance curb appeal for your property, overdoing it with excessive plants, trees, and decorations can create visual chaos. Cluttered landscaping can overwhelm the eye and detract from the overall appeal of your house. Aim for a balanced and well-manicured landscape by choosing a variety of plants and shrubs that complement each other and the architectural style of your home. Of course, the more plants you have in your yard, the more maintenance you will need to provide. Keep things simple and tidy it will make a great impression and keep the workload down. Focus instead of upgrading driveway surfaces and hiring a pressure washing company to manage annual pressure washing. On average, a pressure washer uses about two gallons of water per minute. Likewise, a regular garden hose uses about 20 gallons a minute. Professional pressure washing conserves water for your home, saved you time, and keeps your property looking its best.
3. Neglecting Outdoor Lighting
Insufficient or outdated outdoor lighting can have a negative impact on your home’s curb appeal, especially during the evening hours. Dark pathways and entryways pose safety risks and make your exterior appear unwelcoming. Install adequate outdoor lighting that illuminates pathways, the front porch, and key architectural features of your house. Consider energy-efficient LED lighting that enhances safety and adds a warm and inviting ambiance. If you have a deck, ensure that it is well-lit since decks are valuable investments for any home. In fact, in 2021, the ROI for a deck was about 66%. A well-lit deck is inviting and gives your curb appeal a nice punch.
4. Ignoring the Front Door
The front door is a focal point of your home’s exterior and deserves special attention. Neglecting it by leaving it in disrepair, choosing an inappropriate color, or failing to add welcoming touches can diminish your home’s overall curb appeal. Consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint in a color that complements your home’s exterior. Enhance it with stylish hardware, a decorative wreath, or potted plants. Ensure that the door is in good condition, opens smoothly, and has a clean and inviting appearance. Upgrading the paint on your exterior door is a simple step, but it profoundly impacts curb appeal. Avoid the most common mistakes and enjoy your curb appeal by following the suggestions in this article. Simple changes can have a big impact on how people perceive your home. Learn more about making the right choices for your curb appeal projects.
