Three Easy & Budget-Friendly Curb Appeal Ideas

Want to boost your home’s value, but not spend thousands of dollars doing so? We’ve got you covered. Check out these three budget-conscious ideas that will buff up the curb appeal of your home and raise your property value.

Enrich with Color

Of the many things you can do to increase your home’s curb appeal, few can have as dramatic an effect as a fresh coat of paint. Whether you’re moving in, moving out or need to give your home a facelift, there are many benefits of re-painting your home’s exterior. Paint, according to Better Home and Gardens, not only protects the materials it covers from the elements, it can also make a property more attractive to potential buyers. If you don’t want to paint your home’s entire exterior, you can paint small accents such as exterior shutters or trim. For step-by-step directions on how to paint the outside of your home, check out this article from Better Home and Gardens.

Create an Outdoor Living Space

Front porches and patios are becoming more attractive to buyers. In 2004, 73 percent of homebuyers rated patios “essential or desirable” in a National Association of Home Builders survey; in 2013, that number jumped to 85 percent. Additionally, patios are a great, cost-effective way to increase your home’s living space without actually adding anything on. According to HouseLogic, when planning out your patio you should check your property for slope, sun and shade patterns. Remember ‘dig alerts’ that utilities provide free of charge, and don’t skimp on patio lighting as it can make all the difference in functionality and beautification.

Light It Up

Exterior lighting can make your home shine in the evening, accent features you like most about your house, and  help keep burglars away. With 85 percent  of homebuyers saying outdoor lighting is on their list of desired home features, outdoor lighting clearly adds value to your home. And with solar lighting options available, it’s easier and more cost-effective than ever to boost your home’s nighttime curb appeal. Additionally, when you light your home with LED lights, you can save serious money (no stat in article anymore) on your electricity bill, according to HouseLogic. For ideas and best practices on how to light your home, check out this article from This Old House.

Tip: Coat WD-40_® Multi-Use Product on doorknobs prior to painting around them to keep paint from sticking to the knobs.