When your house is for sale and the exterior is in need of a makeover, you can do it inexpensively with a little paint, a pressure washer and some elbow grease. But if your home needs a little more TLC and your budget allows, follow these steps to take your home’s curb appeal to the next level. You may be handsomely rewarded with a quicker sale or a larger profit.
Repair rotted wood on eaves and around gutters, which should also be cleaned and inspected. Sagging gutters should be repaired or replaced along with any damaged fascia boards. Walk the perimeter of the house looking for any other weathered spots that need replaced or repaired. Cut low hanging limbs over the roof or outdoor living areas. Keeping limbs trimmed makes your property seem more open and expansive.
For about $30 per gallon, touch up exterior trim and siding. If the overall exterior needs painting, invest in a professional painter to transform the look of your home.
Adding shutters painted a coordinated color will enhance the look of windows, giving them a more robust appearance. Have the windows professionally cleaned so they sparkle and let in as much sunshine as possible.
From the curb, the eye is drawn to the front door so make sure it’s in tip-top shape. If it’s tired looking, repaint or refinish it. If it’s beyond help, replace it with one of the latest styles in large window-paned doors that help flood the home with natural light. Front doors can run several thousand dollars on the high end, so budget according to how much you expect to bring in on resale.
The garage door, if visible from the street, should be freshly painted and any damage repaired. If necessary, consider replacing it with the latest attractive style. Garage door pricing also varies widely so keep your final sales price in mind.
Wooden fences with sagging or broken boards should be replaced, repainted or re-stained. The gate should hang straight and operate smoothly. Fresh gate hardware on a refinished wooden fence is a smart investment. If the fence is broken or unattractive, consider getting bids on a new one.
Exterior lighting should be clean and in proper working order. If not, replace with stylish new fixtures. Accent lighting that highlights architectural features and walkways adds a sophisticated appeal.
