4 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

This week, we talked about how Edmonton’s Neighbourhood Renewal Plan is helping areas in the city get better sidewalks and roads, and how that can add to the curb appeal of your home. But waiting for the city to come by with new sidewalk panels isn’t the only way you can get your home looking its best. As we all know, curb appeal is becoming increasingly important to home buyers, especially first-time owners, so here’s a few ways you can increase your curb appeal and even sell you home a little faster.

1. Edge the Driveway

Driveways are one of the first things people see when they get to a home. A bad looking driveway can turn a lot of people off since replacement costs can be so astronomical. But you can give your driveway a little facelift without shelving out thousands on new concrete by edging what you already have. A simple yet elegant driveway edge gives your home a well-maintained look, and may even distract people from the less desirable parts of your driveway.

2. Paint the Front Door

There was a long time where front doors were the focal point of a home’s exterior look. A well-painted home with a vibrantly coloured door was all the rage, and it gave homes a look that screamed attention to detail. The fad passed, however, as other parts of a home’s exterior, like stone siding, became all the rage. But the good news is brightly-coloured doors are back, and it’s easily one of the cheapest ways you can increase the curb appeal. Bright yet deep colours are in right now, including reds and blues, and they can make your home stand out.

3. Lighting

Exterior lighting has two major functions, safety and beauty, but that doesn’t mean they need to exist separately. Simple lighting choices can give your yard a whole new look while keeping the important areas illuminated. Take, for example, some lights set up along the path to your (hopefully newly-painted!) front door. It can add a new look while giving you light to get to the front door in one piece. You can add new lights almost anywhere, and use unique fixtures that give your home a look that sets it apart from the competition.

4. Cover Up Dead Spots

Big trees are beautiful when viewed from afar, but up close they can cause some problems. As they tend to soak up all the nutrients around them, trees leave large brown spots where grass used to grow. If you have dead spots on your lawn because of trees, try planting flowers that flourish in the shade, or get some mulch to cover up the unsightly brown and give your yard a more manicured look. Getting rid of dead spots makes your whole yard look healthier, and that can go a long way in making it more appealing.

Curb appeal is a big part of selling your home, and with some simple tricks, you can up your home’s look without spending a lot of money. It could help your home sell faster, and maybe even for more than you expected.