Whether you’re selling your home, have just moved into to a new street or just want a more pleasing exterior when you pull in the drive, there are plenty of valid reasons to add kerb appeal to your home. Investing in this area will not only make your house stand out from any neighbouring buildings, but it can also be an inexpensive way of adding a lot of value to the property. Whatever the motivation may be behind this new DIY project, here are some great ideas to get you started:
Add a Boundary Fence and Gate
Adding a boundary fence to your front garden can really smarten up the exterior space, and there are so many design options you could go for. Country houses look lovely behind a rustic dry stone wall, and an old Victorian terraced home would really suit a smart iron bar fence. Be sure to stick to the same design era as your home because it will really enhance the features you already have. Think about how much privacy you may want in your front garden and whether the fencing will block out any natural light.
Create a Seating Area In The Sunshine
If outdoor space is limited or nearly non-existent, try and use any front garden space to your advantage, an outdoor seating area is wonderful to have during the summer and a great space to entertain guests in the evening sun. Add an area of decking or patio slabs for table and chairs to be placed on top of. Think out of the box if you’re really limited for space, a swing chair or hammock can provide a comfortable spot to relax in.
Plant Plenty of Foliage
One of the best ways to bring kerb appeal to your home is to invest in some sturdy perennials to plant. Opt for low maintenance varieties if you haven’t got the time to garden at the weekend, unruly plants can backfire on your intentions and make your house look even more worse for wear. Visit your local garden centre and seek advice from a horticulture professional as they should be able to suggest the perfect plants for your space. Let them know how much light they’ll receive and whether the area is usually damp or quite dry.
Paint Your Front Door a Different Colour
Make your house really stand out from the crowd and paint your front door a vibrant and eye-catching colour, this simple task is an inexpensive way to improve the appearance of the facade and shouldn’t take long to complete. Choose a colour palette that will complement your house and head down to your local DIY store for supplies. If you’re not confident with your painting skills, search online for “handyman near me” who can complete the task in a professional manner.
Create A Parking Space If Possible
An excellent bonus if you live in a built-up area, providing a parking space to the front of your home can add serious value if it’s usually hard to find. Even if you don’t own a car it can be rented out to a commuter and provide a small additional income to your household. There will need to be enough width for the car and for both the doors to open, and the surface should be gravel, tarmac or concrete if possible. A large majority of potential buyers will favour a house with parking over one without this facility, so it’s a perfect addition if you’re looking to sell.
Add Outdoor Lighting
Something you tend not to think about until those shorter days start to creep in, outdoor lighting is incredibly useful when trying to manoeuvre from the car to the front door in the dark. Garden gates can be flanked with pretty lamp posts, or spotlight can be dug into the ground along the path. Fairy lights can be a beautiful addition to a porch area and won’t cost you an arm and a leg to install.
With a few hours spent improving this area, you’ll be amazed at the difference it will make to your home. Boosting your property’s kerb appeal will not only bring you great satisfaction when you pull up outside, your neighbours will love it too. Before you know it the whole street will have improved and your postcode will be the most desirable area in town. Be the first to start the trend and watch how it motivates those lovely people around you.
