Curb appeal refers to the look of the exterior to your home. It’s the first thing that’s seen from the “curb” when someone approaches your home, so it’s important that your home gives the right first impression— especially if you’re trying to sell your home.
Even if you’re not planning on selling your home, curb appeal is still very important. For example, if your community is under a homeowners’ association (HOA) you’re required to keep up with the maintenance of your home and lawn. If neither of these is the case for you, it’s still a good idea to keep up with certain aspects of the exterior of your home.
#1: Garage Door Repair Services
Garage doors last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, and avoiding damage to your garage door can help it last longer. Still, the average garage door opens and closes over 1,000 times each year, so some wear and tear is going to happen. Professional garage repair and replacement services can help you determine if your garage door needs to be replaced completely or is only in need of minor repairs.
You can also have your garage door replaced if you want a new look to help enhance your curb appeal. Another option is to paint or stain it a new color. Painting your garage door, window shutters, and other accent pieces of your home can help give your home a fresh new look.
#2: Lawn Care and Landscaping Services
Regular and routine maintenance of your front and back yards is one of the easiest ways to keep up with the curb appeal of your home. Simply mowing and watering your lawn can help keep your lawn green and thriving. However, there are problems that can arise when it comes to lawn maintenance, and this is where a lawn care service can help you diagnose and treat various lawn issues.
You can even take things a step further and hire a landscaping service to add flowers and more greenery to your front and back yards. These services can also help design brick, stone, or gravel walkways to your front door, or even create a backyard oasis with a water feature. Even though the backyard may not be the first thing visitors see, it’s an important part of your curb appeal.
#3: Power Wash and Painting Services
Since homes are constantly exposed to the outdoor elements, the color won’t pop as much as it once did over time. Many homeowners think it’s time to paint their home, when all it really needs is to be power washed. Power washing removes years of dirt, grime, pollen, and smog buildup, making your home look brand new. You can power wash your home yourself, but if you’ve never done this before it’s a good idea to go with a professional to avoid ruining your windows and siding.
Sometimes your home really does need a fresh coat of paint, and this is where hiring a painting service can really make your home look new. You’ll want to go with a professional over painting your home yourself because working from a height can be extremely dangerous. However, your front door, garage door, and window shutters (if you have a one-story home), are safe to paint on your own.
#4: Roofing Repair Services
Depending on the type of roof you have, a roof can last anywhere from 20 to over 50 years. However, the majority of people have asphalt shingle roofs, which only last about 20 years (the more expensive slate and tile roofs are the ones that can last over 50 years). It can be hard to know when it’s time for a roof replacement, particularly if you’ve moved into an older house. Here are some signs that it’s time for a roof replacement:
- Buckling/curling shingles
- Missing shingles
- Moss, fungi, or mold present
- Sagging roof
- Water damage in your attic
If you need to repair or replace your roof, it’s best to call a professional. Again, this requires working from a height— plus roofing is very specialized work. Professional roofers can also ensure that a certain type of roofing will work on your home if you’re looking to switch to a different type of material.
Updating the siding on your home, your mailbox, and your deck or patio (if you have one) are other ways to help improve the curb appeal of your home. Whether you plan on selling your home or not, it’s important to keep up with all of the maintenance of the exterior of your home— just as you do with the interior.
(Image source: depositphotos.com)
