What are the best ways to increase curb appeal?

Curb appeal is the impression your house makes from the street. It matters if you are selling, but it also changes how it feels to come home every day. The good news: the biggest effect often comes from cleaning and small repairs, not expensive renovations.

Start by looking at it like a stranger

Stand across the street, or take a photo and look at it on a screen. Faults you no longer notice stand out: a stained driveway, faded trim, an overgrown shrub hiding a window, a crooked mailbox.

Quick wins (a weekend or less)

• Clean everything: wash the siding and windows, clear gutters, sweep the walk. A pressure washer is useful on concrete, but use low pressure on siding and wood.
• Paint or refresh the front door: it is the focal point of the facade. Colors are discussed in how to choose a paint color for your front door.
• Replace hardware: new house numbers, a matching door handle and a mailbox that looks cared for.
• Edge and mulch the beds and trim shrubs away from windows and paths.

The front porch and entry

The porch is where curb appeal and welcome meet. Even a small stoop benefits from:

• A pair of planters on either side of the door, with plants that suit the light.
• A doormat sized to the door, or larger.
• A light fixture in proportion to the door (a common mistake is one that is too small).
• On a larger porch, a bench or two chairs and a small table, in weather-resistant materials.
• Clean, painted railings and steps that feel solid.

Lighting

Lighting along the path, on the porch and on house numbers makes the home look good at night and is safer. Low-voltage or solar LED path lights are easy to install. Choose warm white rather than cold blue light.

Bigger projects

• Landscaping: a clear path to the door, layered planting with shrubs at the back and flowers in front, and a healthy lawn (mowed high, and only when dry: see can you cut wet grass?) or an attractive lawn alternative. See the different types of landscaping styles.
• Exterior paint or siding: compare materials in the different types of siding.
• Garage door: on many houses it takes up a large share of the facade, so replacing or painting it makes a big difference.
• Driveway and walkway repairs.

Keep it consistent

Pick a style and color palette and stick with it: the door, the shutters, the light fixtures and the planters should all look like they belong together.