Whether you live in an Oakland bungalow, or a large Piedmont mansion, you want your home to have the very best in curb appeal. The good news is that you can make things special, and do it on a budget. The hardest part is stepping away from your home, and seeing it as your neighbor or a future buyer might see it for the first time. That can be a interesting experience. What you see as cozy and cute, might be seen as crowded and small by an outsider.
Here are some inexpensive corrections to improve the approach to your front door
a. Clean up your walkway. Remove weeds between the cracks, level any paving stones.
b. Sweep and rake everywhere, removing all debris under the bushes and plants and in gutters.
c. Pull up all dead plants and outdated, overgrown bushes. Prune plants that touch the house.
d. Wash your windows–inside AND out. Hose off mold and mildew from the steps and walls.
Think about replacing or redesigning your front door and porch
a. Many doors are old and worn out, or need paint. Painting is inexpensive, and design smart.
b. Match your door to the design of your home. If you have an English Tudor style in Oakland, check out the reasonably priced home design outlets for a match to replace the old brown door that came with the home.
c. Consider painting the trim on your porch and your front door in an accent color that flatters.
d. Buy handsome new house numbers– many are available in attractive tiles and metals.
e. Replace your porch lighting fixture(s). The selection now is outstanding and inexpensive.
Research your neighborhood’s climate to determine the best plants to purchase and maintain
a. The Internet is an outstanding resource for deciding which plants and grass will grow well.
b. To ignore this resource will cost you money in the long run, due to the need to replace dying flowers and bushes, and keep you from investing in expensive fertilizers, mulch, etc.
c. Talk with your local nurseryman. They know the area, and enjoy helping you make design plans, because they know a happy customer is a return customer.
d. Competition between grocery, outlet, home design centers allows you to get outstanding buys on your purchases. Take time to check the ads. It is worthwhile.
Start small financially, and work up to a outstanding presentation
a. You don’t have to do everything at once, unless your are readying your home for sale.
b. Search your neighborhood for ideas. See what the homeowners around the block are doing with their home that is appealing and will fit your needs and finances.
c. Look for bargains, sales, coupons, and combination offers that will save you money.
d. Have a long term plan. Concentrate on certain areas one at a time, improve those, and then move on to the next.
Lastly, make this fun. If it is fun, you will work harder, and feel more satisfied when you are done. Any improvements you make will always benefit you and your home in the long run.
Posted by Bruce Wagg on
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