As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression – and that’s just as true of homes as it is of people!
We form an opinion of a property within the first few seconds of seeing it, so the impression your home makes from the kerb plays a crucial role in that process for visitors and potential buyers.
So how do we get that all-important first impression right?
There are lots of things you can do to enhance your home’s kerb appeal, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big difference too. Here are six easy ways to set the tone and create a warm welcome.
Spruce up the front door
Your front door is often the first thing that guests notice when visiting, so focusing on this area is a great way to make a good impression. It can be as simple as a new coat of paint to keep things looking fresh; you might want to consider mixing things up with a statement colour that really stands out, or a shade that’s in keeping with the age of your home.
If you’d like to give your front door a bit more of an update, go for new door furniture. A new handle, letterbox and numbers can radically change the appearance and really smarten things up, without costing a fortune.
Give paths and drives some tlc
Paths and driveways are very functional, but they still contribute to the overall impression your home gives from the kerb. Make sure yours is well-swept, clean (a pressure washer is a great option here), and providing a clear route to your door – that means no bikes or outdoor toys lying around!
Hide the bins
A row of wheelie bins isn’t the prettiest addition to your property, but lots of us struggle to find space for them out of sight. A wooden wheelie bin chest is a brilliant option for hiding away ugly plastic bins while still allowing easy access, and there are lots of size combinations available to suit your own bins and recycling boxes.
Think about night-time
We often only consider our home’s kerb appeal during daylight hours, but it’s worth thinking about a visitor’s experience when it’s dark too; after all, evenings are the time when we tend to entertain guests. Make sure your path and door are well-lit; you can really complement the style of your house here with your choice of light fixings. Consider also adding some lighting to the garden, focusing on the best plants or areas; solar lights are a low cost way to do this with minimum upheaval.
Tidy up the garden
Plants can provide a lovely welcome to your home, so if you have a garden at the front of your house, make the most of it. A scruffy garden draws the eye for all the wrong reasons, making people assume that if it’s messy outside, it’s probably messy inside too! If yours is in need of some attention, spend an afternoon clearing away weeds, pruning any unruly plants, and cutting the lawn if you have one. You could also pot up some containers or window boxes with seasonal plants to brighten up the entrance to the house.
Freshen up facades
A quick freshen up of your home’s exterior walls costs very little, and can have a big impact on the overall look. uPVC window frames will benefit from a wash, while wooden frames may need a coat of paint. Sweep down the brickwork to clear away cobwebs and dust, and clear any gutters. And don’t forget to clean the windows too, this makes such a difference! This quick fix can be extended to any gates you have too; give them a quick sand down and a fresh coat of paint for a really polished look.
I hope these tips have convinced you that increasing your home’s kerb appeal really doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, and that with a little effort you can make a real difference to that vital first impression. Do you have any tips to add to my list?
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