Tips on giving your home's street appeal a once-over
Create a great first impression
The front yard is the first part of your home that people see and should give a welcoming feel. Street appeal not only makes you feel good when you pull into the driveway, but a well-presented home leaves any prospective buyer or renter with a good impression. Start with a few basics:
- Keep the garden tidy. Make sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the climate and your garden. If they’re not suitable, they won't grow or thrive as well as they could.
- Planters add colour and style, as well as make a statement about who lives there.
- A simple welcome mat can make a huge difference to your home's appearance.
- Help make your front door look its best by trimming any plants hanging over it.
Give your front door a facelift
Painting your front door is the fastest and most inexpensive way to immediately improve street appeal. Make sure to use a primer and paint that's made for exterior use. Be sure to clean and dry the surface before you start, and be prepared for some hard work: you'll need a good quality brush and roller to get a smooth finish.
Don't forget the garage door! Regularly cleaning your garage door will keep it looking great and remove any particles that may damage or corrode the surface.
Create a sense of arrival with lighting
Lighting not only helps you walk safely to your front door at night but can give your home an elegant feel and create a sense of drama as you approach. Effective lighting options include:
- Wall lamps on either side of the door
- Solar lights along the front path
- Security lights near the garage for added safety
- Feature lighting to highlight a distinctive plant, tree or sculpture
Add some interest with new house numbers
Add interest to your home without spending a lot by simply changing the numbers on your letterbox, front door or house. This is one of those simple changes that will instantly make your home feel warmer and more welcoming, so it’s definitely worth thinking about.
A good set of house numbers says ‘welcome’ as soon as you pull up in the driveway. They’re a very visible part of the exterior design, so they need to look good! Go for something stylish and classic that makes a statement - not too fancy but still interesting enough to stand out from other houses on the street.
Invest in a letterbox
A letterbox can be a great feature and make your house stand out from the rest. They come in a range of styles and materials, so you can choose one that suits your home. Consider whether you want something modern or traditional and make sure the letterbox is easy to clean!
Update your garage door
You may be thinking, "Garage doors are boring. Why should I worry about them?" But you'd be surprised at how many people judge the exterior of your home by its garage door. If your current garage door is flimsy and damaged, it's clear that no one takes care of your home and this will discourage potential buyers from viewing it as a luxury property to live in.
A new garage door can make a huge difference in how others perceive your house. Why? Because no other part of your home offers such an opportunity for customisation! The colour and style can enhance any house without breaking the bank, so don't skimp on this important feature.
It's also worth considering what material to use when choosing a new garage door: aluminium or steel doors are both great choices if you're looking for something lightweight but strong enough to withstand weather conditions like strong winds. Timber is another option if you want something more natural-looking but still durable; adding windows is ideal if you want to bring in light and add style.
Upgrade your driveway if it looks tired
The driveway is a large part of your street front so it’s important to choose one that looks good and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Concrete or asphalt are both cheap options that will give you a smooth finish and make it easier for people to park in front of your house. You could also consider pavers or gravel, but remember that your driveway is part of your street appeal, so it should tone in with the colour of your house.
A lot goes into creating street appeal: landscaping, paint colours, paths, planting, driveways, lighting, your front door - take a look at your home from the street, is your garage door letting you down?