Improving Your Home's Curb Appeal

A home with curb appeal makes a great first impression. Curb appeal is the way a home’s exterior appearance is presented. If you’re looking to spruce up your home’s curb appeal, S+H Construction has a few great tips that’ll instantly make a huge difference!

Exterior Lighting - S+H Construction knows that exterior lighting can go a long way to adding curb appeal. Exterior lights put a “spotlight” on the home, making it stand out in the neighborhood. They also provide walkway safety, enhance security and add accent lights to your home and landscape.

This process can be completed within a day. Consult an electrician to do the wiring if you’re not familiar with the digging process. S+H Construction says you’ll still need to consult local utility mapping services at least 72-hours before digging so they can flag any pipes or wires to avoid.

Plantings - Plants and flowers bring a welcoming feel and colorful appeal to any home’s exterior. Plantings can range from flowers to simple ground cover ups to large shrubs and trees.

This project should take no more than two days. S+H Construction suggests having a plan first, then drawing out on paper which plants you’ll use and where they’ll go. Keep in mind that plants should frame your home, not conceal it!

•

Pressure Washing - Pressure washing the siding will get your home’s exterior looking its best. It instantly adds curb appeal by giving a home a little “facelift.”

Pressure washing can be completed in no more than two days by anyone. Unless you feel uncomfortable using a pressure washing or if you’re home is very large, then this process can extend past one weekend. Those who perform the process should know how to handle the tool, use safety precautions and test it out first.

Painting - A fresh coat of paint is a great way to touch up the home’s exterior and give it that “new feeling.”

Painting can be done by almost anyone and learned quickly with little practice. However keep in mind rules of lead paint by the EPA (RRP), if the home is older than 1978 then a certified individual must do the painting. S+H Construction reminds us that the prep work is an important part of this project. Ensure that the home is well cleaned and prepped prior to a new coat of paint.

•

Stone Paths - Installing a stepping stone path walkway is a nice addition to the yard. It makes a home feel welcoming and inviting, and also provides a safe surface to walk on.

Most people can handle doing this project on their own. The time it’ll take to complete will depend on the elaborateness of the walkway and the number and varieties of stones used. S+H Construction says a professional would be needed over to excavate and install gravel or sand for drainage underneath. However most people should be able to do a simple, solid job without the sub-base.

(Images/S+H Construction)