crazy about curb appeal

It's been the longest winter ever in Minnesota... ever. Now that the last of the snow piles have melted... a few "uglies" have appeared in our yard.. courtesy of Mr Pocket Gopher. Not the type of aeration that any lawn needs! Our driveway needs sweeping, the lawn a good rake, and the house could use a bath. While my perennials wake up from their long winter's nap... 

I need a pot of flowers to brighten our entrance. It's the perfect time to put some "curb appeal" effort in.


"The busy home remodeling season is a great time for homeowners to focus on increasing curb appeal. The percentage of homeowners who feel now is a good time to spend money on home improvement has doubled since 2009, according to a recent survey among Better Homes and Gardens readers.…“Based on our survey results, we’ve found that many of our readers want to refresh what's already there,” says Jill Waage, editorial director for home content, Better Homes and Gardens. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Curb-appeal-2013-s-hottest-home-improvement-trend-4347744.php

I'm big on inexpensive curb appeal solutions. I can't tell you how many homes I drive by each day that I'm just itching to give some love. It really is an addiction. I sometimes lose sleep updating a home I've seen in my head. Counting sheep doesn't help... because I usually spruce up their pen area too! 

Here's what I would do...

1. Give your house a bath! If you don't have the time or energy to rent a power washer... just hook up the garden hose. We have a white house and I have to hose it down numerous times over the summer months.

2. Tidy the driveway. Sweep the driveway and front walk. So simple but such a difference it makes.

3. Rake your lawn. Especially the front entrance area.

4. Declutter. Keep trash cans, toys, rakes, containers out of site. Always.

5. Make sparkly windows. At least the front entrance area where visitors can get close to those shiny panes.

6. Trim your bushes! If Spring isn't taking it's time in your area you might need to wait till late summer/fall... but otherwise trim away. Nothing looks worse then an overgrown straggly bush covering up your windows or walk. And if beyond repair... replace with a new bush. Will be worth the extra effort.

7. Glam the front door! Don't be afraid of color. If your home is taupe.. add a bright friendly color- coral?, gray.. add a warm mustard yellow. Don't be ho-hum about it. It's just paint.

8. Update those lighting fixtures. Removing outdated fixtures will instantly brighten your home's curb appeal. Head to your local home improvement store which will have a huge inexpensive selection. You can even paint an old fixture for pennies! Just make sure you don't scimp on the size. Big is better. 

9. Pot a posey. Buy one nice container. Try a beautifully glazed ceramic, or if urban is your thing.. metal. Fill with flowers/plants that are appropriate for your location- full sun, partial shade, shade. Just ask your garden center for posey help. 

"Some of the most popular projects this spring will be the simple fixes and quick updates that increase a home’s curb appeal — especially among those homeowners who are preparing to put their homes on the market. Replacing front doors, shutters and garage doors are popular and relatively easy ways to refresh and update a home before putting it on the market. Customers are also likely to look to their home remodelers for additional curb appeal projects, such as landscaping, replacing walkways, sidewalks and patios and driveway paving." http://www.forresidentialpros.com/blog/10881833/2013-spring-predictions-what-remodeling-projects-will-be-most-popular-with-homeowners 

Here are some great "Before and After" curb appeal examples!
http://www.frontdoor.com/photos/curb-appeal-ideas-home-exterior-makeovers

If this doesn't sound fun to you, it would be fun for me. We offer a curb appeal service- "Welcome!" http://applewoodremodelers.com/services/

~ the Artist

source:  http://realestate.msn.com/10-homes-with-eye-pleasing-spring-curb-appeal#10