Whether preparing to put a home on the market for sale or just to give the home a much needed makeover, there are several easy ways to raise a home’s curbside appeal and value. Contrary to popular belief, it does not entail an exorbitant amount of money or resources to get the job done right. In fact, many of these items can be done without professional assistance.

Uncover a Home’s True Beauty with a Pressure Wash

One of the best and most economical ways to freshen up a home’s appearance is to give it a good washing with a high intensity pressure wash. Severe changes in the climate can give a home’s exterior a good beating, leaving it looking dull and dirty. Without the benefit of a good pressure wash, the months of snow, rain, and dusty winds can leave an unsightly buildup on a home’s exterior, tarnishing the color and adding years to a home’s appearance, all of which ultimately lead to a decrease in value and an eyesore for the homeowner and his neighbors.

A power washer can be rented from a local hardware store. It is easy to use and yields professional results. Use it to not only clean the home’s exterior but also to clean all of the windows, pavements, and driveway. A pressure wash works exceptionally well if the home has exterior siding, making it look as good as the day it was installed.

Tend to the Garden

Believe it or not, a well manicured lawn and garden can easily give a home up to a 20 percent boost in value. That being said, take a little time to spruce up the landscaping. This can be as simple as trimming the trees and bushes, pulling out weeds from the flower beds, or adding a few planters with colorful foliage for small bursts of color.

Another excellent suggestion is to add some fresh mulch to the flower beds. Not only does it look great, it also brings out the color and beauty of the foliage. Not sure what type of foliage works best in the local climate? Visit the local gardening supply store and ask for some suggestions.

Clear out the Gutters

Winter storms can cause an overflow of sticks and dried up leaves in the gutter. Add a few rainstorms to the mix, and what is left is a convoluted mess that gives a home an unkempt look. Drag out the ladder and use some all-purpose working gloves to scrape out the gutters. Once the gutters are cleaned out, the power washer can help rid the gutters of any residue that might have been left behind.

While tending to the gutters, take advantage of the close proximity to check out any potential roof issues. Catching them early on can help minimize a costly surprise during more burdensome weather conditions.

Add Some Spot Color to a Home’s Palette

Once the power wash has worked its magic, consider adding some spot color to the exterior of the home. This can be done by introducing a second accent color to the front door, shutters, or window casements. This is an excellent way to really make a difference without going overboard. A second accent color can give the impression that the whole house was painted and redone when in fact the change was minimal in terms of cost, though large in terms of impact when it comes to the aesthetic value. Not sure which colors to use? The local paint supply store can help devise the perfect color scheme for the best results.

Let There Be Light

Add some lighting to the surroundings, either in the flower beds or to light up the walkway to the door. Solar-powered lights are economical and really add that little extra oomph to a home’s curbside appeal.

All of these suggestions are both cost-efficient and guaranteed to instantly boost a home’s curbside appeal. The best part is that the homeowner can complete all of these simple steps on his or her own, and usually in the span of a weekend—perfect for all of those weekend warriors who don’t mind putting in a little elbow grease in exchange for pride-of-ownership bragging rights.
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