4 ways to improve your home's curb appeal

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This steadfast advice isn’t just for interviews and first dates; it’s also applicable to your home.

Whether it’s a potential buyer or simply a visitor, within seconds of seeing your home’s exterior, that first impression will be made. That’s why experts from home builders to real estate agents sing the praises of stellar curb appeal.

If you’re thinking of selling your home or just want to give it a facelift, here are ways you can increase your home’s curb appeal:

Revamp the roof

Your roof is an important element of the exterior design aesthetic. If a dingy old roof is killing your curb appeal, a style and color upgrade can breathe new life into your home’s facade.

The first step is to evaluate roofing options for style cohesion with your home’s existing siding. For a traditional look, try TAMKO’s Heritage shingle line with colors and tones that mimic what’s found in nature. Some styles are manufactured to resemble wood shake for a classic upscale look at a lower cost. Visit www.tamko.com for facade inspiration.

Shake up shutters

Don’t be tempted to ignore your shutters. Much like how jewelry adds the perfect finishing touch to an outfit, stylish shutters in attractive hues can pull your home’s entire front exterior look together.

Shutters provide a great opportunity to add a splash of color for a touch of personality to your home’s exterior without going overboard. Pull shutters down and clean them up with soap and water before adding a fresh coat of paint. Make sure to get enough paint so you can freshen your front door in the matching color as well for a coordinating look that can enhance curb appeal.

Pretty the patio

Front patios should convey an inviting appearance that complements the entryway. For dated and dirty concrete slabs, special paint can instantly provide an eye-catching focal point that looks like new. For old or rotting wood surfaces, consider replacing that deck or patio surface with composite deck boards like Evergrain Composite Decking. This compression-molded product creates the look of wood without painting or staining.

Finish beautifying patio spaces with a few extra touches that warm the area. Depending on the space parameters, the addition of a wicker chair, a few potted plants and a new welcome mat can make a world of difference in boosting curb appeal.

Love the landscaping

Overgrown plants, messy mulch and low-hanging tree branches can kill curb appeal fast. Take a look at your home from the street and notice whether plants and landscape beds could use a tidy touch.

Keeping bushes and trees neatly trimmed can increase curb appeal, but don’t stop there. Deadhead flowers and pull plants that are past season. Finally, add a fresh layer of mulch to cut down on weeds and provide a freshly landscaped look.