If there's one thing we learned from watching old dandruff shampoo commercials, it's that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. The exterior of your home is the first thing visitors — and potential buyers — lay eyes on, so make sure they like what they see with these small but significant improvements.
Outdoors
12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your Home
March 18, 2019
If there's one thing we learned from watching old dandruff shampoo commercials, it's that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. The exterior of your home is the first thing visitors — and potential buyers — lay eyes on, so make sure they like what they see with these small but significant improvements.
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Paint Your Front Door (Estimated Cost: $100-$400)
1/12Paint Your Front Door (Estimated Cost: $100-$400)
1/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
When future scholars and historians study the Age of Instagram, brightly coloured doors will warrant their own PhD-level courses. Not only do they act as an aesthetically appealing focal point, but they also make neutral exteriors pop. And if you're looking for a cute photo background, well... if you've got a boldly painted door, you've got #content. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/blog/mike-holmes-exterior-doors-tips-1913327/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Need a New Front Door? You Need to Read This First</a>Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomePaint Your Front Door (Estimated Cost: $100-$400)
PHOTO 1 of 12READ LESS -When future scholars and historians study the Age of Instagram, brightly coloured doors will warrant their own PhD-level courses. Not only do they act as an aesthetically appealing focal point, but they also make neutral exteriors pop. And if you're looking for a cute photo background, well... if you've got a boldly painted door, you've got #content. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/blog/mike-holmes-exterior-doors-tips-1913327/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Need a New Front Door? You Need to Read This First</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Invest in Stylish House Numbers (Estimated Cost: $50-$400)
2/12Invest in Stylish House Numbers (Estimated Cost: $50-$400)
2/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
Whether the old hardware is on the verge of falling off or you're hankering for a more modern design, updating your house numbers is a quick and painless way to improve the overall look of a home's entrance. Bonus: Eye-catching new numbers will make it easier for couriers to spot your casa and deliver the fruits of your online shopping labour. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/exterior-features-upgrade-paint-1916257/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 Exterior Features You Never Knew You Could Upgrade With Paint</a>Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomeInvest in Stylish House Numbers (Estimated Cost: $50-$400)
PHOTO 2 of 12READ LESS -Whether the old hardware is on the verge of falling off or you're hankering for a more modern design, updating your house numbers is a quick and painless way to improve the overall look of a home's entrance. Bonus: Eye-catching new numbers will make it easier for couriers to spot your casa and deliver the fruits of your online shopping labour. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/exterior-features-upgrade-paint-1916257/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 Exterior Features You Never Knew You Could Upgrade With Paint</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Update Outdoor Light Fixtures (Estimated Cost: $50-$400)
3/12Update Outdoor Light Fixtures (Estimated Cost: $50-$400)
3/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
No offense to that rusty old bare bulb that's been barely illuminating your front porch since the beginning of time, but let's be real: You can do better. Upgrade your outdoor fixtures for a modern, cohesive look and you'll be amazed to see your house in a whole new — wait for it — light. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/how-to-create-cozy-outdoor-lighting-with-dollar-store-finds-1917180/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Create Cozy Outdoor Lighting With Dollar Store Finds</a>Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomeUpdate Outdoor Light Fixtures (Estimated Cost: $50-$400)
PHOTO 3 of 12READ LESS -No offense to that rusty old bare bulb that's been barely illuminating your front porch since the beginning of time, but let's be real: You can do better. Upgrade your outdoor fixtures for a modern, cohesive look and you'll be amazed to see your house in a whole new — wait for it — light. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/how-to-create-cozy-outdoor-lighting-with-dollar-store-finds-1917180/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Create Cozy Outdoor Lighting With Dollar Store Finds</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Add Planters to Your Porch (Estimated Cost: $40-$300)
4/12Add Planters to Your Porch (Estimated Cost: $40-$300)
4/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
A completely bare porch? Talk about unwelcoming. A little greenery goes a long way, and it's as easy as buying a couple of planters to flank the front door. You can choose real or high-quality fake foliage, depending on the greenness of your thumb; just make whatever you plant is pretty and seasonal. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/tiffany-pratts-diy-hanging-planter-is-a-must-have-spring-accessory-1914700/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Pinterest-Perfect Planter for Under $10</a>Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomeAdd Planters to Your Porch (Estimated Cost: $40-$300)
PHOTO 4 of 12READ LESS -A completely bare porch? Talk about unwelcoming. A little greenery goes a long way, and it's as easy as buying a couple of planters to flank the front door. You can choose real or high-quality fake foliage, depending on the greenness of your thumb; just make whatever you plant is pretty and seasonal. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/tiffany-pratts-diy-hanging-planter-is-a-must-have-spring-accessory-1914700/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Pinterest-Perfect Planter for Under $10</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Install a Shiny New Mailbox (Estimated Cost: $50-$250)
5/12Install a Shiny New Mailbox (Estimated Cost: $50-$250)
5/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
Who's got mail? You've got mail! Or you will, at least, once your brand-new, ultra-chic mailbox has been set up. Neighbours won't be able to resist sending secret-admirer-style notes when your exterior looks this good. Hey, any excuse to make a stylish splash.Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomeInstall a Shiny New Mailbox (Estimated Cost: $50-$250)
PHOTO 5 of 12READ LESS -Who's got mail? You've got mail! Or you will, at least, once your brand-new, ultra-chic mailbox has been set up. Neighbours won't be able to resist sending secret-admirer-style notes when your exterior looks this good. Hey, any excuse to make a stylish splash.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Install Window Boxes (Estimated Cost: $35-$250)
6/12Install Window Boxes (Estimated Cost: $35-$250)
6/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
What looks adorable, is easy to set up and brings cheer to anyone who sees it? No, it's not a new phone case — we're talking about a good, old-fashioned window box. Head to your nearest garden centre or DIY one, if you're handy, then fill with colourful flowers. Voila. Instant mood-lifter.Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomeInstall Window Boxes (Estimated Cost: $35-$250)
PHOTO 6 of 12READ LESS -What looks adorable, is easy to set up and brings cheer to anyone who sees it? No, it's not a new phone case — we're talking about a good, old-fashioned window box. Head to your nearest garden centre or DIY one, if you're handy, then fill with colourful flowers. Voila. Instant mood-lifter.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Add Decorative Gates or Fencing (Estimated Cost: $200-$3,000)
7/12Add Decorative Gates or Fencing (Estimated Cost: $200-$3,000)
7/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
Anyone who read <em>The Secret Garden</em> as a child instinctively understands the appeal of intricately carved gates, garden doors and fences. Not only do they provide an element of privacy, but they also add a touch of magic — and you're never too old to appreciate that.Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomeAdd Decorative Gates or Fencing (Estimated Cost: $200-$3,000)
PHOTO 7 of 12READ LESS -Anyone who read <em>The Secret Garden</em> as a child instinctively understands the appeal of intricately carved gates, garden doors and fences. Not only do they provide an element of privacy, but they also add a touch of magic — and you're never too old to appreciate that.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Plant a Flower Bed (Estimated Cost: $180-$2,000)
8/12Plant a Flower Bed (Estimated Cost: $180-$2,000)
8/12Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: laurenkolyn.com
Adding curb appeal isn't about having a perfect, professionally manicured lawn and garden (unless that's your thing, in which case... you do you). For the rest of us, a few lovingly planted DIY flower beds will do just fine, particularly if they're easy to maintain — they won't scare off potential buyers who don't have degrees in horticulture.Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomePlant a Flower Bed (Estimated Cost: $180-$2,000)
PHOTO 8 of 12READ LESS -Adding curb appeal isn't about having a perfect, professionally manicured lawn and garden (unless that's your thing, in which case... you do you). For the rest of us, a few lovingly planted DIY flower beds will do just fine, particularly if they're easy to maintain — they won't scare off potential buyers who don't have degrees in horticulture.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: laurenkolyn.com
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Build a Walkway (Estimated Cost: $500-$2,000)
9/12Build a Walkway (Estimated Cost: $500-$2,000)
9/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
Dorothy may have followed the yellow brick road, but we're partial to a timeless stone walkway. Gravel, poured concrete and interlocking pavers work, too. Whichever material you choose, just make sure the path is actually, you know, walkable. Any guests partial to high heels will thank you for it.Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomeBuild a Walkway (Estimated Cost: $500-$2,000)
PHOTO 9 of 12READ LESS -Dorothy may have followed the yellow brick road, but we're partial to a timeless stone walkway. Gravel, poured concrete and interlocking pavers work, too. Whichever material you choose, just make sure the path is actually, you know, walkable. Any guests partial to high heels will thank you for it.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Paint the Exterior of Your House (Average Cost: $2,500)
10/12Paint the Exterior of Your House (Average Cost: $2,500)
10/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
You'll probably need to hire professionals for this job, but trust us when we say it'll be worth every penny. Nothing gives a house a new lease on life like a fresh coat of paint. Choose a colour you'll be happy to live with for a long time; your home's exterior is not the place to experiment with neon yellow, no matter how trendy it is this spring.Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomePaint the Exterior of Your House (Average Cost: $2,500)
PHOTO 10 of 12READ LESS -You'll probably need to hire professionals for this job, but trust us when we say it'll be worth every penny. Nothing gives a house a new lease on life like a fresh coat of paint. Choose a colour you'll be happy to live with for a long time; your home's exterior is not the place to experiment with neon yellow, no matter how trendy it is this spring.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Repair the Driveway (Estimated Cost: $2,500-$10,000)
11/12Repair the Driveway (Estimated Cost: $2,500-$10,000)
11/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
You might be so accustomed to the cracks and potholes in your driveway that you don't even see them, but potential buyers definitely will — and they won't be impressed. Make any necessary repairs and get ready for those offers to start rolling in (or just enjoy the fact that your car tires can finally roll smoothly up and down the driveway).Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomeRepair the Driveway (Estimated Cost: $2,500-$10,000)
PHOTO 11 of 12READ LESS -You might be so accustomed to the cracks and potholes in your driveway that you don't even see them, but potential buyers definitely will — and they won't be impressed. Make any necessary repairs and get ready for those offers to start rolling in (or just enjoy the fact that your car tires can finally roll smoothly up and down the driveway).Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Replace the Gutters (Estimated Cost: $1,000-$2,000)
12/12Replace the Gutters (Estimated Cost: $1,000-$2,000)
12/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
Is there anything less sexy than talking about gutters? Maybe, but we don't care to know. Broken or missing gutters are red flags to prospective buyers, and they can cause serious water damage to your home. If your gutters have seen better days, suck it up and replace them — then you can move onto sexier things.Outdoors12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your HomeReplace the Gutters (Estimated Cost: $1,000-$2,000)
PHOTO 12 of 12READ LESS -Is there anything less sexy than talking about gutters? Maybe, but we don't care to know. Broken or missing gutters are red flags to prospective buyers, and they can cause serious water damage to your home. If your gutters have seen better days, suck it up and replace them — then you can move onto sexier things.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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