Do you feel your home’s exterior is falling short, leaving a lackluster first impression? Faded paint, an outdated entryway, or uninspired landscaping could affect your home’s curb appeal. Without addressing these issues, you risk your home feeling less welcoming and may even lose out on potential value.
Enhancing curb appeal can seem overwhelming, especially when figuring out where to start. At Custom Built, we’ve helped many homeowners take their home’s exterior from drab to standout. We know small changes can make a big difference, and we’re here to help guide you.
In this article, you’ll learn six practical, high-impact ways to improve your home’s curb appeal, whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to enjoy a more inviting exterior:
1. Fresh Paint: A High-Impact, Low-Cost Update
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most effective ways to boost curb appeal. If your exterior paint is chipping or fading, or you want to change things up, this can change how your home looks from the street.
Whether you're picking a new color or refreshing an existing one, the key is to find a palette that complements other elements. These elements include your roof shingles, siding, fascia, and even window and door trim. A professional paint job is an excellent investment that offers one of the highest returns on investment (55% ROI) if you’re preparing to sell.
Let’s take a look at three classic exterior paint jobs to boost your home’s aesthetics:
- Refresh the Garage Door: Painting your garage door can improve your home's look and help it match the rest of the exterior.
- Revamp Trim and Accents: Paint the trim, shutters, and doors in different colors to highlight architectural details and add visual interest.
- Update Exterior Walls: Repainting your home's exterior with new paint colors color can update its look and make it look more modern. Choose a palette that complements the roof, trim, and landscaping.
2. Garage Makeover: Form Meets Function
PC: Garage Living
For many homeowners, the garage is more than a place to park cars—it’s a multifunctional space for storage, hobbies, and enhancing curb appeal. It can serve as a workshop for DIY projects, a storage area for tools and outdoor equipment, or even an extension of your home’s aesthetic.
By upgrading your garage, you not only improve its functionality but also boost the look of your property.
Here are a few popular ways you can elevate your garage space:
- Enhance the Flooring: Apply an epoxy finish to the garage floor for a clean, polished look that’s durable and easy to maintain.
- Upgrade the Garage Door: Installing a new, stylish garage door can enhance curb appeal. Consider options with modern designs or elegant finishes.
- Add Storage Solutions: Incorporate custom cabinetry or shelving to improve organization and functionality. This makes your garage look neat and well-maintained.
3. Entryways and Walkways: Make a Memorable First Impression
Your front door takes a lot of wear and tear over the years from pets, weather, and everyday use. It’s also the first thing visitors notice. Consider upgrading your entryway with a new front door, transom windows, or sidelights. These little details can add architectural charm and make your home stand out.
Walkways are another important aspect of curb appeal. You can replace your plain concrete sidewalk with stylish options like stamped or stained concrete, or patio pavers. Adding landscaping features, like plants or decorative trim, can make your entryway look more inviting.
Here are a few other ways you can elevate your home’s entryway and walkway:
- Upgrade Your Door Hardware: Replace outdated door handles, locks, and hinges with modern designs. This simple update can modernize your entryway and improve security.
- Incorporate a Custom Welcome Mat or Rug: A high-quality welcome mat or decorative rug adds personality and a friendly touch. Choose a design that reflects your style or seasonal themes to make your entryway feel more inviting.
- Install a Stylish House Number Plaque: Upgrade your house number with a sleek, modern plaque or a classic, decorative design. This small change can enhance the visual appeal of your entryway while making your home more identifiable.
4. Windows: A Naturally Bright Idea for Curb Appeal
Replacing or upgrading windows is another fantastic way to enhance curb appeal. New windows can completely transform the exterior of your home while also improving energy efficiency. Whether you opt for modern, sleek designs or more traditional styles, updated windows provide a fresh, polished look that complements the design of your home.
Let’s take a closer look at how to maximize your window replacement:
- Add Window Boxes: Install charming window boxes filled with seasonal flowers or greenery to give your home a cozy, welcoming look.
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows: Installing new, energy-efficient windows can improve your home’s appearance while offering better insulation and reducing energy bills.
- Clean and Maintain Existing Windows: Regular cleaning and maintenance of your windows, including replacing damaged screens or sashes, can affect your home’s appearance.
5. Outdoor Lighting: Let There Be Light
The right outdoor lighting can make a huge difference in how your home is perceived at night. Well-placed lights not only increase safety but also highlight the architectural features and landscaping you’ve invested in.
Automatic lighting around entryways, driveways, and walkways provides both convenience and curb appeal. This ensures your home looks inviting even after dark.
Here are more popular outdoor lighting options that’ll enhance your home’s aesthetics and safety:
- Install Pathway Lights: Add stylish pathway lights along walkways to enhance safety and create a warm, inviting ambiance in the evening.
- Add String Lights or Lanterns: Decorate outdoor living areas with string lights or decorative lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.
- Highlight Architectural Features: Use uplighting or spotlights to highlight your home's architectural features, such as columns, entryways, or interesting facade elements.
6. Pole Barns: Expand Your Space
If you have extra vehicles, a boat, or a trailer, or if you’re looking for extra storage or hobby space, a pole barn might be what you need. These large aluminum structures are a staple in the Midwest, offering versatility as external storage or even a party space. Building a pole barn can enhance your home's functionality and value while adding visual interest to your property.
Whether you’re building a new pole barn or remodeling your current structure, here are some professional tips to enrich its appearance:
- Update the Exterior: Repaint or resurface the exterior of your pole barn to match your home’s aesthetic, creating a cohesive look.
- Add Doors and Windows: Installing new doors and windows can improve both functionality and appearance, making the pole barn look more integrated with your property.
- Landscape Around the Barn: Enhance the area surrounding your pole barn with landscaping features such as flower beds, pathways, or decorative fencing to create a more polished look.
When to Hire a Professional for Your Curb Appeal Project
Imagine remodeling a 1970s ranch-style garage. You start by gutting the space, removing old shelving, lighting, and workbenches. To refresh the outdated drywall, you cover it with beadboard paneling, add crown molding, and install new baseboards.
You stain and paint everything, then finish the floor with an epoxy coating for a polished look. Finally, you replace the worn garage door and install a phantom screen on the storm door to enhance both style and functionality.
However, as you work, you realize there are challenges—like needing to move wiring if the garage door opener wasn’t originally installed correctly. This is where a full-service design and remodeling team can step in to ensure all the technical details are addressed, leaving you with a garage that’s not only visually appealing but also functional.
Next Steps to Enhancing Your Home’s Curb Appeal
If you’re considering a way to enhance your home’s curb appeal, it’s important to approach the project with a clear plan. Without taking the right steps, you may face challenges that affect your home's value or aesthetic. Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or want to refresh the look of your home, taking control of these changes is key.
By understanding your options, you now know how elements like fresh paint, updated landscaping, new doors, and enhanced lighting can improve your home’s curb appeal. You’ve also learned about cost-effective projects that offer a great return on investment. These upgrades can create a welcoming, polished exterior that reflects your style and increases your home’s value.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we’ve spent 15+ years helping homeowners transform their spaces, inside and out. We understand how overwhelming it can be to manage exterior projects, and we’re here to help with professional guidance and full-service design solutions. Whether it's replacing your garage door or designing a new walkway, our team has the experience to make it all happen.
Ready to give your home the facelift it deserves? Schedule a call with Brian and our design-build professionals today to start your home’s exterior transformation.
Now that you know more about ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal, let’s explore the first step of the Custom Built Proven Process, the best siding options for your home, and the projects that can increase the resale value of your home:
- What is a Discovery Call with Custom Built? - This article details what your first call with Custom Built looks like as you start planning your remodel.
- Top 8 Siding Options for Your Michigan Home - Discover high-quality siding options to install and insulate your home against the elements effectively.
- 5 Remodeling Projects That Can Increase Resale Value - A high-level overview of the various remodeling projects that will increase your home’s resale value, curb appeal, and return on investment.
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