Home Maintenance

8 Ways to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal

With warmer weather and longer days, April is the perfect time to consider your home's curb appeal and find ways to make it stand out more. Your home's exterior is the first thing guests see after all, so why not invest in a few ways to boost its first impression? Keep reading to discover eight ways to up your home's curb appeal.

1. Add Greenery & Flowers

One of the most impactful ways to boost your home's curb appeal is to add some fresh greenery and flowers. Use plants to accentuate key visual points of your home, like windows and entryways. Experiment with the arrangement of your plants which can significantly change your home's overall appearance.

2. Take Care of Your Lawn

Taking care of your lawn is a big part of curb appeal. Regularly care for your lawn by mowing the grass, raking fallen leaves, and pulling weeds. Consider a sprinkler system to keep your lawn well-watered and prevent brown spots.

3. Repaint Your Front Door

Consider painting your front door to help it stand out rather than blend in. Painting a front door is an inexpensive project that can make a significant impact. Choose a bold color that will compliment your home's exterior rather than clash with it.

4. Power Wash Dirt & Grime

Power wash years of dirt and grime off your siding, porch, walkway, and driveway. If you don’t own a power washer, you can rent one from hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.

5. Make Small Repairs

Take care of any small repairs, like ripped screens, burned-out bulbs, or chipped paint. Even tiny flaws can stand out against an otherwise put-together exterior, so it’s worth taking a day to fix them.

6. Makeover Your Mail Box

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Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Say goodbye to the cold, dreary days of winter and say hello to spring's bright sun and warm winds. With spring fastly approaching on March 20, it's about time to do some much-needed spring cleaning and maintenance around your home. Follow this checklist to target the areas of your home that need the most TLC!

1. Examine Roof Shingles

Winter storms can take a toll on your roof. Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for a replacement. The hot summer sun can damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled, loose, or are missing granules should be replaced before temperatures increase further.  

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

After the frost has passed, ensure your gutters are clean and securely fastened. Clogged gutters can cause wood trim at the eaves to rot and improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Downspouts should also face away from the foundation of the home and be clear of debris. 

3. Examine the Chimney 

Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

4. Inspect the Concrete

Freezing and thawing take a toll on concrete especially. Take a walk around your property to check for signs of damage on walkways, paths, and driveways. Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.

5. Service the AC Unit

Air-conditioning systems are usually not taken care of properly. Just because it's cool doesn't mean the...