How to Improve Curb Appeal

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Curb appeal. We’ve all heard of it, but do you know what it means?

Curb appeal is a common phrase for homeowners, especially for those who are selling their property or buying a new home. Curb appeal is a crucial factor — it plays a significantly more prominent role in the home buying and selling process than you might think.

What Is Curb Appeal, and Why Is It Important?

The term “curb appeal” came from the idea of a potential buyer standing or sitting in their car by the curb at your home with positive feelings because they liked what they saw. Today, curb appeal doesn’t just happen by the curb. It occurs while realtors show photos of homes on the market to clients and while homebuyers are sitting on their couches browsing listings on their laptops.

Besides drawing in potential buyers, curb appeal also adds value to a home. If your home has a much stronger curb appeal than others nearby, you may attract multiple offers and sell your home at a higher price than you originally listed it for. Curb appeal also helps a home sell faster.

For some homeowners, these types of projects seem impossible because of the expenses involved. However, improving curb appeal is possible on a budget too. Many of these projects can be completed with more affordable options and a little adaptation.

Find a New Front Entry Door

When you’re looking for the right project to improve the curb appeal of your home, you should consider your project’s return on investment (ROI). Thinking through the cost of the project and how much value it adds to your home can help with budgeting and finding the right project.

A front entry door or window replacement offers a great return on investment for curb appeal. Whether you have an old door that doesn’t work as it used to or a door with an outdated look, replacing this exterior feature is a relatively low-cost project with significant effects.

Replace the Windows

The windows may not be a focal point, but they play a part in curb appeal. Whether you want to stick with the same style and give them a needed update or go with something entirely different, you’ll have the option to find the perfect fit.

Choose new windows that make a statement or ones that blend in with the architectural style of the home. Have you always dreamed of a big bay window in your living room, for instance? Deciding to replace your windows gives you all kinds of amazing options.

On top of added curb appeal, new windows also deliver improved energy efficiency. Older windows can get drafty and drive up energy costs. By replacing them, you can ensure a reduction in your energy bills, helping the project pay for itself.

Install New Siding

Like windows, siding isn’t a huge focal point of your home’s exterior. The siding can turn into an issue, however, if it’s damaged or looks too outdated. Replacing the siding on your home will allow you to present a higher asking price if you’re preparing to sell. It will also give your home a more polished and updated look.

Nearly countless siding options are out there at a variety of different price points. One of your options is James Hardie, a fiber cement siding material. It has exceptional durability and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. No matter what the style of your home is like, James Hardie will fit well and provide excellent benefits.

Installing new siding is a good project if your home is a bit older. If the structure isn’t that old or the siding was replaced within the last several years, it doesn’t make sense to replace it again. When you do start seeing wear and tear, however, the replacement can add a lot of value to your home and offer an impressive return on investment.

Update the Roof

A roof replacement is only necessary if the current roof is near the end of its lifespan, just like with the siding. Whether you’re planning on selling your home or staying for years, a new roof will add value to the structure and give it a much better appearance.

A newer roof than your neighbor wouldn’t normally stand out for curb appeal, but if there are ripped off shingles and other damage, potential buyers and guests will take notice. When you do put your home on the market, you can use the updated roof to negotiate a higher asking price.

If you’re looking for a local contractor to help with your curb appeal improvement project, choose Sunshine Contracting Corp. With a variety of services available, we can help you find the right products for your home. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a free in-home consultation with a member of our team.

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