The 10 Most Common Issues Affecting Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Curb appeal refers to the first impression your home’s exterior makes. A charming mailbox, a colorful front door, or a gorgeous tree in the yard all contribute to a stunning exterior style. Many factors can negatively affect your home’s curb appeal, from the quality of your home’s materials to the length of your shrubs. If you’re unsure what's keeping your home from looking stylish on the outside, there are a few commonly noticeable issues to address first.

Faded or Peeling Paint

Exterior paint jobs don’t last forever. Colors fade in harsh sunlight, and the elements can cause paint to chip over time. You’ll need to keep touching up your home’s paint job to maintain its like-new appearance. If you’ve bought an older home, it may already need a new paint job. Poor paint jobs can make a home look deserted or abandoned, harshly decreasing curb appeal. Select a color that best represents the style you want your home to convey. Be sure to touch it up often (every few years) to keep it looking its best. Some recommend a full repaint after five to ten years. 

Driveway Cracks

Driveways bear the weight of our cars every day, and concrete or stone materials can crack under a stress easily. Driveway cracks are very common, but large ones can be unsightly. Repave your driveway every ten to fifteen years to keep it in pristine condition, but it will last longer with regular maintenance. Keep the surface clean by washing it annually with a pressure washer. If your driveway needs replacement, consider opting for attractive brick or permeable pavers to easily enhance your curb appeal.

Undecorated Entryway

The front door of your home is an excellent opportunity to attract the eye. It’s the gateway to your home, and you want to welcome guests who end up on your doorstep. If you don’t decorate it, it can lack style or a personal touch. Add a small chair with throw pillows or a potted plant to your entryway for a touch of style. Spruce up the house numbers in a font you like. Paint the door an exciting accent color. If your door is broken, cracked, or worn, you’ll want to replace it with a stylish option that adds style and flair to the exterior. I found some exterior doors near me with some gorgeous windows, too. Give the entrance to your home life!

Unkempt Landscaping

Plants can grow fast, especially when it comes to shrubs. A well-pruned hedge can lose its shape in just a few weeks in its growth season. Plants that block the home’s entrance or weeds poking through cracks in the driveway can make a home look uncared for. Landscaping is great for enhancing curb appeal, but ensure the space remains stylish and accessible. Prune shrubs and cut grass regularly. Pull weeds where they shouldn’t be.

Outdated or Broken Garage Door

The garage door is often the focal point of a home’s exterior due to its size and prominence. Some homeowners don’t put much thought into how their garage door looks, but any garage can deteriorate curb appeal when there is a problem. Scratches on the door, broken windows, chipped paint, or any other disrepair can make the home look unsightly. It may even make your home or garage less secure or unsafe to access. If your garage door has seen better days in terms of style or functionality, consider some garage door repair to make it blend with the rest of your home. A functioning garage door also adds convenience and security.

Cluttered Yard

A well-decorated home exterior won’t be noticeable if there’s an excessive amount of clutter in the yard. Lawn equipment, children’s toys, trash, automobile parts, unused cars, and other types of clutter can create a disorganized and messy appearance. Not only can this clutter harm your grass, but it can also result in fines from your homeowners' association (HOA) or city citations. It’s best to donate, toss, or recycle any items you don’t have space for or that you no longer use. A cleaner, neater yard is less stressful and looks much better.

Broken Windows

Windows can make your home’s architecture look interesting and beautiful, but if your windows aren’t in good shape, they can easily harm first impressions. Broken windows are a significant security concern and also pose an energy efficiency issue. You’ll want to replace broken or cracked windows to keep the home looking its best.

Poor Lighting

Another style and security hazard lies in your exterior lighting. A lack of illumination at night can make your home appear unsafe or unwelcome. It may even increase the risk of home break-ins. Add some stylish lighting to your home’s entryway, driveway, garage, and other exterior entry points. Illuminate stylish decor or garden beds to add flair at night. Solar lights don’t contribute to your energy bill, and they recharge automatically during the day. Timers can also help reduce light pollution.

Roofing Problems

Your home’s roof protects the interior from water and temperature leaks, so it takes a lot of wear and tear every day. Harsh sunlight, wind, snow, and thunderstorms can break shingles or roofing materials, decreasing their performance and appearance. Missing shingles, clogged gutters, or broken drainage systems can also drop a home’s visual appeal. Keep your roof regularly maintained to prevent problems. You’ll need to replace the entire roof every other decade or so, depending on your maintenance level as well.

Lack of Color

A house painted in neutral monotones can make your exterior look bland. A lack of landscaping variety can also make a home look sterile and unremarkable. Try adding new color variations to change up the home’s style and appearance, such as trim, shutters, or an accent door. Add some blooming shrubs to your front yard, including a variety of plant life in terms of shape and color of foliage. Contrasting colors add visual interest.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling to figure out what is affecting your home curb appeal, take a step back and examine the entire picture. Look at the landscaping’s tidiness and variety. Ensure the home features an interesting and visually diverse color palette. Keep up with repairs, even the aesthetic ones. Clean up the yard and make it look organized. When you care for your home, its home curb appeal will shine through.

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