The Best Renovations to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

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What are the best renovations to boost your home’s curb appeal? Whether minor or major, the ideal projects are usually the ones that provide the best returns. Making your exterior look nicer while maximizing your property value can be a good strategy.

1. Swap Your Siding

Usually, updating your siding provides a higher return on investment (ROI) than other renovations, but entirely swapping it out is even better. Exchanging it for a stone veneer can initially cost more than $10,000 but yield a 102% ROI during resale. Although it’s a more significant investment, it can be worth it down the road.

Whether you use natural or faux veneer, it gives off an updated and timeless appearance. Stone is typically more attractive than the traditional plastic many houses have. It’s also very apparent from a distance, setting you apart from others in the same area.

2. Replace Your Garage Door

Your mind may not jump to your garage door when thinking about curb appeal, but it’s one of the first things people notice about a home from the outside. Beyond its appearance, utility is a significant consideration.

These replacements have an average of a 93% ROI, one of the highest out of any other home improvement project. On top of being a good investment, it can greatly increase your home’s curb appeal. You can update your overhead door to complement the rest of your exterior and any other renovations. Traditional versions are typically plain and white, but you can get black, wood grain, or glass.

3. Get a New Mailbox

Updating your mailbox is such a simple touch, but it can have a big impact. If you have one, you likely haven’t done anything to it in ages — it’s typically a project that stays low on the to-do list. Getting a new mailbox can immediately add to your curb appeal. On top of being one of the first things people see, it’s also one of the closest things to people who pass by your home on the road. They can easily see every dent and scratch.

Pick something that matches your home’s style — you want something people can instantly connect to your property. Adding your house numbers on the side with metal lettering can make it seem more sophisticated. You could also plant shrubs or flowers at the bottom of the post to hide any disturbed soil. Minor improvements go a long way.

4. Repaint Your Front Entryway

Repainting your front entryway is one of the best renovations because it immediately increases your home’s curb appeal at a low cost, meaning you get a higher ROI. It can also easily make the space feel more inviting. Paint is reasonably affordable, so it’s a small investment.

Your front door is the first thing you should focus on, considering it’s the one thing every guest will interact with. For instance, your home’s resale value increases by $6,700 if you paint it black. Consider what similar properties in your area look like to decide what color to go with. The bonus of this renovation is that you can redo it as many times as you like before putting it on the market.

5. Replace Your Gutters

Have you ever replaced your gutters? Even though every home has them, they don’t blend into the background. Clogging, rust, peeling paint and drooping are immediately noticeable. A new set of gutters will be more appealing.

You can get aluminum, vinyl, copper or steel gutters. Each has its own costs, so the returns differ. Still, it may be worth it to splurge on particular types to make your home look better. Instead of simply being for utility, you can use gutters as decorations to frame the exterior.

6. Add a Patio

A new patio costs a little over $10,000 and has an ROI of 95% on average. That said, its overall price depends on how large you make it and what materials you use. It’s among the highest-ranking renovations regarding buyer satisfaction, meaning most people prefer to buy a home with one. They can easily enhance the exterior of your home. Plus, unlike landscaping with plants, they don’t require much maintenance.

Designing the style and layout can take time, but it also offers a lot of flexibility. You can build whatever you’d like, and it will likely still be instantly recognizable as a patio. While staging the space with furniture or adding a pergola can enhance the aesthetics, you can also keep the area reasonably empty.

7. Install Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a simple way to boost your home’s curb appeal. Strategically placing fixtures near attractive parts of the property calls attention to them. It can also add a sense of safety and make your space more welcoming. Plus, it can help increase the visibility of other improvement projects because it keeps the exterior illuminated.

One of the best things about outdoor lighting installation is that you have many options. You can find fixtures to fit any architectural style. In addition, most are incredibly affordable. For example, solar versions don’t consume energy, so you don’t need to pay to power them. Most modern lightbulbs are also very inexpensive and long-lasting, so you likely won’t have to invest much upfront to see a high return.

8. Change the Door’s Hardware

Changing your front door’s hardware can lead to high returns because it’s relatively affordable. The process is as simple as picking up replacements at your local hardware store. You can choose custom pieces to match your home’s style. For example, fixtures are commonly available in brass, stainless steel, chrome, and aluminum. They also come in most colors, including solid black or white.

Updated hardware is usually instantly recognizable as new because it has a polished finish. Since every guest will use or see it when they enter your home, it’s a good investment. It may not be as noticeable from a distance, but the right material can add to the exterior's overall appearance.

9. Update Your Windows

Updating your windows takes time, but it can be worth it when you sell since it significantly boosts your home’s curb appeal. They’re one of the first things people see during their first impression, so they need to look polished.

Frames typically come in aluminum, vinyl, wood, and fiberglass. Vinyl’s ROI averages 68% because it’s the most affordable option and usually needs the least maintenance. However, you can choose whichever type you want, considering their rates are similar.

With these ideas for updating your home’s curb appeal, you are sure to create an exterior that makes your home the envy of the neighborhood and increases the value of your property!