Do people walk by your home and pay no mind— after all, they’re just walking by another bland facade? Or is it one that makes the neighbors take a second look and say, “Wow, that looks great! Maybe we should do that to our house?”
Whether you are looking to sell your home in the near future or you just want to freshen up your look to make a better first impression in general, we’ve got some ideas for you!
Freshen Up Your Front Door
A fresh coat of paint on your front door and attention to doorway details can make a tired exterior come to life. Try a light aqua or bright turquoise with grey siding, a deep blue or brick red with light beige siding, sunny yellow or playful orange with white siding, lime green or punchy purple with brown siding, or keep it more low-key with a basic black or dark grey.
Replace your less-than-welcoming welcome mat with a new one that shows your personal style. It can be sweetly seasonal, quirky with a sassy saying, or even a classic monogram. Add some potted flowers and freshen up the patio furniture with some new cushions or a coat of paint to compliment the door.
Liven Up Your Landscaping
When your home’s exterior is looking a little dated or less-than interesting, redirect attention to your landscaping – people will notice the beautiful flowers and stately, well-groomed trees and plantings before they turn attention to the home itself.
Clear out weeds and any overgrowth, consider replacing older bushes and plants that have gotten spindly or have outgrown their area. For extra color when flowers aren’t blooming or for shady areas, place groups of brightly colored pots in strategic locations filled with ferns or other easy-growers. Add borders, fresh rock or mulch, and clean up any existing hardscaping.
Add a Low Fence
A traditional, low picket fence adds Southern charm like not much else can. Keep it low – less than 3 feet – and the style in keeping with your homes’ style. A white, picket fence lends itself well to traditional Southern cottage style, where a heavier, wrought iron fence gives structure to a more stately, “Georgian” style home.
Give Your Exterior a Good “Scrub”
Pressure washing your brick and siding can make a world of difference to the look of your home, and is a satisfying weekend project if you are an avid DIY-er. Spraying away mildew, cobwebs, dust, and grime can make your home look great.
If you choose to pressure wash your home yourself, be careful to not spray up, under the siding or up into soffit vents, as this can potentially cause water to seep behind your siding, allowing mold growth and potential structural damage. Siding with visible damage (loose pieces, cracks, holes from hail or other projectiles) should be evaluated by a siding professional and replaced, as attempting to clean damaged siding can result in even more damage.
Replace Siding with New James Hardie Siding
When it really comes down to it, and your home is just not looking that great even with the landscaping and entry updates, maybe it’s time to stop trying to put lipstick on a pig and replace the dated, worn siding you have with James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding. Check out our gallery for inspiration, and contact us today for a free estimate!
