Front Entrance

There are numerous creative ways to enhance an existing front door. By replacing existing hardware, the door style can be altered to spotlight a decorative finish or distinctive theme. Contemporary locksets and handle sets add beauty and elegance to the front entrance, converting an often-nondescript door into a stylish focal point.

The front door needs to look sharp. A fresh coat of paint is usually a good idea. If the door does not have a small roofed area, the addition of one can sometimes dramatically improve the overall look of the house. If the door hardware is in good condition, freshly painted or polished door hardware can also make it more attractive. Easy-to-see house numbers, a freshly-painted mail box, and attractive, functioning porch lights are also important. The doorbell should work reliably. Railings should be in good repair and freshly painted. Sometimes a drab entrance can be dressed up with a couple of substantial potted plants.

Painting

Painting the exterior of your home will give you the biggest "wow" for your money. Stay with a color that blends well with the rest of the neighborhood. Now is not the time to try that wild fuscia color that you saw in Homes & Gardens. Stick with neutral colors - white, light gray, soft tans, etc. If your house doesn't need a complete paint job, at least touch up the front door, window frames, front shutters, gutters and mailbox.

Lawn

The quickest fix for a well-maintained appearance is a freshly mowed and neatly trimmed lawn. Make your grass look extra lush by fertilizing it in the appropriate season. Don't leave anything out in the yard to take away from this effect. Put away toys, gardening tools and lawn equipment to keep the yard from looking cluttered.

Shrubbery & Flowers 

Add a little color and charm... the inexpensive way. Fill your flower beds full and replace dying trees and/or shrubs with new ones. This is a sure fire way to brighten up your home and give it more curb appeal.

Sidewalks and Driveways 

Sweep your driveway and sidewalks daily. Besides having a clean appearance, you will avoid potential buyer accidents such as slipping on an icy driveway.

• If the shingles on your roof are showing signs of age, such as cracking, cupping, curling, or loss of granules, have them replaced or recovered. A new roof says a lot to a prospective buyer.
• Clean out dirty gutters and clogged downspouts while making sure the gutter system is in tact and secured to the structure.
• Trim trees away from the house's siding, roof and chimney. Branches in contact with or in close proximity to the house can cause damage and will likely be reported as a defect. If necessary, clean any accumulated tree debris from the roof.
• Prune shrubs away from the siding. A distance of ten to twelve inches is a preferred minimum. This will allow the inspector to have a better view of electrical outlets and water faucets. Further, all landscape plantings should be pruned away from the air conditioner the same distance.
• Remove any rotting wood and/or firewood from direct contact with your home. There should be an air space of at least six inches between firewood and siding.
• Remove soil or mulch from direct contact with siding. Approximately six inches of clearance below the bottom edge of the siding is ideal.
• Make sure any wood siding is painted or stained as needed. Sometimes only one side of a house needs to be painted, but it should be done.
• Ensure that bathroom exhaust fans, kitchen exhaust fans and clothes dryers are properly vented directly to the exterior. If blowing indoors or into attic compartments, they will be reported as defects which could cause health and safety concerns, as well as, structural problems

Preparing the Interior

Clearing Clutter

Design Ideas

Copyright © 1999-2006 Sandra Maida
Last modified: June 25, 2007