First impressions are everything, and a home is no exception. More than 65% of buyers cite curb appeal as the most important aspect of a home’s exterior design. But you’d be wrong to think curb appeal is just an issue for sellers. Maintaining a home’s outward appearance means increasing property value, and that’s a win for both homeowners and builders.
So, where do you start? Check out this handy infographic that outlines the top four do’s and don’ts of curb appeal to make a property wow onlookers before they even step foot inside. We even break down a few of the highlights below!
Because it can easily make or break the overall aesthetic of a home, make siding the star. Mixing and matching siding materials is on trend with 88% of builders and architects taking part in 2018. LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding makes it easy with a wide a variety of textures in different lengths and widths so a little personality can shine through.
Also, create a front porch focal point by adding an unexpected pop of color against a contrasting trim, like LP® SmartSide® Trim & Fascia. In 2018, black dominated as the most popular front door color. And this low-cost update could bring a huge return. On average, painting a black front door helped sell homes for $6,000 more than expected last year.
Other top do’s? (Realistically) invest in landscaping—10% of a home’s value to be exact—and install outdoor lighting that serves to create a dramatic flair with functionality.
Curb appeal doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Don’t overlook the basics, like trimming trees and painting shutters, to easily tidy up the exterior.
Don’t be “that house” with an exterior design that strays too far from the overall neighborhood aesthetic. For example, if the home is in a historical area of town, don’t go with a stark modern design that’ll leave people scratching their heads.
Also, don’t overdo it with landscaping, which can end up creating an eyesore, maintenance issues and an unwelcoming barrier to the neighbors. Lastly, don’t use polarizing paint tones as a base.
If siding is on your curb appeal to-do list, do get started with simple visualization. Use the LP® SmartSide® gallery to check out the endless aesthetic upgrades.
The modern house design is marked by its simple, yet sophisticated style—a bold rebellion against the ornate Victorian and Edwardian-style homes of the 19th century. Built between 1900 and the late 1950s, modern homes feature intentional asymmetry, strong horizontal composition and large expanses of glass. Inspired by the demand for improved living and entertaining, modern homes feature open layouts and include elements of favorite architectural styles such as Arts and Crafts and ranch.
Continue ReadingSummer outdoor entertaining season is officially here! Ensure the atmosphere is just right for guests by creating eye-pleasing symmetry among your home’s exterior, landscaping and outdoor elements. And much of that eye-pleasing symmetry starts with a harmonious color palette. One of the best (and easiest) ways to ensure your home’s exterior and outdoor color scheme is working together? Buy a color wheel at an art supply or home improvement store to effortlessly reference color cohesion before getting started on any projects (however big or small).
U.S. homeowners have a record amount of available equity at their fingertips—more than $6 trillion to be exact—which is the highest volume ever recorded. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) can be used to cover a wide variety of expenses, like undertaking a much-needed remodeling project, paying off debt or even finally going on your dream vacation.
Most homeowners spend a considerable amount of time and money making their home’s interior inviting, but can sometimes fail to prioritize exterior upgrades. It’s important to ensure the home style design of your exterior offers the same welcoming atmosphere that your interior provides so guests feel your hospitability right from the curb.