As a homeowner, you want to know that the investments you put in will not only make your home a more enjoyable place to live, but that they will add that all-important kerb appeal. Whether you’re looking to make some money from your property in the near future or many years from now, there are a few easy and affordable ways to add value to your house without making major structural upgrades. Inadequate kerb appeal could lead to you getting on average £57,000 less than the asking price, so it’s important to maximise it wherever possible.
Here, we’ll run you through our favourite kerb appeal ideas, including our very own affordable shutters!
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Upgrade your front door
One of the quickest and most impactful ways of adding kerb appeal is to ensure your front door is as stylish and inviting as possible. It’s the first thing prospective buyers, in fact all guests, will see and sets a precedent for the rest of the home. Surveys have shown that signs of wear such as dirt, mould and peeling paint can put buyers off before they’ve set foot inside.
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable fix, give that front door a deep clean to get it looking sparkling. You could give your wooden door a new lick of paint, or change the colour altogether (red, blue and yellow are particularly striking shades). A new door might be an option too, together with a heavy duty custom knocker to add a sense of authority and uniqueness. Or you could go one step further and revamp the entire door frame, adding stained glass above it. Ditch that uPVC door and get a bit of wood involved, your wallet will thank you for it in the long run!
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Spruce Up Your Entryway
Just like the front door, a welcoming entryway sets the tone for your entire home. So, it’s always best to make a great first impression. Sweep away dirt and debris from your porch, walkways, and driveway. A pressure washer can be a great (and sometimes rentable) tool for tackling tougher grime. Next, breathe life into your entryway with a pop of colour and greenery. A few strategically placed potted plants in unique containers add instant charm. Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in your climate, and remember to repurpose old containers or visit thrift stores for affordable planters with personality.
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Book in a regular window clean
Gleaming windows tell the story of a home that has been cared for and looked after. Conversely, dirty windows do the opposite. It is easy and inexpensive to employ the services of a local window cleaner, who will pay regular visits to ensure your windows are kept looking as new as the day they were installed. Take a walk outside and notice how instantly the kerb appeal of your home is transformed, even if other elements are still to be addressed.
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Freshen up those window frames
Window frames, especially wooden ones, can show signs of wear and tear that make a home’s exterior look tired and neglected. Ask your window cleaner to give the frames a bit of love too. Wooden window frames can suffer with problems associated with damp and rot, so replace any that are beyond repair. You could go for a new coat of paint, or even a new colour scheme altogether. You may have been drawn in by the allure of deep green or black window frames on certain houses, and they can certainly add a striking edge to the front of a property. Coordinate the colour with your front door for an even bigger impact.
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Create an inviting front garden
As many as 67% of homeowners feel that a neat and tidy front garden will add kerb appeal to their home. Buyers coming to look at your property will be pleased to see that there’s not much to be done from an aesthetic point of view, whilst it creates a sense of warmth and invitation for all visitors. Simply keeping shrubs trimmed, pathways weed-free and adding large potted plants will do wonders. Chequered pathway tiles look particularly stylish, whilst you can simply cover worn out areas with gravel or shingle for a rustic yet tidy look.
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Plantation shutters from Shutterly Fabulous
Do shutters add value to your home? Well, yes they do! By their very nature shutters are semi-permanent fixtures, making them one of the best ways to add value to a house. Not only can they help up the asking price, but they look incredible from the outside as well as inside. But that’s not the only benefit of shutters. They also offer better privacy, light control and, of course, style.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. We’ve upped the asking price for thousands upon thousands of very happy homeowners, and there’s no window that we can’t make look fabulous.
So, yes, shutters do add kerb appeal to your home. If you’d like to learn more, then book a free appointment with one of our local shutter experts. They’ll be happy to show you exactly why they’re the perfect affordable way to increase your home’s value.