Curb appeal: it’s something that people often talk about, but it can be difficult to achieve. If you want your home to look gorgeous when people drive or walk by your house, you’re seeking curb appeal. Whether you’re selling your home or you just want to make an excellent first impression, how do you add to your property’s curb appeal? 

1. Be Tidy 

Basic cleanliness is the first step to an outstanding first impression. If you have toys all over your lawn or your grass is patchy and unkempt, then your house won’t have strong curb appeal. If you’re selling your house, take time every day to look at your porch, your pathways, and your garden to keep it clean.

Cleanliness also extends to your house itself. A tidy-looking house and garden have the following features: 

• The siding is clean and washed regularly 
• The roof is in good repair 
• The gutters have a gutter cover or get cleaned regularly 
• Pathways and porches have no holes or cracks
• The pathways have distinct edges or flowers bordering the edges 
• The landscaping is well-pruned if it requires that kind of maintenance 
• The lawn is consistent and well-maintained 
• Tools and toys go away after use 
• Any smaller structures or vehicles are unobtrusive or add to the look of the property, rather than detracting from it 

2. Integrate Key Elements of Your Home 

If you want to go a step further in your quest for curb appeal, you can make sure that you integrate the look of home elements. For example, if you have a heritage home, you might find that planter boxes suit your porch, while a topiary would be a better fit for a modern house. 

Home elements such as your roof and awnings need to match as well. If you can’t find a match for your home, then make sure your additional elements blend into your home decor. For example, your new gutter cover should either suit your home or be virtually invisible. Some brands of gutter covers, such as Harry Helmet, blend easily into your roof line, so they are a match for any home. As you look at designing a home with an integrated exterior, consider the following home elements and how they are a visual match with the rest of your home.

• Do other structures such as sheds match the style of your home? 
• Do the gardens have a similar feel to your home? 
• Do porch or entryway decorations echo the look of your home? 
• Does your new roof match the overall feel of the home? 
• Do additions such as a gutter cover or awnings create a visual match or blend with your existing structures?
• Do pathway materials feel similar to the materials used in the home and in your landscaping? 
• Does your landscape lighting give the feeling you’re looking for in your home? 

3. Integrate Your Landscaping 

If you’d like to give your home a welcoming feeling, there’s no better way than to create a garden that embraces your visitors. Consider how your garden style complements your home.

• Choose an overall feeling for your garden: from Japanese garden to English cottage garden
• Use textured flowers and leaves to work with your home’s style
• Add colors that are similar to or complement your home’s color 
• Remember to integrate your front porch or front door landscaping into your overall theme as well 

At Harry Helmet, we’re dedicated to making your home look good and function well. Whether you’re looking for a new roof, gutter cover, or gutter replacement, we’ll help your home look its best. Schedule a free estimate today. 

Written by Del Thebaud