People form an opinion of your home before they even walk through the front door. Peeling paint, an untidy lawn, or a worn driveway can make the whole property look older than it really is, even if the house itself is in good shape.
The good news is you don’t need a major renovation to give your home’s exterior a little attention. A few hours spent cleaning, trimming, repairing, or painting can make a noticeable difference.
Peeling and Chipped Paint
Peeling paint on siding, trim, or porches can make a house look like routine maintenance has been put off. Scrape away loose paint, repair damaged areas, and apply a fresh coat to protect the surface and improve its appearance.
Related: 13 Things Your Parents Kept Around the House That Disappeared
Dead Plants and Flowers
Brown shrubs, dried flowers, and dead branches can make even a well-kept yard look neglected. Remove dead plants, trim overgrown branches, and add a few seasonal flowers to bring some life back to the garden.
Overgrown Lawn
Tall grass and untidy lawn edges can make the whole front yard look messy, especially when they cover walkways or spill into flower beds. Mow regularly, trim along sidewalks and driveways, and tidy the edges to make the yard look neater.
Related: 11 Things You Can Do with Hydrogen Peroxide Around the House
Worn-Out Outdoor Decor
Faded garden signs, cracked planters, and weathered decorations can look tired after spending years outside in the sun and rain. Walk around your porch and garden regularly, and remove, repair, or repaint anything that has seen better days.
Dirty or Damaged Gutters
Gutters streaked with dirt or packed with leaves can stand out against an otherwise tidy exterior. Clean them regularly and check for rust, loose fasteners, sagging sections, or peeling paint so they look better and continue directing water away from the house.
Cracked or Stained Driveway
Oil spots, cracks, and uneven concrete can make a home’s front look worn, especially since the driveway takes up so much visible space. Wash away surface grime, repair suitable cracks, and consider sealing the driveway when the material and condition call for it.
A Roof Covered With Debris
Leaves, branches, moss, and algae can make a roof look older and, in some cases, contribute to moisture problems or damage. Have debris removed safely and arrange a closer inspection if you notice heavy growth, damaged shingles, or other signs of trouble.
Missing or Damaged Shutters
Cracked, crooked, faded, or missing shutters can make windows look unfinished and disrupt the exterior’s appearance. Repair or replace damaged shutters, and repaint them if needed so they complement the windows and siding.
A Tired Front Door
A faded front door, worn handle, or peeling finish can make the entrance feel neglected because it’s one of the first things visitors see. A fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, new house numbers, or a clean doormat can make the entryway look more cared for.
Related: 13 Home Repairs You Should Leave to the Professionals
A Worn Fence
Leaning posts, loose boards, and flaking paint can make the entire yard look run-down. Replace damaged boards, secure loose sections, and apply a suitable stain or paint to help protect the fence and give it a tidier appearance.
Dirty Windows
Dust, pollen, water spots, and grime can build up on glass until the windows look dull from the street. Clean the glass, frames, and screens to let in more natural light and brighten the exterior.
An Exterior Color That Feels Dated
An exterior paint color that once seemed fashionable may now make the house feel stuck in another decade, especially if the trim and other finishes clash with it. If you’re planning to repaint, choose colors that suit the home’s style and work well with the roof, surrounding homes, and fixed exterior materials.
Related: 14 Decluttering Secrets That Make a Messy Home Easier to Manage
