When is the last time you really considered the curb appeal of your home? If it has been a while, take some time to walk to the curb (or street) and view it with a critical eye.
You can even ask for assistance from friends and neighbors, who may be more critical than you. It may even help you to take photos of your front yard and house, which will help you see where you could make changes.
Once you have fully inspected your home’s front yard, it is time to invest in a front yard makeover. Keep reading to learn more about the top ways to transform your front yard.
Update Your Mailbox
If you were your local mail carrier, would it be easy to find your mailbox? Or, if you had nefarious intentions, such as identity theft, would your house be considered an “easy mark” because the mailbox had loose hinges and a broken door? These are things that could lead to someone stealing your bills and other essential mail.
You can also consider the mailbox from a design perspective. For example, do you have a mailbox style that does not necessarily match your home’s architecture style?
Just updating your mailbox to something new and stylish can make a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal.
Use Walls and Gates to Highlight the Entrance While Adding Privacy
If your front yard is like so many others, you likely have a lot of lawn that is not used very often. For example, adding concrete stairs and board-formed walls can help to emphasize your entryway and front door.
You can also install a semi-private walled patio around existing shade trees and install or customize your gate to add a bit of style and flair. A final touch to this update is to add ornamental grasses, which will use much less water than traditional plants while creating a sense of seasonality.
Clean and Repair Areas in the Front Yard That Need It
Cleanliness and maintenance are a crucial part of the bigger picture. Make sure to take note of if your home looks fresh, clean, and well-kept.
It is also a good idea to look at the working elements. This includes things like your shutters, siding, and gutters. Do they look like they are in good shape, or do they need to be repaired or replaced?
Now is a good time to make the needed repairs and clean things up.
Invest in New Landscaping
If possible, would you dig up your entire yard and start things completely over? While this is a big move, sometimes it is a complete necessity.
If you are dealing with overgrown, invasive roots, and trees, it may be time to do this. After all, as time passes, the roots can begin to cause the sidewalk to buckle, and they could infringe on your irrigation and plumbing systems.
When this happens, they need to be removed. You can check with a local tree-trimming service or arborist to find out what your options are.
The same is true for the hedges. A lawn that is thirsty, in a drought area, or has high maintenance shrubs that need regular cutting may need to be rethought.
Based on your time and skills, this may be a DIY undertaking. If not, you should hire professionals to handle this.
Consider Your Garage Door
Have you inspected your garage door recently? Is it on its last legs? Does it have to be propped every time you open it up?
If you answered yes to one or all these questions, it is time to repair or to replace the door. A replacement will be needed if the door has serious dents or surface issues, or damage.
It is also a good idea to consider a new garage door if it does not coordinate with the rest of your house.
Look at the Exterior Color
Is the exterior color of your home outdated, old, or dull? Was your house built three decades ago and still has the same color? If so, it is definitely time for an update.
Another indication that it is time to update the pain is if it has begun to peel or crack. This is true if these issues are seen on the façade or the trim.
Boring colors are just as bad as paint that is dull or peeling. If you live in an area with a homeowner’s association, make sure you look at the color list to ensure you follow the set guidelines.
You can also hire a professional contractor or designer to help you choose the right colors. They can help you choose coordinating shades for the railings, trim, and exterior, along with any other architectural features that are present.
Add-Ons and Architectural Details
Be sure to take a closer look at your home’s add-ons. This includes the columns, railings, and light fixtures. It would help if you also examined the porch, overhangs, entrances, and awnings.
Do these areas need to be repaired? Or will a replacement be the best option? What about the size and the scale compared to all the other elements of your house?
Now Is the Time to Invest in a Front Yard Makeover
When it comes to your front yard, you want to make sure you make a good impression. Unfortunately, some issues may arise from time to time, which means it may be time to invest in a front yard makeover.
If this is something you are interested in, consider hiring professionals. They can help you choose what elements to update and improve.
Are you searching for more information about your home, garden, or improvements you can make? If so, be sure to check out some of our other blogs. Our team is made up of home pros, which means you can count on us to deliver accurate and updated information right to your device screen.
