front door

The Spring often brings the decision for many people to sell their homes. Houses are generally put on the market with hopes of moving with the end of the school year for those with families.  It’s easy to neglect our porch, forget to sweep up the leaves and generally let things go a little with all of our busy schedules.  But if you are going to sell your home you really need to put in a little effort and give the front of your home some Curb Appeal!

What does that mean? Below are a few top tips for sprucing up the outside of your house to attract buyers.  Even if you aren’t selling your home there are plenty of ideas her for some short DIY projects to brighten up the entrance to your home for spring/summer gatherings.

·         SWEEP, TIDY AND DECLUTTER

The first rule for any DIY job, no matter how big or small is to set about tidying up and decluttering. The same tips can apply to the outside entrance of your home. Make sure you sweep up all the dead leaves and any litter from around your front gate and from your path or driveway. No-one wants to be walking through soggy debris on the way to your front door. And take a good look at your doorway and clean away any cobwebs that have collected over the winter months. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

·         GIVE YOUR FRONT DOOR A LICK OF PAINT

Paintwork on the Front Door can become very tired very quickly, particularly in the Winter so stand back and be honest. Does your Front Door need a fresh coat of paint? If so, consider using a new, fresh color. Keep it neutral and welcoming; you don’t want to frighten away potential buyers with a bright orange front door!

·         CONSIDER NEW DOOR FURNITURE

A bright new shiny letterbox, a matching door knocker and a fresh door handle will really add the finishing touches to that newly painted front door. They don’t have to cost a fortune; local DIY shops usually carry a really good range, so do consider updating them.

·         ADD A STRIKING DOOR NUMBER

Don’t forget that you need a clear House Number, visible from the road. You don’t want new buyers scrambling around trying to find your house. If you’re looking for something modern and contemporary with great wow factor check out Home Depot or Lowe’s or even DIY on Pinteres.

·         ADD PLANTS AND GREENERY

A fresh hanging basket or planter filled with  greenery will soon brighten up a dull front doorway. Pop to your local garden centre and stock up on some wintering pansies or a small evergreen shrub and your front door will instantly look more inviting.

·         PEP UP YOUR PORCH

If you’re lucky enough to have a porch entrance apply the same rules as above. Declutter and sweep, make sure coats and boots are minimal and have a welcoming piece of wall art to make it feel more like a mini room rather than a dumping ground.

·         SPRUCE UP YOUR GARAGE DOOR

The Garage area needs the same kind of care as the front door so take a good look and consider a fresh coat of paint if necessary. You may need to be really honest and think about replacing the door if it’s beyond repair and it’s a good investment.

·         MAKEOVER YOUR FRONT GATE

If your gate is hanging from its hinges, or the wood is rotten then it’s going to need some TLC. Replace it if it’s really bad but otherwise consider painting, staining or removing the rust. This really is a potential buyers first entrance point so make it a good one!

·         FENCING AND HEDGES

From the road the boundaries to your home need to look cared for and in good condition. Make sure any rotten fencing is replaced or fixed and that hedges get a trim. For buyers who are driving by, the look of your front fence will give them a good indication of how you look after the rest of your home.

·         CHANGE YOUR DOORMAT!

A little detail that usually gets overlooked. The outer doormat into your home gets tatty and soggy in the Winter months so pop to the DIY shop and get a new one. It will only cost a little and it is will be money very well spent.

Give us a call today for any information we can provide you.

Dale & Renee McSween (951) 805-8876 or reneemcsween@yahoo.com