If you live in a traditional neighborhood, you’ve probably noticed an increase in the number of “for sale” signs you’re seeing on your drive home.

Researchers at Zillow found that homes listed between May 1 and May 15 sold, on average, 18.5 days faster than homes listed outside of that time frame.

Perhaps you’re among the home owners planning to sell their house this May. If so, you still have a month to increase the curb appeal of your home, which will help attract potential buyers. Elite Custom Builders understands that the last thing you want to do when selling your home is put time and money into the property. However, there are some projects that simply make sense as they will help your home sell faster and for a better price.

Read on for ECB’s top tips to increase curb appeal — from under $100 to bigger projects that will seriously up the “wow” factor.


PAINT

We love a fresh coat of paint — at approximately $30/gallon it’s affordable and it can really help your house stand out. We recommend repainting the front door and the exterior trim/shutters to freshen up your home.

Make sure the colors work together and aren’t too bold — while you may love your new orange door, it’s more important that the potential buyers love it. Changing the door handle can also add a little extra flare.

And while you don’t want to replace any siding, it’s a good idea to check for any damage and pressure wash it to give a good first impression. If completely necessary, repainting will enhance the home’s appeal to potential buyers.

freshly painted siding can increase curb appeal

DETAILS

Upgrading small details can have a big impact. Think house numbers — more modern numbers that stand out can complement your fresh paint work. An updated mailbox can add to the updated look.

While slightly more expensive, upgrading exterior lighting can also make your home look more modern and inviting. Illuminating pathways and house numbers is an easy way to brighten a space at night, while enhancing safety.

When focusing on small details, remember that symmetry is universally pleasing to the eye. It’s aesthetically pleasing — and very easy.

LANDSCAPING

Spending money on plants is the last thing you want to do when you’re moving out of your house. Spend on one or two bigger trees plants to enhance your curb appeal and then ask family, friends and neighbors for additional plants — if they’re trimming back overgrown bushes or have sprouts, they may be willing to share.

Plants and trees can have a big impact and don’t necessarily need to be expensive. If you add potted plants on the front porch/steps, you can always take them with you when you move.

If your grass is dead and brown, try to bring it back to life — use a professional if necessary. A green lawn can bring the house to life.

WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAYS

If you have a little more time and a budget to work with, we encourage you to assess your driveway and walkways. If the concrete is cracked and old, hiring a professional contractor to replace the walkway and driveway will enhance the curb appeal. Bigger projects like this also have a good return on investment (ROI).

If your existing walkway is good shape, make sure any railings are sturdy. They could be updated with a coat or paint or stain, but if they’re rusting or broken, consider updating them. Building codes require set height for railings, so we encourage you to get the job done right by a contractor.

BUILD OUT THE FRONT PORCH

Everyone loves a front porch — a place to relax and watch the world go by. Even a small porch with enough room for two chairs and a side table will improve the curb appeal of your home. If your home has an existing porch slab, a professional contractor like ECB can expand the space.

Covering a porch space is another great way to make it feel like a distinct outdoor space. If you’re unsure of where to start, reach out — we’d be happy to help.

GARAGE SPACE

If you have space to expand your garage, consider an addition to transform a one car garage into a two car garage. This addition will have a high ROI and can really enhance the appeal of your home.

If you can’t double the size of your garage, consider building a shed so that the garage isn’t cluttered with the mower and outdoor tools.


Elite Custom Builders | Residential Contractor

ECB work throughout North Central West Virginia. We have a combined 70+ years of experience and serve the North Central West Virginia area including:

  • Morgantown
  • Fairmont
  • Cheat Lake
  • Clarksburg
  • Bridgeport
  • Weston
  • Elkins
  • Davis
  • Preston County
  • Wheeling
  • We also work in the Pittsburgh, Pa., area.

Still unsure of how to boost your curb appeal to help your home sell? Get in touch. ECB can not only help you build or remodel your new home, but can also tackle the renovation projects you need to complete to increase your curb appeal and sell your house.