By Clara Beaufort, Founder and CEO of GardenerGigs.
When it comes to the value of your home, there are so many factors largely out of your control: the quality of schools, the value of nearby houses, the surrounding neighborhood, and more. Focusing on your curb appeal, however, can be a huge boon if you put the right time, energy, and planning into your projects. And, furthermore, by utilizing biosolids compost, your green can become even greener.
Understand the space you are working with
Before you start tearing up your lawn, consider what your space needs. Does your front lawn get a lot of sun, or shade? By examining what you have to work with, you can decide what will work with your space. If the front of your house is shady, for example, consider plants that are designed to grow in shade like hostas or foxgloves.
Are there patches that get soggy and muddy? If your lawn gets a lot of rain or water run-off, then consider extensions for your gutters before you try to plant. While it’s always exciting to get started on a new project, a thorough plan helps ensure that your hard work doesn’t get washed away before you can enjoy it.
Include intentional touches of green
Putting in flowers, shrubs, and trees can be a great way to make your home more attractive. The addition of appropriate plants increases the value of your home and will bring you joy to maintain.
While adding greenery is the top way to immediately affect your home’s curb appeal, it is not necessarily the simplest: knowing which plants need what kind of care, and when, can be a huge stressor for home-owners. After all, you don’t want to invest a lot of time, money, and energy into a project only to have it fail.
Before you go too far, try to keep your own limitations in mind. If you have always struggled to remember to water your flowers, consider hiring a gardening service to maintain a luscious lawn and yard. It may add another expense, but it also means that your investment will last, rather than dying out. Look at reviews to find the best services in your area, as top professionals can keep your bushes, flowers, and trees healthy and happy all year round.
You’ll also need to keep in mind the soil, and specifically the nutrients of the soil. If you live in an area where plants struggle to grow, consider adding biosolids compost to the first six to 12 inches of earth before you plant. This will help to ensure that the flowers and shrubs you put into the ground now will remain healthy and beautiful until it’s time to sell your home.
Transform it into a space where people want to be
All kinds of small touches can go a long way when it comes to your home. The Independent points out that getting or making furniture weather-resistant can protect your outdoor furnishings and make your yard a comfortable place to spend time.
Another great option is to brighten the space with color: consider painting your front door or putting up long shades on your front porch. These are great for home-owners on a budget; it costs significantly less to add a coat of paint than it does to put in a new patio or lighting, so consider what you are willing to spend to improve the value of your home. If you don’t intend on moving any time soon, choose shades and materials that make you happy or inspire you to spend time outside.
Be sure to get the right hardware
When you’re getting the look for your house just right, the fine details can go a long way. Items like the mailbox, door lights, hardware on the front door, and entryway decor can make a huge impact on the appeal of your house with just a weekend of work.
Something as simple as adding an entry mat will make your home appear more welcoming, so be sure to look for small opportunities to jazz up your space. What’s more, as Rubber Flooring Experts explains, a welcome mat will keep your interior cleaner and reduce the risk of slipping as you come and go from your home.
There are a lot of things to consider when adding to the curb appeal of your home, but there are some very simple moves that create a warmer atmosphere and a space that you and yours will want to get out and enjoy. And adding to the value of your property doesn’t hurt either. Decide how much work you want to put into your appeal and you’ll have a lovely home entry in no time.