Top 5 Cost Efficient Ways To Improve Your Curb Appeal
 written by: Emily Velez
   When it comes to enhancing the appearance of your property, there are literally dozens of different options that are available to you. However, while it may be true that some home improvement jobs may require a moderate amount of money, there are still a few available options out there, that can be done for under $500 in as little as a few hours. In this overview, we'll take a look at 5 of the most cost-effective ways to improve your curb appeal.

1) Install Solar Powered Lights Along Your Sidewalk 
One of the most cost efficient ways to enhance your curb appeal is by installing solar powered lights along your sidewalk. Not only does this help to increase the safety level of your sidewalk after dusk, a few sets of solar power lights makes your home appear to be more inviting and friendly. Additionally, it can add some life to your surrounding landscape at nighttime as well. 

2) Cover Up Dead Spots 
If you have a shed or a tree on your property, chances are that you more than likely have a few dead spots on your property. The problem with trees are that, their roots tend to absorb all the water and nutrients within the surrounding soil. With a lack of nutrition and water, the grass that surrounds the tree may eventually die and leaves a dead spot surrounding the tree. If you realize that you have a few dead spots around your trees, one way you can cover this up is by planting a few plants that thrive in the shade or need very little water to survive. A few prime examples of plants that thrive under shade and need very little water include: 
* Heuchera 
* Lamium maculatum 
* Astilbe
* Digitails
* Alchemilla 
* Spurge 

3) Power Wash Your Home 
One of the easiest things you can do to significantly enhance your home's appeal is by utilizing a professional that specializes in powerwashng, formerly known as house washing. Typically, a power washing company can dispatch a house washing professional who will utilize a high powered power washer to clean the exterior portions of your home. Besides the fact that this can help to remove dirt and debris that may have accumulated on the surface of your home's exterior walls, it can help to remove hazardous mold and mildew as well. It's also worth noting that the National Association of Realtors proclaims that a power washed home can add as much as $15,000 to its final sale price. 

4) Upgrade Your Property's Hardware 
When it comes to improving your curb appeal, don't make the mistake of overlooking the simple things. You'd be surprised at how much more appealing your home will look if you upgrade old hardware. This is due to the fact that small enhancements to your home can help to define your home's overall look. As such, some of the small things you can do are: 
* Replace rusty light fixtures
* Change outdated locks and handles
* Install decorative house numbers
* Replace rusty mailboxes 
* Repaint your doors 
* Replace old dust mats 

5) Utilzie Window Cleaning Services 
Oftentimes, many property owners never consider the possibility of cleaning their windows. While it may not seem like it, no matter how beautiful your curb appeal may be, if you have dirty windows it can detract from your property's level of appeal. As such, if you have never had your windows professionally cleaned before, consider the possibility of utilizing a company that specializes in window cleaning services.

The harsh chilly winters can leave any house’s exterior shattered and out of shape. As per statistics, close to 25 percent households ignore a minimum of one critical maintenance problem, putting themselves at the risks of big bills and heartaches. It, therefore, becomes imperative to prepare the exteriors for cold winds before it gets too late. 

Prevention

Prevention is essential as most of the damage can be mitigated if homeowners spend a minor portion of their time on getting decked up for inclement weather. Also, most homeowners aren’t completely aware of what their house insurance policy covers and leaves out. By not maintaining a property properly, house owners risk voiding their insurance, running up huge bills potentially if a thing goes wrong due to neglect. 

Check roof condition. Look for broken or cracked tiles, chimney cracks or pointing issues. Clear the drainpipes and gutters of any debris or leaves to reduce overflow and blockage risks. Ensure the external and garage pipes are lagged. Invariably, pressure washing or power washing easily spruces up the house exterior.

External Plumbing

Inspecting outdoor plumbing can be the most critical part of taking care of house exterior, since it surfaces issues that may affect the house’s interiors. If there are taps outdoors, ensure they are devoid of any issues. If water flow is intermittent or losing pressure, it could be indicative of a plumbing system leak. And, if the water flow is extraordinarily robust, then insert your finger within the faucet. If the flow halts with no resistance, the internal plumbing line could have a leak elsewhere. However, if it sprays all around the place, there’s nothing much to be worried about. 

Weather Stripping

Inspect and substitute worn-out weather strips. Weather stripping around windows and doors plays a major role in decreasing the volume of cold air entering the house. The worn or cracked stripping must, therefore, be replaced with fresh and efficient stripping. If the caulking looks ragged and worn, re-caulk it with a moisture-resistant, more efficient product. 

Rotten Wood Probing

If there are any wooden overlays or fixtures outside the house, they are vulnerable to warping and rot. Although a majority of those fixtures are weather-treated against element exposure, the possibilities of being a target still remains. Go around the house outdoors and inspect the wood to detect any signs of give. Any kind of rot beneath the surface should show up. If there is warping, replace the fixture or restore it by weather-treating and sanding it again.

Foundation Inspection

In case of mild or significant rainfall, it’s important to inspect the ground and land around the garden and house, to make sure the water is getting drained adequately. The grounds could be vulnerable to stone and earth erosion, which could result in structural issues later. If the foundation has cracks, they must be sealed with an epoxy. Most sealants and caulks are generally not strong enough.  

Conclusion

Most households keep house exterior repair work at bay, believing their home insurance would cover impending natural/man-made disasters. However, they fail to understand that not keeping up with necessary repairs may result in the insurer not clearing the insurance claim amount.