The Importance of Kerb Appeal & How to Get It
By House of Henley
We all know it when we see it. Those houses that make us instinctively gasp “oh I would love to live there” when we haven’t a clue what the inside looks like, how much the property costs, and whether the local amenities are any good. That, is kerb appeal. Given its huge value, it is a mystery that so many renovations take place across the country, seemingly without a penny allocated to it in the budget. If you are on the verge are starting a renovation, and your stomach just dropped, all is not lost; as in this post we’re going to be having a look at what you can do to give your own property’s kerb appeal a boost.
Picture from Stephanie Dunning Interior Design
Start with the windows
It has long been said that the windows are the eyes of a house. This makes them the perfect starting point when looking at kerb appeal. Straightaway, there are often easy wins to be had when it comes to windows. First, can you replace unsightly and chunky uPVC windows with slimmer and slicker replacements? This is even more vital in period properties where restoring windows to their original styling will work wonders for the exterior. Next, ask if the openings themselves need to be made bigger or if the sill heights need lowering. It is amazing the difference correcting the proportionality of windows can have.
Freshen it up
Assess your property objectively and look for faults, aging or defects. If it is rendered, consider whether it needs a new coat of paint. This is a costly job but any future purchaser will only deduct it off the sale price so, either way, you’re spending that money. Next, look at your front door. Does it need repainting? Is it too flimsy? (In which case you’re better off replacing it - people love opening a door they can feel the weight of). Finally, never ignore the driveway. If it needs relaying, be honest with yourself and accept that; however, if it is in good condition, weeding and power washing will restore it to a former glory and immediately give your home a lift.
Greenery & Lighting
Picture from Annie Stevens Designs Ltd
You would not believe the value some well-chosen greenery and external lighting can have on a property. Add flower boxes to windowsills – lavender works well in these. Symmetrical bay trees in sturdy pots on either side of your door are an easy but effective addition. Ilex is also an excellent substitute for box hedges which have been overcome by blight recently.
For the lighting, you don’t need to turn your house into a year-round Christmas tree. Up and down lights on either side of the front door will work miracles – if your house is larger, consider spacing them evenly across the front of the property. Consider adding a house number in a slate-style plaque under one of the lights. It is these small touches that will make people stop and let out their own instinctive gasp of adoration as they walk past your home. However, if you do add lighting, you must keep them working. There is nothing worse than walking past a property with up and down lights that has one of the bulbs out. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.
A final word of warning
The majority of the changes suggested here are cosmetic in nature; but do be aware that when you start making changes to the exterior of your property, you may need some form of planning permission. Take a look at your local council website or contact them if necessary to discuss what, if any, permissions you will need.
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