Kerb Appeal - How to improve the front of your house.

Does your home have kerb appeal? An attractive home front is a clue to what lies inside. Especially important if you are renovating a home to sell.

When thinking of how to improve the front of your house, create a great first impression by making the most of your home’s exterior features and enticing visitors inside to want to see more. Here’s our guide to how to give your home great kerb appeal.

There are so many elements that work together to make up the front aspect of your home it’s hard to know where to start when considering how to improve the front of your house. Let’s break it down to make it easier to work out where and how to make the most impact.

Before embarking on any exterior house design or renovations call up the local council to check if there are any restrictions in your area. If you live in a conservation area for example you may be limited to what changes you can make to the outside of your home to ensure it is in keeping with the surrounding area. Even if your home is not regulated by planning do bear in mind the appearance of the surrounding area.

If, for example you live in a row of period terraced or semi-detached homes improvements that add to the original character the neighbourhood are always a better idea than trying to go against the grain. On the other hand if you live in a street of detached homes of different ages there will be more opportunity to create something truly individual that stands out from the neighbours.

A complete facelift

Replacing exterior features such as brickwork, cladding, render and roof tiles can dramatically change the appearance a property. These are changes which affect large areas of the facade and need to be carefully planned to achieve a consistent result. Usually these changes are a result of a complete renovation or extension, however if you are happy with the interior of your home and simply wish to update the rest of the house to match, then take a look at the possibilities of an update to your home’s exterior.

There is a wide range of finishes to choose from. A current trend is to pair natural materials such as wood, stone cladding or even industrial metals with smooth rendered plaster. There is a huge variety of colour variations through this natural palette. Wood cladding can be stained in a range of colours as well as going on to weather beautifully. Paint on smooth rendered areas can be applied in shades which match or contrast to create a finish which complements the landscape and surroundings.

3D renders show exactly how the building will look with your chosen design so nothing is left to chance. You can even test different paint shades, brick finishes or wood stain colours until you achieve a look that you are happy with.

This one was for a client to completely change the appearance of the existing property. Designed with brick, white render, cedar cladding and a new front door and windows.

Replacing doors and windows

A step down from a complete facelift but still a significant investment and update to your home which will have an impact on the character of your property and its surroundings. The age and character of your property will determine what is possible. If you live in a period home research the age and architecture of the era it was built to restore character to the property with doors and windows in colours and materials suited to the design of the house.

Period properties usually have wooden windows which with care and attention are a great investment and last for many years. Maintain wooden windows and protect them from weathering with regular wood staining or painting. If your home is not restricted by planning laws, for example being in a conservation area, you can paint your doors and windows or even exterior walls whatever colour you like. Again use 3D renders to preview your choices before committing to colours and styles.

Driveways, paths and fences

Maintain drives to keep weed free and in stable condition. To ring the changes replace a gravel drive with a block or stone paved driveway.

Update pathways that have seen better days. In period urban homes with steps or small front gardens replace a brick path with a traditional tiled pathway. Encaustic tiles come in a variety of patterns and colour ways. Black and white is a traditional combination for victorian and edwardian homes and is an eye-catching invitation up to the front door.

Fences and garden gates whether wooden or metalwork can be replaced or repainted. As well as looking good regular painting protects against winter weathering.

Quick fixes to improve the front of your home in a weekend

What can you do in a weekend to add instant Kerb appeal? Aside from the bigger projects here’s a list of a few quick changes which can be made to add instant impact.

• Paint the front door. Make a statement with colour to add instant impact.

• Add a name or number sign.

• Update door furniture such as handles, letter boxes, door knockers or doorbells.

• Add some flower power with plants. Tidy up the front garden and research front garden design ideas to create a beautiful planting scheme.

• If you have less space add window boxes, hanging baskets or planters.

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