by Maura Clegg

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Adding curb appeal does not have you empty you bank account, there are some very simple things you can do to make your house the best looking house in the neighborhood. The cost will come in the sweat equity you are willing to invest to keep up the parts of your yard.

First thing that you will make your house more pleasing to the eye is to make sure the yard is clear of debris, both organic and non-organic. This means pulling all weeds and flowers that have not made it to bloom, trimming all shrubs, and picking up any trash (no matter how small) that is blown into your yard. Any islands that you have in your lawn should have clean lines that are kept clean throughout the year, trimming and edging to keep the line.

Adding colorful flowers will also make the house more pleasing to the eye. Perennials, while more expensive, are great to have because you know that you will not have to replant that area. Also, if you invest in great flowering shrubs, like peonies they expand and take a splitting and replanting. Some research has shown that if you take a flowering shrub like a peony, or hydrangea you can place nails near the root bed and as the metal oxidizes you will get a beautiful blue color variation.

Window boxes are also a great way to add curb appeal to your home. In the late fall and winter months they can be filled with greens, or faux flowers to keep the facade of your home looking bright and sunny. Keeping the window boxes nicely painted will also add to your home.

A quick paint job to doors can add a splash of color, and a focal point for your home. Choose a color that is pleasing, but not too bright. A deep blue, green, or red is a great way to pull color into your home without having to subject yourself to a full on house painting. Also, keeping all window trim, and shutters cleanly painted will add to your homes curb appeal.

So, with some sweat equity and a few minor purchases you can make your home the number one on the curb appeal meter in your neighborhood.

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