While, as a general rule, judging a book by its cover in any way, shape or form tends be frowned upon and - more often than not - misguided, this tends to be exactly what many of us do and the same could not be more true when it comes to houses.
'Kerb appeal' is the name given to the aesthetic likeability of a house - the first impression that people get within the very first seconds of arriving at a property. While better kerb appeal may not increase the monetary value of a house, if people are trying to sell then it can certainly dictate whether a person will be interested or not in pursuing that home as a viable option. Deep down, we are really shallow creatures.
Regardless of whether or not you are looking to sell, there is no reason that you, the homeowner, should not enjoy your own house's kerb appeal - especially as it is not that difficult to enhance.
The first thing that many people will notice about a property is the door given that, when approaching, individuals tend to be looking for the entrance. Flaky paint and dirty fittings are all features which will instantly put people off and make somewhere look, frankly, ugly.
In order to spruce up your door, get some sandpaper - or an electrical sander if elbow grease isn't really up your street - and give it a good scrubbing, before lacquering it in a healthy smothering of fresh paint. Give the door handle a polish and sweep the step clear. The difference will be indescribable.
For that final sheen, consider adding some new porch lights or perhaps some embedded lighting lining the pathway up to the door.
The other major factor in kerb appeal is the garden or area in front of the house. Weeds higher than Jack's beanstalk and general detritus scattered around the garden will put people off in an instant and make the house itself look unloved and dilapidated.
You don't need to be Alan Titchmarsh to take junk to a tip, tidy up the mess, pull up the weeds and cut the grass. Some pretty garden furniture can also add appeal as it shows that your garden is somewhere you like to spend time - and you may just find that you want to once you've made these small changes.
