First Impressions - Curb Appeal & Entryways
Quick Links: House Numbers Handlesets Door Hinges Painting Walkways
You can never underestimate the importance of a first impression, especially in your home. Whether it's your home from the curb or what guests see when they're on your front porch, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
From small tasks to large, here's a list of easy DIY improvements to help you achieve a memorable first impression.
The Tools: After each DIY improvement, we'll list any necessary tools.
The Job: We'll also provide a time estimate.
Small tasks that pack a big punch
Sometimes it's the details that make the biggest difference, and the front of your home is no different.
House Numbers
New house numbers can quickly and effectively change your home's appearance even from the street. And thanks to their wide range of size, color, and theme, they can also complement any look you already have or are working toward.
The Tools: Flat head or Phillips head screwdriver.
The Job: Less than 30 minutes. Back To The Top
Doorbells & Door Chimes
Think doorbells and door chimes can only benefit you indoors when you hear them? Not quite. With all sorts of shapes, designs, and looks, these fixtures are ready to enrich the look of your front porch.
The Tools: Most likely only a screwdriver. Many manufacturers now design their doorbells and chimes so that all you have to do is twist the wiring and keep them together with an end cap.
The Job: Less than 30 minutes. Back To The Top
Handlesets
The one pint-size DIY improvement that maximizes its effect has to be new door hardware. Handlesets have long been a part of front door décor, and that hasn't changed much through the years. And handlesets have evolved into major fashionable and functional pieces to your décor puzzle.
The Tools: Phillips head screwdriver, tape measurer, a 3/8-inch drill bit, and something to mark with, like a pencil or Sharpie.
The Job: Approximately 30 minutes. Back To The Top
Electronic Locks
When you're talking about the most advanced form of security for your home (and still adds to your décor) then consider electronic locks.
Led by Kwikset's SmartCode and Schlage's electronic security fixtures, electronic deadbolts, electronic door knobs, electronic door levers and electronic handlesets have revolutionized the door hardware industry. The top security features augment design elements that intend to impress. And, really, what says striking first impression better than sturdy and gorgeous electronic door hardware?
The Tools: Phillips head screwdriver, batteries.
The Job: Approximately 30 minutes. Back To The Top
Door Hinges
Think shiny, contemporary door hinges can't make a difference? Then you're not paying attention. The most challenging part of this job is taking the door down to replace the hinges.
The Tools: Flat head or Phillips head screwdriver.
The Job: Approximately 30 minutes. Back To The Top
Mailboxes
Remember when mailboxes used to be an actual part of your home? Now with security boxes bunched on top of each other at the corner, this personal touch in many homes has disappeared. But for those who still have a post-mounted mailbox at the curb or a wall-mounted mailbox attached to your home, this is a tremendous (and often overlooked) opportunity to express your personal style.
The Tools: Flat head or Phillips head screwdriver.
The Job: Approximately 30 minutes. Back To The Top
Window Boxes
Have you a window that could use a little color or pick-me-up? Mounting a window box with an explosion of color can transform the front of your home from dull to vibrant. Build your own window box or simply purchase one that's ready to mount.
The Tools: Screwdriver, possibly a drill, level.
The Job: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Back To The Top
Intercom Systems
As a homeowner, have you ever wanted to communicate with someone at the front door without actually being there? An intercom system allows you to do just that and lifts your home's curb appeal.
The Tools: Flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers, wire stripper/cutter, and a level.
The Job: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Back To The Top
Large (and easy) DIY improvements
Curb appeal is a different way of saying first impression, and it's used for how a home looks from…well, the curb. Since most people who pass your home likely won't be close enough to notice your new door hinges, curb appeal is more for the masses.
Painting
Painting is an effective update anywhere in your home, especially to the front of your home. Whether it's refreshing the color of your front door or totally changing the way the front of your home looks, your abode will enjoy an amazing first impression.
The Tools: Brushes/rollers/paint sprayer.
The Job: Depending on what you're painting, set aside anywhere from a few hours to an entire weekend. Back To The Top
Molding
Want to make your front door stand out with color and texture? Add molding to the sides of the door and over the doorway to provide the front of your home with depth and that "wow" factor.
The Tools/Job: This home improvement might be beyond the scope of the average DIYer, so it's recommended that you educate yourself and have experience in jobs like this. Says Leslie Sellers, president of the Appraisal Institute, "Molding can be extremely hard to install without knowledge of the project. It is better to leave well enough alone and consult a professional to keep damage from happening." Back To The Top
Symmetry
One of the most effective and obvious ways to make an amazing first impression is to create symmetry. Flank your front door with outdoor wall sconces. Place urns that hold colorful flowers or plant life on either side of your door. Up close at the front door, you might not notice the power of symmetry, but at the curb, you'll find it to be an eye-catching upgrade.
The Tools/Job: In theory, this could be an on-going update, so the necessary tools and job scope are both up to you. Back To The Top
Water Gardens
Appreciating the sight and sound of burbling water (and all of its elements) runs deep, so water gardens shouldn't be confined to just the backyard. Placing a water element at ground level allows you to hear the sound better and can cool things around it on a hot day. Go ahead and think of this as art for your yard.
We also have more information on the basics of water gardens and how to put it all together.
The Tools: The manufacturer Little Giant does a fantastic job corralling everything you need to get started on a water garden.
The Job: After all of the planning is done and the materials are set, put aside a weekend for this. Back To The Top
Create A Walkway
Nothing says, "Welcome to my home" better than a well-put together walkway leading from the sidewalk and/or driveway to your doorstep. With as many different styles, designs, shapes, and sizes as there are homeowners, the possibilities are practically limitless. Options include stepping stones, brick, and pavers.
The Tools: With so many options, it really depends
The Job: Set aside about a month to knock this one completely out. Back To The Top
Exterior Lighting
Upgrading your outdoor lighting could be placed into the category of smaller tasks—until you realize the potential of lights throughout your home's exterior. Outdoor lighting can provide an accent, it can add another level of safety throughout your yard, and it can also be a main light source.
Imagine the impression your home would make if the first thing your guests saw was an illuminated path to your front door (post and path lights ensure safety). From their car, they'd walk past landscape lighting (highlighting the favorite parts of your meticulously cared-for yard). When they arrive at your front door, they're greeted by the perfect amount of light (a wall light and ceiling light can help create a warm and welcoming front porch).
The Tools: Screwdrivers, ladder, possibly wire cutters.
The Job: Outdoor lighting mounted to the home doesn't take too long, so budget 30-45 minutes per fixture. Landscape lighting will take longer, so put aside a day for the entire outdoor lighting project.
The ways to enrich the front of your home are practically limitless. All you need are the ideas. Awaken the designer inside you and channel that creativity into something that will make a long-lasting and favorable first impression.
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