How would you increase the curb appeal of this house?

Question

I have a few ideas in mind already but I'm absolutely horrible in the designer/creative visualization area....would love to see how others would chime in

Marcia Maynard · Answer

First, move it "down-under", so it's right side up. :-)

Second, wait for the spring thaw so you'll know what you're tackling.

Third, visualize the kind of curb appeal you're after. Consider the other homes in the neighborhood and what would fit in, then aim for at least one notch above that.

Paul Biniasz · Answer

The door on the left and ramp were added as a necessity obviously, but they will turn off 95% of buyers. Remove them if possible. Consistency is rule #1. Remove the random shutters on the one window.

Relocate the house numbers to reinforce the main entrance and treat them as an accent graphic, vertically of horizontally as @Marcia Maynard suggested.Make an effort to carve out an area of the lawn to identify the main entrance with landscaping that leads your eye up to it.

Too bad the main door is somewhat hidden but a punch of color would go a long way.

Definitely add foundation landscaping. Think plantings in mass, not random and sparse. Make a statement and make it look intentional and "designed". A taller ornamental accent tree pulled about 20' or so out from the house, near the entrance?

FYI, looks like the plantings leading up the drive have no plan. They seem inconsistent, don't relate to each other, randomly spaced.  Note: avoid this.

That's a little more than my 2 cents. Not sure if I went over budget but good luck!

Marcia Maynard · Answer

What strikes me first is the lack of definition as to which is the main entry. Create a design with pathways, lighting, plants and color to define the main entry. De-emphasize the alternative entry.

Ramps can be very useful and some people seek them out, but those railings are distracting. Change the railing but keep the ramp if it's in good shape.

Relocate the house numbers and make them black. They look odd on the side with the four windows and off balances the symmetry of that side section. Place them horizontal or vertical, but not diagonal like they are now. Place them near the main entry door (whichever one it is) in some manner, even if it means putting them on a post. Make sure the house numbers are on a mailbox or post at the curb as well.

Remove the shutters, because the shutters are only on one window and look out of place. You need more open siding between the window and the inside corner and the shutter is taking up that space.

Find a nice piece of outside wall art for the large blank area next to the shuttered window. Trellis would work well too, but be careful not to plant something that would grow outward in girth and too tall, as that would visually split the house in half.

Paint the white horizontal header at the porch gray, so it will blend in with siding.

Extend the porch to the end of the house and change the railings. As it is now, the view of the window in that area is blocked by the railing and support post. Open it up so you can see the window better. Create a nice front porch with a place to sit and good lighting.

Add foundation plants. Bring the left and the middle and the right side of the house front into harmony with a careful selection of plants and architectural features.

For your color scheme... gray siding with white trim/gutters and black accents.

Colleen F. · Answer

First get rid of the snow that should take care of  too much white...   If you can- lose the ramp railings. Put something to the right of that window with the shutters to balance things out, a tall plant maybe if  you can. Lattice with plant?   Under those 4 windows you need some beautiful flowers right across under every window purple, red or something that stops just below the windows, that alone is your cheapest curb appeal.  I am assuming you are selling when the weather will be turning.

Jeff B. · Answer

You are correct - - it needs a contrasting trim.

Match roof line / gutters to whatever shutter scheme choose - - just too much white.  consider making ramp match the siding to de-emphasizing it. change house numbers to match shutters.  when it's cleared off, examine walkway and it's borders.

Derek Carroll · Answer

interesting...when I first posted this my phone showed it right side up. This is a flip but a low value one so just trying to see some ideas. The ramp is wheelchair accessible to a door,  maybe make it some sort of limestone footpath instead?

I'm replacing the window with the shutters but I was thinking to leave the shutters in place mainly because it allows some color contrast. Do people not like shutters anymore?

Aaron Lovett · Answer

Remove the ramp and shutters. Shrubbery below the 4 windows.  Add some light/accent color to the porch area.  Beyond that, it depends on whether this is a rental or a flip.

How would you increase the curb appeal of this house?

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