When it comes to owning a home, the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ rarely applies. That’s because the exteriors are just as important as the interiors. This means your property can be judged based on how it appears from the outside alone, and an unattractive lawn can be a major deal-breaker for potential buyers.

In honor of Home Improvement Month, we’ve put together some tips on how you can maintain and improve your home’s curb appeal.

Give your lawn some TLC

A lawn takes up most of your property’s exteriors, which is why you shouldn’t neglect it. While it does take a bit of work, the great news is that lawn care is not too complicated. Mow your lawn once a week (or every 5 days during the spring) to avoid overgrowth and potential bites, because ticks and fleas like to hide in tall grass.

Prune your hedges, take out weeds, and fertilize your grass during its active growth stage. You can even make watering easier with our Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller — we analyze weather patterns to ensure that your lawn doesn’t get too much or too little hydration. Pair it with Rachio Thrive to treat your lawn down to the soil in a natural and safe way.

Pay attention to the main features

There are numerous ways to give your doors, windows, walls, and roofing some TLC too. Start by adding a fresh coat of eco-friendly paint — you can add a pop of color to your door and windows, so they stand out from afar. For your walkways and patio, use a power washer to clean them at least once a year and make them look like new. You may find that you didn’t need a fresh coat of paint – just a good washing!

When it comes to the roof, check if you need to replace any shingles or repair any damages. You might need a professional to do this, especially if you’re concerned about leaks. But one thing you can certainly do on your own is to clean your gutters regularly.

Repurpose materials for furniture and decor

Repurposing materials is a great way to redecorate your exteriors without breaking the bank. You can make sturdy deck furniture from some recycled wood — the rustic aesthetic is really trendy, too!

If you can get your hands on some wooden crates, they’re great decorative pieces and can be used as planters as well. Just make sure to check for lead paint warnings, however, as some of these vintage boxes might contain toxic chemicals. Don’t skip this step, especially if you’re planning on repurposing crates as containers for edible plants.

Illuminate your exteriors

Now that you’ve given your exterior some much-needed attention, it’s time to showcase the changes with some outdoor lighting. There are plenty of sustainable options out there — from walkway lights to porch lights. All of these are powered by the sun, which means they’re not only environmentally-friendly — they’re budget-friendly too.

Why is curb appeal important?

Attractive exteriors add aesthetic value to homesand completes the image of your dream house. After all, the exterior is the first thing people see. But more than that, exteriors are important for your living pleasure. You can finally tick off the items on our list of fun things to do in your yard if you have a well-maintained lawn — and that’s because a much nicer outdoor area allows you to enjoy every available space in your home and boost the quality of your home life.

Show off your curb appeal by using #RachioYard.

Article written by Sophie Walters

Solely for rachio.com