Never let a less-than-perfect facade hurt the overall impression your building makes. Try these simple ways to spruce up the exterior and give it more appeal—so that clients or visitors will have a good first impression. Here are a few things you can do to improve what’s often called “curb appeal,” without spending a fortune or breaking your back.
01 A Fresh Coat of Paint on the Exterior
Building exteriors take a beating. Depending on where you are, wind, rain, snow, sun, and extreme temperatures can all take their toll. But often a little paint is all it takes to make a building look brand new. Sometimes you don’t even have to repaint the whole facade—just adding a pop of color to the front door, windows, or other trim can instantly brighten the whole place.
02 Update the Entry Hardware
The front door is a natural focal point, so even small changes in seemingly minor details can have a big impact. Swapping in an elegant door knocker or switching to more artistic handles are easy ways to make the entrance stand out.
03 Hide Unsightly Fixtures
Even the most attractive buildings have some features that are better kept out of sight. A lattice screen, for example, can hide trash bins and air-conditioning units. If you prefer a greener approach, a row of shrubs or small trees works too. For electrical boxes and water meters attached to the building, painting the wall to match those fixtures helps them blend in. It won’t make them completely disappear, but they’ll draw a lot less attention—and you won’t block access to them.
04 Pressure-Wash Walkways, Patios, and Driveways
If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can usually rent one from a local home-improvement store. In just a few minutes, you can blast away years of dirt and grime from wood, stone, and brick surfaces. The difference afterward might surprise you.
05 Add Plants That Enhance the Building’s Look
This one may be common, but it’s still one of the most effective—and most versatile—ways to boost curb appeal. Flowers and greenery add color, create focal points in the yard, draw the eye toward the building’s front, hide less attractive features, and fill empty spaces with life. These simple moves are some of the best investments you can make in improving your building’s appearance. For maybe a few hundred dollars, you can make the exterior look much better and leave a stronger, more positive impression on anyone who sees it.