Selling Your Home? Work On the Curb Appeal

Improving the curb appeal means making a quicker sale and also getting closer to your asking price.

As a carpenter I frequently get called in to assist in this process.  Here’s what I’ve gleaned over the years:

Fix The Structural Issues First:  This is the number one thing buyers look, it’s also the biggest turn off to a home for sale.

Tips To Increase Curb Appeal:

1.  replace or restore your front door:

The front door is the very first thing people see.   Research has shown that a new front door can have 100 to 130%  percent return on investment [ROI]

2.  Replace or paint the siding:

again, this is one of the first things people see from the street as they approach.  Installing a quality exterior siding or renewing the existing one with a coat of fresh paint gives you an 80% ROI.

3.  Install better flooring or refinish the existing  hardwood floors:

Hard surfaces are always better than carpet as they look better, wear better and are easier to maintain.  People love hardwood floors. 

4.  Dining rooms are out! 

Large multi-purpose living areas are in.  People gravitate to the kitchen when at other people home.  A large open floor plan that incorporates the kitchen, living and entertainment areas all fair well.

5.  Update or remodel baths:

Bathroom remodels and upgrades, while not exactly top on the ROI list it does help sell the house.

Projets that help curb appeal are: 

• Replacing appliances
• Landscaping the yard
• Replacing decking on a deck
• laminate flooring

Projects that have a decent ROI :

• 83% ROI   -  Attic – room conversion 
• 80% ROI   -  Wood deck
• 78%   -  Cosmetic kitchen upgrade
• 80%   -  Vinyl siding
• 71%   -  Master bath improvements

Concord Carpenter

Who is Concord Carpenter?    ~ Robert Robillard is editor of A Concord Carpenter and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts. Rob is a recognized leader in tool and how-to information for building professionals, he also hosts the Concord Carpenter Cable TV Show, offering the do-it-yourself audience in Boston's Meto West region expert advice on home repairs and maintenance. On his website, Rob covers all aspects of home improvement and remodeling, specializing in problem solving for home maintenance. Rob enjoys evaluating and reviewing tools and products and restoring vintage tools. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!":

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