Curb Appeal Ideas
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Follow these ideas to add curb appeal and value to your home, apartment building or
business.
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1. Clear the Clutter!
Nothing says disheveled property like debris and junk in the yard! Cleaning up the land around the
dwelling including the front/back porches/decks is the first step! Even the most beautiful home can
lose thousands of dollars in value if there is clutter everywhere. Rubbish, debris, old lumber, broken
items, broken glass, even old mattresses leaning up against the back fence! These items should be
removed from the property and discarded appropriately. Store toys and basketball hoops in the back of
the property. Store garbage/recycle bins in the back of the property or in a garage or shed. Check out
the links for disposal of various items on the West Side Watch Neighborhood Revitalization page:
http://www.westsidewatchbangor.org/NeighborhoodRevitalization.htm
2. Wash Your House’s Face!
Sometimes all your siding needs is a clean scrub! Wash
the dirt, mildew, and general grunge off the outside of
your house. Washing a house can add $10,000 to $15,000
to the sale prices of some houses because it looks like
new!. A hose, a bucket of soapy water and a long-handled,
telescoping soft-bristled brush can remove the dust and
dirt that have splashed onto your wood, vinyl, metal,
stucco, brick, and fiber cement siding.
3. Wash the Windows (Inside and Out!)
Wash the windows inside and out. Swipe cobwebs from
eaves.
To Remove Mold & Mildew from
Vinyl House Siding
Follow one of these solutions:
*1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water makes a
great all-purpose cleanser that removes light mold
and mildew stains. (Bob Vila)
* For a stronger solution, mix together one cup
bleach for every 4 cups water. (This Old House)
WARNING: Bleach and vinegar will kill grass
and plants! Wear protective eyewear and protect
landscaping with plastic!.
If you are concerned about landscaping,:
*Use a solution comprised of one gallon of water
mixed with one cup oxygen bleach (Oxyclean) in
a bucket. The oxygen bleach will clean the siding
without damaging your landscaping. (Bob Vila)
* Simple Green is an environmentally friendly
product; merely follow the instructions. (Bob
Vila)
4. Paint your Front and Back Doors
An investment in a single can of paint can do wonders to
improve the look of your home. One of the fastest and
least expensive ways to give your home's facade an instant
facelift is by painting your front door a zippy color!
Painting your front door, the focal point of your property,
a bold color is always a safe way to draw attention
without overdoing it. Those stock doors at the home improvement store that are a whitish-gray color
that you installed years ago? They are pre-primed ready and meant to be painted! So get painting!
Choose a gloss paint for easy maintenance.
5. Paint the House
The color scheme you choose (house color, trim and accent colors) often depends on the home’s
architecture. Victorian homes can often handle as many as five or six separate exterior paint colors.
Colonial homes, however, are best with limiting the color to two or three, and most homes built in the
last 50 years will look best in one subtle color with minimal monochromatic trim. However, painting
an older home a brighter modern color can instantly make it look years younger. Consider the size of
the building as well: Smaller homes will look larger in one quieter color. Painting the trim the same
color or a shade that is close in hue will also create a bigger visual appearance. Many homes in the
West Side Village are adorned with different shaped shakes on the homes’ exterior from fish scaled to
square, round, diamond, and many more shapes. To highlight the different shapes of shakes on a
building’s exterior, consider painting them different shades/hues of the same color!
Choosing a Paint Color
To avoid choosing the wrong color and having to repaint an entire
wall or door (it looked beautiful on the swatch in the store, but looks
horrid on the door/wall in natural light!), have your local paint supply
store make up sample sizes of the colors you are considering and
“test” those paint colors on your house or door to save some money
and time. Most paint supply stores sell sample sizes for $3-$4 and can
be tinted to your exact colors. Take the samples and paint a piece of
poster board a separate color. Next, tape the poster board to the wall
or door with masking tape. Be sure to step back and check the look
from the yard or curb. This is a great economical way to choose the
perfect color! Be sure to choose a premium-quality exterior paint for
long-lasting beauty.
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Historical
Character Tip: Paint
If you are interested in maintaining a
historical look to your home, check out
local paint stores’ Historical
Collection. This allows you to achieve
a coordinated period look for the
exterior of the home with historically
accurate paint color palettes for the
home’s exterior walls, trim
and accents.
Wood Siding: If the paint on your wood siding is peeling, blistering or has faded, it is time to repaint! Giving your
whole house a fresh new coat is a wonderful way to brighten up your dwelling’s exterior.
Vinyl Siding: Most homeowners install vinyl siding so they never have to paint their home! But, painting vinyl has
become more popular especially as paint technology has improved in recent years. It’s a relatively quick and
easy way to update your home’s exterior appearance. You’ll need paint that is specifically formulated for vinyl
applications. These usually contain a blend of urethane and acrylic resins. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin
Williams both carry paints that are made specifically for vinyl siding.
Brick siding: Some brick homes were historically painted. Perhaps it’s time for a fresh coat! Painting brick is
relatively easy but requires the right kind of paint and some preparation. It’s best to consult a paint specialist at
your local paint store for paint recommendations.
Stucco siding: Painting a house covered with stucco requires no special preparation. Choose a high quality
Acrylic latex paint in the color of your choosing.
Asbestos Siding: According to Asbestossiding.org: “One thing that should be noted is that when asbestos fibers
are inert, intact, and encapsulated in cement siding (as is most often the case), it poses absolutely no health risk.
Asbestos only poses a health risk (lung diseases, Mesothelioma, and other cancers) when the fibers are airborne, which in the case of asbestos siding only occurs if the siding is actively sawed or broken into many smaller
pieces. Intact asbestos siding on your home poses no health risk as long as it is undisturbed. Asbestos siding
remediation or removal should always be done by professionals. If your decision is whether to paint or replace,
keep in mind that it’s almost always more affordable to keep and paint old asbestos siding, as removal can be
very expensive (not to mention the cost of installing new siding once the old siding is removed and disposed of).
It’s not difficult at all to paint asbestos siding, as one of its benefits is that paint easily adheres to it and there’s
none of the scraping and caulking necessary as when dealing with painting wood siding or other materials. That
said, you’ll still need to take some precautions if you decide to paint your asbestos siding. The biggest concern is
that you should avoid power washing asbestos siding, as it can chip or damage the siding and release dangerous
asbestos fibers into the air. If needed, wear a mask and clean the siding with a hose and a soft bristled brush.”
See your local paint dealer for primers and paints suitable for asbestos siding. Remember that you cannot sand,
chip, or otherwise disturb the asbestos siding material. If you wish to put vinyl siding over the existing asbestos
siding, the vinyl siding installation may involve drilling, screwing, or nailing objects into the existing siding,
creating an exposure hazard where none may have existed before. Be sure to consult a contractor who
specializes in asbestos abatement (removal and encapsulation) prior to vinyl siding installation.
Historic Character Tip: Wood Siding
Replacing historic wood siding with aluminum or vinyl siding could severely diminish the unique aspects of historic
materials and craftsmanship. The inappropriate use of substitute siding is especially dramatic where sufficient care is not
taken by the owner or applicator and the width of the clapboards is altered, shadow reveals are reduced, and molding or
trim is changed or removed at the corners, at cornices or around windows and doors. Changes to character-defining
features such as this always have an impact on more than just that building; they also alter the historic visual relationship
between the buildings in the neighborhood. Please consider saving, repairing and painting your historic wood siding!
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6. Spruce up the Window and Door Trim!
Decorative window trim and exterior door trim is an
Historical Character Tip:
effortless means of boosting curb appeal and
Trim and Moldings
adding charm to the exterior of your home. Simply
painting the trim a different color than the main house Most homes covered with vinyl/aluminum siding in the
West Side Village have lost much of the homes historical
color adds interest and contrast. If your dwelling has
trim and adornment. Because substitute siding is usually
interesting corbels, braces and stick work, choose a
added on top of existing siding, details around windows
third color as an accent color to highlight those
and doors may appear set back from the siding rather
than slightly projecting; and if the relationship of
architectural elements.
molding or trim to the wall is changed, it can
result in the covering or removal of these historic
features that give these homes character
and architectural interest.
7. Add Shutters or Paint Existing Ones
Dress up a drab exterior with shutters! Shutters are
available in a variety of materials such as wood, metal,
For dwellings with vinyl siding, there are numerous
and vinyl and come in numerous designs and colors.
Vinyl Trim Accessories that add a distinguished
Find a pair that fits your budget and your home’s
decorative option that enhances and details your home.
style. Shutters can be easily installed by the handy
Trim moldings, mantels, pediments and pilasters add that
DIY’er! If you have shutters, consider an easy update
finishing touch to any window or entrance way.
by giving them a fresh coat of paint.
Historical Character Tip: Shutters
The first shutters originated from Greece. Shutters were originally designed for light control, ventilation and
protection from the elements. While today, shutters are more decorative, they still should look like they could
actually function and protect your windows. That means that if they could be closed, they would cover the
window! Shutters should be mounted on top of the window casing near the window opening. This creates
shadow lines which is historically correct and makes for a beautiful, interesting house. Mounting shutters on
the siding outside of the window casing creates a flat appearance and can damage the siding and paint finish
because of lack of ventilation. For more shutter placement tips, visit http://www.oldhouseguy.com/shutters/
8. Replace Light Fixtures
A wonderful way to enhance the beauty of your home's exterior is simply by updating the “hardware”
like replacing an old light fixture. For a cohesive, elegant look match the finish of the lighting fixture
with your house numbers and mailbox. If replacing light fixtures, house numbers and your mailbox are
not in the budget, consider giving each a fresh look with spray paint! Brushed satin is a contemporary
look or try a Hammered Spray Paint by Rust-Oleum. Hammered spray paint is a distinctive hammered
look that hides flaws and imperfections found in scratched, rusted or pitted metals. For light fixtures,
you don’t even need to remove the light, merely attach tape to the glass surfaces and protect the
surrounding siding with newspapers and get spraying! And for a $5 can of spray paint you’ll have a
light fixture, house numbers and a mailbox that look brand new!
9. Update your House numbers
Local hardware and home improvement stores have an impressive selection of decorative numbers.
Architectural house numbers or address plaques (that you tack to the house or plant in the yard) can
make your house stand out.
10. Update your Mailbox
A new decorative mailbox can add some instant curbside impact. Mailboxes come in a broad range of prices and numerous styles and designs.
Caring about your
home’s curb appeal is
part of the responsibility
of home-ownership.
11. Paint or Stain your Front & Back Porch/Deck/Steps
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Pressure treated wood left UN-stained or UN-painted looks UN-FINISHED!
Painting or staining your steps, decking, balusters and railings can do wonders Well maintained
to give your home a finished look. Also, make sure that your railings and
dwellings
balusters meet city codes. All residences with three steps or more need to
create safer
have railings and all balusters must be spaced no more than four inches apart.
neighborhoods!
Consider staining your porch rather than painting. Stains don’t peel like paint
making upkeep a breeze (no scraping!) Most people when they think of stains think wood tones. Did
you know...stains can be tinted to thousands of colors from light shades of white and yellow to darker
shades of blue and black and every color in between! Want the look of paint but not the hassle...use
solid color stain!
Pressure Treated Wood: When to Paint/Stain
Newly installed pressure treated lumber needs to thoroughly dry before it can be painted or stained. It
is recommended to wait 8-12 weeks, or longer if needed, after installation before staining/painting.
Test dryness by sprinkling the wood's surface with water. If the water beads up, the wood is too wet
and you must wait before applying a finish. If the water soaks into the wood, then it's dry and ready for
stain or paint. For pressure treated wood that is still in good condition but has “weathered” for many
years (it has never been painted/stained or desperately needs a fresh coat of stain or paint), clean the
wood prior to staining/painting. Prepare the wood by scrubbing with a bleach/water solution (1 part
bleach to 4 parts water), a commercial deck brightener product, or use a pressure washer. If you
choose to paint rather than stain, be sure to use a high quality water based primer prior to painting.
Once the primer has dried thoroughly, follow with two coats of water based acrylic paint. Priming will
help give the paint a good foundation to stick to, and help lock in the chemicals of the treated wood.
12. Dress up the Doorway
Consider dressing up the front entry with containers filled with flowers and plants. Clay pots, baskets,
urns, buckets, old shoes (crocs), large bowls, small wheelbarrows...home improvement stores sell a
wide array of containers including light weight containers made of Styrofoam made to look like heavy
clay pots.
13. Landscaping!
Even the most beautiful home can look “blah” and rundown due to lack of or just plain bad
landscaping! Flowers, shrubs, healthy lawn...add immensely to a home’s curb appeal. Conversely, you
can plant all the pansies and lilies in the world but it won’t make up for a home with the siding falling
off! Nice landscaping is just part of the overall picture...notably an important part!
Flower Beds: Consider planting flower gardens along the front of your home filled with lots of
long-blooming perennials and annuals. Perennials come back year after year (Example: Tulips).
Annuals are the bright, vibrant flowers that give a flower bed lots of color (Example: Petunias). Laying
landscape fabric down on the earth where there are no flowers and adding three to four inches of mulch
throughout the garden will keep the flower bed moist and help prevent weeds.
Shrubbery: Consider blooming shrubbery to hide unsightly architectural features or to add color
around an otherwise bland foundation. Red or purple rhododendrons are great for this purpose and
flower for a longer season than some other plantings. Hydrangeas are another beautiful shrub. Did you
know that Hydrangeas were used as a symbol of wealth in Europe as well as in New England?! Also,
remember that most of the trees planted by the City in the West Side Village are deciduous (their
leaves fall in the Autumn) so consider planting evergreen shrubs (they remain “green” all winter) for a
plush, lively look! After all, six months without greenery is rather drab!
Lawn: Fertilize your lawn in the spring and fall...fill in bare spots with
grass seed (following the grass seed instructions). Water weekly and
deeply. Keep your lawn mowed regularly. Don’t neglect the esplanade!
(That plot of grass between the sidewalk and the street). Some pet’s
urine cause grass to turn brown so teach your pet to urinate in mulched
areas or in the back of the property. Always pick up animal feces and
dispose of properly.
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Most dwellings in the
West Side Village have
very small “green
spaces” between the
house and the sidewalk
(about 8’ or less) as well
as small spaces on either
14. Add Window Boxes
side of the home. This is
Window boxes are a fairly inexpensive and quick way to give your home the space that can make
some instant charm. Window boxes look beautiful full of summer
or break the curb appeal
blooms but can look equally gorgeous decorated in the fall with fall
to your home or
mums and décor. Winter offers another opportunity to decorate with fir,
apartment building!
cedar and pine boughs and holiday décor!
Great landscaping will
15. Add a Decorative Trellis
only add beauty and
A trellis is an ideal way to add decorative interest to the side of a house.
value to your property!
You can make one easily enough by picking up ready-made lattice and a
couple lengths of framing lumber, or purchase one at any home improvement store.
16. Paint or Stain the Fence
Most fences are quite expansive so they take up a lot of visual space. Painting or staining the fence is a
guaranteed way to add a beautiful “Wow!” to any yard. If replacing fence panels or pickets made of
pressure treated lumber, remember to allow the wood to “dry out” for 8-12 weeks or more prior to
staining/painting. If you are staining/painting an old wooden fence that is in good condition, you will
need to prepare and clean the wood by using a commercial brightening solution or simply a bleach and
water solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water). If staining, also use a conditioning solution to prevent
the fence from looking splotchy. If painting, use a coat a primer prior to painting. Once your stain or
paint has been chosen, using a roller with a long attachment, coat about 3 feet of fence at a time. It is
best to roll in the same direction as the wood grain. Then, move to the next section. Staining/painting
the fence in small sections will help make sure you cover each area completely. Allow each step to dry
completely and apply another coat if needed.
17. Install a New Roof
The condition of your roof is one of the first things passersby and buyers notice and appraisers assess.
Missing, curled, or faded shingles add nothing to the look or value of your house. If your neighbors
have maintained or replaced their roofs, yours will look especially shabby. Determining why your roof
shingles have curled or blistered is especially important. There are several reasons why asphalt roof
shingles curl, for example; but, one of the most common culprits is because of inadequate ventilation.
When your roof is not adequately ventilated, heat and moisture may be trapped under it. As time passes
by, it can slowly affect the roofing shingle material and weaken its structure, causing it to bend. Home
appraisers will mark down the value of the home if the roof is in poor shape. For more roof ventilation
information visit: http://www.cornerstoneroof.com/what-causes-asphalt-shingles-to-get-brittle-curland-age-prematurely/
18. Improve Walkways
The walkway to your house has a dramatic impact on overall curb appeal, drawing the eye directly
from the street to your front and back doors. Consider improving the look with a path made of pavers,
bricks, or flagstone. You will find an abundance of materials at your local home and garden center and
plenty of how to help and support to tackle the job yourself. A great weekend project!
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19. Improve the Foundation Walls
The condition of your foundation is paramount to the overall structural integrity of your dwelling.
For the above ground foundation walls...Perhaps the bricks merely need re-pointing or the concrete
was once painted and is in need of a fresh coat. If you have a concrete foundation consider staining/
painting it to match the colors of your shutters or trim. Follow the stain’s instructions for concrete
surfaces or purchase a paint formulated for concrete applications.
Historic Character Tip: Brick Walls & Foundations
If your home’s above ground foundation walls are the original brick, you own yet another piece of history! In
the mid-late 1800’s the Hellier Brickyard (later the Bangor Brick Co.) was located on the corner of Fourth and
Warren Streets on the present site of the James Doughty Middle School ball field and parking lot. According
to a 1875 map of Bangor, there was also a brick kiln in what is now Second Street park at the base of Warren
Street. The chances are quite high that your original brick was made right here in Bangor!
Re-pointing historic brickwork requires skill and care as well as the right mortar mix for the type of brick.
Raking, the cleaning out old mortar joints for re-pointing should be done by hand if possible. Historic brick
should never be sandblasted as sandblasting removes the hard-fired outer layer of the brick called the fireskin and exposes the softer center to rapid decay. Consult a mason experienced in repairing and preserving
historic brick!
20. Re-Gravel The Driveway
Gravel/”Dirt” driveways and paths can get "potholes" too. The good news is that all you'll need are a
few bags of gravel, a 2x4 (or something to "tamp" the gravel into place) and, if on a driveway, a car.
Simply fill, tamp and then run over the filled-in spot.
For more tips visit: http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/driveway-cracks5.htm
21. Border the driveway and lawn
Consider adding a cobblestone or some type of decorative border between your driveway/walkways
and the lawn.
RESOURCES:
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“Aesthetics.” The Old House Guy. (n.d.). Web. 2 Feb. 2014.
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Truini, Joseph. “Your Guide to Working with Pressure Treated Lumber.” Popular Mechanics. 3 July 2013. Web. 9 Jan. 2014.
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