How to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home

At Renewal by Andersen, we love to help homeowners update their windows and doors as part of a transformative curb appeal upgrade. Many homes 15 years old and older benefit from a few focused updates. Below are practical ways to increase curb appeal – starting with the elements you see first, such as windows, doors and the entry approach – plus easy wins in landscaping, porches and planters. 

Use this as a guide on how to increase your home’s curb appeal and determine where to invest for a clean, welcoming look.

Replace Your Windows

New windows with updated grille patterns make a surprisingly big difference in the look of your home’s exterior. They can instantly improve curb appeal by sharpening sightlines and refreshing aging trim. Keep it simple:

• Choose durable, low-maintenance frames that complement your home’s exterior color.
• Consider energy-efficient glass to reduce drafts and improve comfort year-round.
• Ensure professional installation and consistent exterior finishes so the whole façade looks cohesive. 
• Keep grille choices and trim consistent from the street view to unify sightlines and boost curb appeal. 

Update Your Doors

Your entryway and patio doors set the tone the moment guests arrive. Here are some tips for choosing the right door:

• Select a sturdy, low-maintenance door with a refined, long-lasting finish that suits your home’s architecture.
• Upgrade hardware and hinges for a solid feel and modern look – consider a smart lock for convenience.
• Add glass thoughtfully to brighten the entry while maintaining privacy as needed.

Revitalize Your Landscape

One of the biggest curb appeal challenges facing homes is the lack of a lush, inviting landscape. With the right landscaping, you can add depth and interest without making any major changes to your home itself. Consider the following:

• Edge planting beds and refresh mulch to create crisp lines and contrast – keep shrubs below window sills.
• Choose native, low-maintenance plants for year-round structure, then layer seasonal color near the entry.
• Add path or step lighting to guide the eye – and guests – safely to your front door after dark.

Define Your Porch

A well-kept porch signals pride of ownership and invites people in. Here’s how you can refine your porch:

• Repair, clean or repaint railings, steps and trim – stick to a cohesive, neutral palette for timeless appeal.
• Right-size your lighting and add highly visible house numbers so they’re readable from the street.
• Keep decor simple. One seating piece and a clean doormat often look more polished than heavy styling.

Invest in Planters

Window boxes make your home feel cozier in a heartbeat, as do planters situated on each side of your front door or entryway. Planters add color, height and texture without committing to major changes.

• Size containers to your entry – roughly one-third the door height – and place as a balanced pair when possible.
• Consider self-watering inserts to keep maintenance low and curb appeal consistent.

When it comes to redesigning your curb appeal, architects and designers will tell you that rules matter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with out-of-the-box treatments. 

Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal Is Easy  

When deciding how to improve the curb appeal of your home, start with one weekend project at a time. Windows and doors refresh the architecture – landscaping, porch touch-ups and planters finish the look. Together, these simple upgrades increase curb appeal today and pay off in everyday enjoyment.

Before you make any major structural changes, it is best to get professionally rendered drawings. You can also use Renewal by Andersen’s replacement window and door visualizer to get a better idea of what new windows will look like in your home.

Looking for new window and door replacements? Contact Renewal by Andersen. We have a wide range of window and door styles, colors and finishes to suit your home’s style.