A Homeowner’s Guide to Eye-Catching Curb Appeal This Year
Curb appeal can be a matter of personal taste, but some eye-catching exterior improvements clearly make your home look more attractive, cared for and welcoming. Whether you are hoping to boost your home’s value and attract potential buyers or you simply want to enjoy a more beautiful space, here are seven project ideas to add some wow factor to your exterior and recommendations for trusted contractors that can bring your vision to life.
1. A Garage That Gleams
A typical garage takes up about 40% of a home’s facade, making it one of the most striking elements of curb appeal. According to the Journal of Light Construction, a replacement garage door is the best investment you can make to maximize your return on resale. It tops the journal’s chart, offering an ROI of 268% — well above that of any other project.
A new garage door ticks multiple boxes in one. It looks smart, adds to your home’s aesthetic vibe, boosts energy efficiency and increases home security. There is a style to match any architecture, from traditional carriage-house doors to sleek modern aluminum and glass.
Who Is the Best Garage Door Company in South Carolina?
Charleston homeowners turn to Southeastern Garage Doors for expert design consultations and trusted professional installation. Customers can use its Door Imagination System to try out different styles and find the perfect one for their home. Material options include durable composite wood, steel or aluminum, or real wood for a timeless finish. It is the best garage door company in South Carolina for maximizing curb appeal.
2. Landscaping to Love
One of the most impactful features of your exterior is the lawn, yard and landscaping. Buyers tend to favor tidy, easy-to-maintain landscaping, but if you plan to stay in your home, you can of course choose whatever aesthetic you like, from a butterfly meadow to an eco-friendly rain garden. If you are a keen gardener, you can enjoy this project yourself, but if you are short of time or have more complex plans, a landscape company can work wonders.
To get started, tidy up your lawn and stay on top of the weeds. Choose native plants when possible and plant for your local climate conditions. Planting annuals or adding a solar-powered water feature are good low-budget ways to make an impact.
Who Is the Best Landscaping Company in South Carolina?
Homeowners looking for comprehensive, award-winning landscape design and maintenance services in the Lowcountry often turn to The Greenery, Inc. to create beautiful curb appeal. From tree maintenance to ground cover, mowing, edging and irrigation, the team has a reputation for quality work.
3. Sidings That Shine
Sidings cover most of your home with color, texture and style. For an immediate aesthetic upgrade, simply cleaning the siding is a great start. If you want a fresh look, replacing the siding instantly modernizes a home’s appearance and style. Modern siding options vary from classic vinyl to durable fiber cement, available in diverse colors and textures that can make your home stand out in its neighborhood.
Who Is the Best Siding Contractor in South Carolina?
For a complete siding replacement with materials suited to the coastal climate, Myrtle Beach and Charleston residents trust Contract Exteriors to deliver quality and value. It recommends fiber cement or vinyl siding, available in an extensive palette of colors and profiles to match your vision.
4. Windows That Wow
Windows are the eyes of your home. Different styles, such as double-hung, casement or bay, each bring a distinct aesthetic. Grid patterns or colored glazing can complement the building’s architecture and add appeal.
Beyond their looks, windows are also a key element of your home’s thermal envelope. In an average home, around 30% of heating or cooling energy is lost through windows. Therefore, replacing old ones with new, energy-efficient options is likely to boost your home’s value and cut your energy bills.
Who Offers the Best Replacement Windows in South Carolina?
A popular family-owned firm is Taylors Windows, which manufactures windows in its Greenville plant. Its factory-direct warranty, wide selection and expert installation services make it a go-to option for homeowners in Greenville, Columbia and Charleston, SC, as well as Asheville, NC.
5. A Doorway to Dazzle
The front door can be a true focal point in your curb appeal projects. A pop of color or a new style can dramatically change the look and feel of your entryway. You could choose to complement the siding and fencing or contrast for a striking look.
Upgrading to a new front door also brings security benefits. Surprisingly, 34% of burglars enter through the front door, so the added strength and protection of a modern, well-installed door can bring your family peace of mind.
Who Is the Best South Carolina Door Company?
Southern Custom Doors and Hardware stands out for its artisanal, custom-made doors, which are ideal for homeowners seeking a unique, high-end look for their entryway. The team will bring your vision to life with meticulous craftsmanship and expert installation.
6. Fencing That Frames
The right fencing defines your boundary, sets the tone for your whole exterior and plays a critical role in your home’s security. Classic wood is a much-loved option, but if your style and aesthetic lean toward low-maintenance, you may prefer vinyl. Aluminum is easy to care for and can be customized into unique styles. However, some homeowners favor the traditional look of wrought iron.
Who Is the Best Fencing Contractor in South Carolina?
Green Hill Fence Company offers a wide range of aluminum, vinyl and wood fences to suit any budget and home style. The firm is known for its honest advice and expert installation service and is a trusted go-to for homeowners wanting to bring new life to their boundary.
7. A Roof With a Reboot
A dirty roof can make an entire house look neglected. A professional roof clean will remove algae, mold or moss without damaging the structure. This service can extend the life of your home’s crowning asset and definitely improve the view from the curb.
However, if your roof is damaged, compromised or very old, cleaning it may just be window dressing. A roof replacement is among the most expensive of all exterior upgrades, but if you are trying to sell your home, it may remove buyer objections and speed up a sale. Get expert advice before making this major investment.
Who Provides the Best Roof Cleaning in South Carolina?
For expert “soft washing” that will not damage your roof, DK Rodgers Roof and Exterior Cleaning is a popular option. It uses specialized pressure washing techniques to remove algae, moss, lichen and debris in a cost-effective process that will leave your roof looking like new.
How to Choose a Contractor to Boost Your Curb Appeal
Featured contractors were selected based on their local expertise and strong customer ratings. Whether you are looking for the best garage door company or the top choice for fencing, take the following steps during your research process:
- Verify credentials: Ensure any contractor you consider is properly licensed and carries both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects you and your property from accidents or damage.
- Seek multiple bids: Source at least three different quotes for a project. This allows you to compare the cost, proposed scope of work, quality of materials and project timeline.
- Check reviews and references: Look for recent reviews on Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Ask for a list of past clients that you can speak to directly.
- Get everything in writing: A professional contract is a must. Avoid any company that wants to move forward with only a verbal agreement.
Curb Appeal That Counts
Whether you just want to take pride in a beautiful home or you are hoping to attract buyers, boosting your home’s curb appeal this year is a worthwhile project. From small DIY options and simple cleaning to middle-range or significant investments, the right plans can make your home a more attractive and pleasant place to live. Do your research carefully, choose styles and upgrades that delight you, and then stand back to enjoy the view from the street.
- by Matt Watts



