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Dear Moss Building & Design,
With all the guests who will be visiting me for the holidays, I’m embarrassed by the state of the front of my house. What are some affordable ways I can enhance the exterior of my home without breaking the bank?
Dear Dulles Mom,
The holidays tend to make you think twice about what others might see when they visit your home. Most guests won’t notice the dust and cracks you fret over, but if you are looking for some upgrades that will make you feel proud to show off your home, the fall can be a great time to dive into a small exterior project! These five simple, low-cost upgrades will ensure your home is welcoming for the upcoming holiday season:
Make Your Home Pop with Painted Doors
If peeling paint plagues you, consider updating the color of your front door. First impressions matter, and that’s why many homes are adding a pop of color to their entryway with a bold front door. Red and bright blue are statement colors, but pick one that fits your personality.
Install Outdoor Lighting
As fall turns into winter and the days get longer, you might notice that your front yard is a lot darker than you remember. Refreshing outdoor lighting can add a welcoming touch for guests and visitors and improves safety by illuminating your front steps. There are many options, from simple overhead lights built into your porch to more ornate hanging lanterns or pendant fixtures. To add an aesthetic touch to your yard, you could also install post lighting by your driveway.
Update Your Mailbox
Without moving, update your “mailing address” by installing new, shiny house numbers on your door or get a new mailbox that also displays your street number. You could also go the DIY route and choose a creative way to display your house number. To add to your holiday décor, hang a chalkboard from a red ribbon on your front door or paint numbers on evergreen planters. Those less-frequent guests who show up around the holidays will appreciate having an easy way to identify a house like yours.
Care for Your Gutters
Cleaning gutters is a regular fall activity you’re probably already very familiar with as a homeowner. While you’re up there, investigate whether new gutters are in order and consider if installing any gutter accents might be in your budget. Copper gutters turn a practical necessity for a home into a beautiful architectural element. You can also add ornamentation to your gutters with accessories such as downspouts and bands, new gutter brackets, or rain chains.
Upgrade Your Front Walkway
Cracks in steps or concrete walkways are common wear and tear items outside the home. This season is the best time to think about repairing or replacing front steps and walkways and fix broken or rickety railings. This will help prevent stumbles and falls. There are many decorative options for front walkways and steps with stone slabs, tile, or paving stones just a start.
Moss Building & Design is the top home remodeling company in Northern Virginia that has established a reputation for excellence in remodeling additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements and providing home services for homeowners. With a strong focus on community, Moss Building and Design encourages a hands-on approach to home improvement with an emphasis on education. Their ‘Girls Night Out’ HandyMOM101 events offer DIY workshops covering projects like tiling, power drills, caulking, and patching drywall.
Connect with them by visiting them online, or get social with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Moss Building & Design can also be reached at (703) 961-7707.
