How does your home’s curb appeal measure up to other homes in Des Moines? This question is especially important if you’re planning to sell your home in the now hypercharged residential real estate market in Iowa and across the country. If your home’s exterior looks a little dated right now, you’re missing an opportunity to maximize your home’s value and your enjoyment of it no matter how long you decide to live there.
Why Curb Appeal is Important
Your home is your sanctuary. By incorporating beautiful, durable elements into its outward-facing design, you create an atmosphere for your loved ones that is supportive. It suggests that this place you all call home is welcoming, well kept, and secure. Moreover, it sends those same signals to anyone who may be looking to move into the area (or even the house itself, if it’s up for sale).
In order to increase your home’s curb appeal, consider adding or revamping the following amenities around the exterior:
- Driveway
- Concrete Walkway
- Porch with Stairs
1. Driveway
Your driveway is the first thing that says, “Welcome home,” to you from the street. It takes up a large amount of space across your yard and will, therefore, provide a loud, clear cue to onlookers about how much care goes into the home.
But your driveway has been through a lot. It’s caught intense Iowa weather from debris-flinging thunderstorms to heavy snow and ice. It’s seen its fair share of bike-riding lessons, one-on-one basketball games, and sidewalk chalk masterpieces. And let’s not forget the several tons of automotive machinery you roll back and forth on it on a daily basis. Over time, that driveway is bound to develop some cracks, potholes, and other damages that look and feel rough.
A fresh concrete or asphalt treatment will reverse that with a stunning effect. Picture how impressive your driveway would look if it were paved with ornate cobblestone or bricks. Stamped concrete gives you that same effect without requiring the same painstaking labor and time. Through this process, concrete is poured then stamped to achieve stone, brick, and tile patterns.
Even through a standard, smooth concrete pour on your driveway, your curb appeal will climb several notches. Maybe your driveway doesn’t yet need a new surface. Great! Give your current surface a fresh sealant and protect it from wear and tear before winter arrives.
2. Concrete Walkway
Next to your driveway, another key player in your curb appeal is the walkway. How do you want to define the pathway your guests take to your door? No matter what, your walkway should be clear and safe. In this space where people walk through rain, snow, and everything in between, concrete, again, sets you up for success by being sturdy and good looking.
Just as stamped and decorative concrete can elevate the look of your driveway, the same possibilities exist for your walkway. And during those warmer months, you can line your walkway with your favorite perennials for added flare and enjoyment.
3. Porch with Stairs
Then, of course, is your home’s landing pad: your porch. As the place where everyone and everything enters your home, it has to hold up quite a bit in its lifetime. Therefore, it may be time to invest in a concrete porch and stairs if you hear creaking noises when you approach your door.
Even concrete porches and stairs need repairs from time to time. Not to worry! Whether you just need a few chips and cracks filled or a complete overhaul, a new concrete application will leave your home’s entry looking new and strong for many years to come.
Curb Appeal Through Concrete
When you’re ready to advance your home’s curb appeal through a concrete application, contact the experts at Speck USA. We will collaborate with you to make sure your “welcome home” is as durable and beautiful as possible.
