Curb Appeal in a Weekend: How to Add $10k in Value for Under $500
How to Add $10K in Value for Under $500
The “Drive-By” Decision
You can have a renovated kitchen and a spa bathroom, but if the front of your house looks neglected, half of your potential buyers will never see them.
We call this the “Drive-By Decision.” Buyers will often drive past a listing before booking a viewing. If the siding is dirty, the numbers are falling off, and the garden is overgrown, they assume the inside is neglected too. They keep driving.
Curb appeal is not about landscaping the entire yard or repaving the driveway. It is about Tightening the Presentation. It is the equivalent of ironing a shirt before an interview.
Here is the MoveFaster blueprint for a weekend transformation that costs less than a car payment but adds thousands in perceived value.
Phase 1: The “Handshake” (Your Front Door)
The front door is the focal point of the entire house. It is the “handshake” that greets the buyer. If it is faded, scratched, or boring, you are starting off on the wrong foot.
1. The Power of Paint
You don’t need a new door (which costs $2,000+). You need a quart of paint ($40).
- The Prep: Sand the old door lightly. If it’s metal, use a bonding primer.
- The Paint: Use a high-quality Exterior Urethane Enamel. It stands up to Canadian UV rays and freeze/thaw cycles without cracking.
- The Colour Strategy:
- Safe & Classic: Charcoal Grey, Jet Black, or Navy Blue. These signal “stateliness” and work with any siding.
- Bold & Modern: If your house is neutral (white/grey siding), a pop of Mustard Yellow or Teal can make your listing photo jump off the screen on Realtor.ca.
Phase 2: Typography Matters (House Numbers)
This is the most common mistake we see. Tiny, 3-inch brass numbers nailed randomly near the garage light are impossible to read and look cheap.
The Upgrade:
- Size: Go Big. Use 6-inch to 8-inch numbers.
- Font: Choose a modern “Sans-Serif” font (clean lines, no curly feet).
- Placement:
- Option A: Vertical stack near the door (if you have a tall column).
- Option B: Horizontal spacing with 2 inches of gap between numbers.
- The Hack: If your siding makes mounting difficult, mount the numbers onto a stained piece of cedar or a plaque first, then screw that plaque to the house. It looks custom and expensive.
Phase 3: The “Haircut” (Landscaping Cleanup)
You don’t need to plant a new forest. You just need to clean up what you have. Overgrown bushes make a house look small and dark.
1. The Live Edge
This is the secret of professional landscapers.
- The Tool: A flat-edged spade or a “half-moon” edger.
- The Action: Dig a fresh, sharp trench between your lawn and your garden bed. That crisp, dark line of soil creates visual order. It creates a “frame” for your house.
2. The Mulch Refresh
Dirt looks messy. Mulch looks finished.
- The Choice: Buy Black Mulch (dyed wood chips).
- Why? The contrast between the black mulch and the green grass creates a “high-definition” look that pops in photos. Red mulch often clashes with brick and siding colours.
- The Cost: $5 per bag. You probably need 10 bags. For $50, your garden will look brand new.
3. Pruning
Cut back any bush that covers a window.
- The Rule: “If it touches the house, it goes.” Plants touching siding trap moisture and invite bugs. Trim everything back at least 12 inches from the wall. This also lets more natural light into your front windows.
Phase 4: Lighting (The Night Shift)
In Canada, it gets dark at 4:30 PM in the winter. Many buyers will drive by your house after work, in the dark.
1. The Porch Light
Swap out the tiny “jelly jar” light fixture for something substantial.
- The Scale Rule: Your light fixture should be roughly 1/4 the height of your door frame. Most people buy lights that are way too small. Go bigger.
2. Solar Path Lights
- The Warning: Do not buy the $2 plastic lights from the dollar store. They glow weak blue and look tacky.
- The Buy: Get metal-body solar lights with glass lenses (usually $10-$15 each). Place them sparingly along the walkway—you want pools of light, not a landing strip.
Phase 5: The Deep Clean (Pressure Washing)
A layer of grey dust/pollen settles on siding over time. You don’t notice it until you wash it off.
- Siding: Use a “Soft Wash” attachment (low pressure) with a siding cleaner. High pressure can force water behind vinyl siding and cause mold.
- Concrete: Use a “Surface Cleaner” (the round disk attachment) on your driveway and front walk. It blasts away years of dirt and makes the concrete look bright white again.
- The Windows: Take the screens OFF.
- Pro Tip: Listing photos look 10x better without window screens. They make the glass look clear and sparkling rather than grey and hazy. Store the screens in the garage for the showing.
Phase 6: The Mailbox (If Applicable)
If you have a community mailbox, skip this. But if you have a mailbox attached to your house, look at it. Is it rusty? Is it dented? Replace it with a sleek, modern black metal box. It’s a $40 item that sits right next to the front door—buyers will look at it while waiting for the agent to unlock the door.
Summary: The Shopping List
Total Estimated Cost:
- Door Paint & Supplies: $60
- New Handle/Lock: $150
- Modern House Numbers: $40
- Black Mulch (10 bags): $60
- Porch Light: $80
- Total: ~$390
For less than $400 and a Saturday afternoon of work, you have completely changed the first impression of your asset. You have signaled to the market that this house is loved, maintained, and modern.
Not the DIY type?
If you’d rather spend your weekend golfing, we have a list of “Curb Appeal Specialists” (painters and landscapers) who can knock this out for you in a day. [Link to Vendor Directory]
Budget Curb Appeal FAQs
If you’re ready to sell or have more questions, you can contact us here.
Does painting my front door actually increase home value?
Yes. According to Zillow’s market analysis, a front door painted in Slate Blue or Charcoal Black can increase a home’s sale price by as much as $6,000+. It is widely considered the single highest ROI project you can do for under $100.
What is the best color for a front door for resale in 2025?
While personal preference varies, data shows that Black, Charcoal, and Navy Blue are the safest bets for resale. These colors signal “security” and “stately elegance.” Avoid bright yellows or reds unless they specifically match a unique architectural style.
Is it worth spending money on landscaping before selling?
You don’t need to plant a new garden, but you must “clean up.” A simple application of fresh black mulch ($50) and distinct edging offers a massive return by making the yard look maintained. Overgrown bushes that block windows can lower perceived value, so pruning them back is essential.
Should I pressure wash my vinyl siding?
Be very careful. High-pressure washing can force water behind the vinyl panels, causing mold and rot in the wood sheathing. Always use a “Soft Wash” attachment or a garden hose with a siding cleaner solution to remove oxidation and dirt safely.
Do house numbers really matter to buyers?
Yes. Large, modern, readable house numbers (6 inches or taller) signal a modern aesthetic. More importantly, they help buyers (and appraisers) find your home easily. If they can’t find the house, they start the viewing frustrated.
What is the best type of outdoor lighting for curb appeal?
Solar path lights are an easy, wire-free way to illuminate walkways. For the front porch, ensure your fixture is large enough (approx. 1/4 the height of the door). Warm white (3000K) bulbs create an inviting glow, whereas cool white bulbs can look harsh and clinical at night.
