Curb Appeal Mistakes That Fixer To Fabulous' Dave Marrs Is Tired Of Seeing

First impressions make a major impact, whether you're meeting someone new or putting your house up for sale. When you're renovating your home with the intention of selling in the future, it's easy to blow your budget on more expensive internal upgrades like a kitchen or bathroom remodel, but some of the most impactful changes you can make are external. Curb appeal can make a massive difference in how people view and value your home, and even minor issues like dull paint or shabby shutters can cause potential buyers to lose interest in the property.

Luckily, Dave Marrs knows a thing or two about how to transform a house into something buyers will love. On his show "Fixer to Fabulous," he works alongside his wife, Jenny Marrs, to bring life back to damaged and dated homes. In an exclusive interview with House Digest on behalf of Cornerstone Building Brands, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, he revealed some of the most common external mistakes that homeowners make, how you can avoid falling into the same trap, and what changes you should make instead to help boost your curb appeal on a budget.

According to Marrs, the two major things you should consider when attempting to boost your property's curb appeal are quality and consistency. External issues like missing shutters, damaged windows, and faded paint can hint to a similar lack of quality and upkeep internally, even if the space has been completely updated inside. To avoid this, take some time to perform those minor repairs, even if they feel superficial in the grand scheme of things.

Even if your property is in great condition, a lack of cohesiveness can also ward off potential buyers. Marrs notes that inconsistent lighting and mismatched paint colors can detract from a home's curb appeal, especially when combined with other, more visible issues. Many homeowners and renovators will spend hours researching different types of cabinet hardware or testing out dozens of slightly different paint samples for internal walls, but that same level of care and dedication should extend to the external features on the home, too.

Once you've taken care of the issues that might detract from your house's curb appeal, it's time to add a few more small touches that will really help it shine. If your siding is looking a bit bland but you don't have the time or money for a full replacement, Marrs recommends focusing on the details. "Trim and moulding are game changers when it comes to creating visual impact," he said. He also notes that blocks and mounts can help to further highlight exterior features and give them that extra custom touch.

If you're looking for an easy switch that you can make in an afternoon, there's one change that's sure to impress. "Updating your house numbers and address sign and having them match your design theme provides an easy and quick upgrade," Marrs said. Consider factors like the year in which your home was built, the color scheme used in your exteriors, and the materials you picked for your other accents to find numbers that will mesh well with the rest of your home's facade. It's a simple swap, but when it's one of the first things people see when they approach your home, it can make all the difference.