Fixer To Fabulous' Dave Marrs Says These Curb Appeal Upgrades Are Worth The Splurge

Curb appeal refers to the feelings aroused by a house when it is viewed from the edge of the property. Paying attention to curb appeal can greatly influence how others and yourself feel about the home. Sometimes it can help to look to clever curb appeal tricks HGTV stars swear by. Of course, Dave Marrs, co-star of HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous" knows a thing or two about how to make charming exterior home improvements. Marrs, who spoke exclusively to House Digest on behalf of Cornerstone Building Brands, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, gave fans some advice for enhancing curb appeal that can revamp the exterior of bland houses. Some key areas that the expert recommends assessing include the doors and windows, your home's exterior material, and the border around your property. 

According to a study by the University of Texas at Arlington, a home with good curb appeal can sell for around 7% more. It's also the first impression that you, your friends, and neighbors may get as they walk up to the front door. So, whether you're trying to cinch the deal on selling your house or you're just looking for a fresh exterior upgrade, you don't have to change everything to enhance curb appeal. Sticking to a few crucial improvements is key. Here's where Marrs says you should focus your efforts when revamping your curb appeal as well as some of his top recommended brands. 

They say that windows are the eyes to a home, and they're one of the first things a potential homebuyer or guest may notice when they walk up to your house, especially if they're old and outdated. "Consider replacing your old, worn-out windows to freshen up your home," Dave Marrs exclusively told House Digest. "Modern replacement windows, such as those offered by Simonton Windows & Doors, deliver energy savings through their high-performance design and offer you the option to bring fresh air into your home." 

Look for more ways to connect your home's interior with the outdoors, boosting its appearance both inside and out. Marrs also recommends reexamining your exterior doors. He suggests, "Expand on the 'open concept' idea and change out your patio doors with new multi-slide patio doors that fold and move out of the way creating a wider, more free-flowing opening."

While a sliding glass door may not be practical for the front door, the street-facing entry doesn't need to be boring. "Entry doors are statement makers and elevate the curb appeal of any home," Marrs says. Swap your standard, plain front door for one of the types of front doors real estate experts recommend to boost your curb appeal. For a more budget-friendly approach, you could even paint the door a new color or simply update the hardware. 

For homes in need of a more drastic facelift, installing new siding could be worthwhile. Dave Marrs explained exclusively to House Digest, "A siding makeover can transform your home while also better protecting it and delivering ROI for potential resale value." He continued, "Beyond offering a wide variety of design possibilities, Cornerstone Building Brands' Mastic Vinyl Siding by Ply Gem addresses the quality and durability siding needs to withstand severe climates and shield your home from extreme weather conditions."  

Alternatively, consider upgrading your home to a trendy rock exterior. "Stone veneer and thin brick profiles for both exterior and interior projects can be used as both an accent or as the main design element on larger areas," recommends Marrs. "Ply Gem provides the luxury look of natural stone using materials such as river rock, ledgestone, and stacked stone varieties." 

In truth, great curb appeal should extend all the way to the curb, so don't neglect your homes borders and sidewalks. Marrs encourages homeowners to "Improve your home's privacy and security while adding an extra 'notice me' design element with new fencing." For those who prefer an unfenced space or live in fence-free neighborhoods, adding a short picket fence around your garden beds can a easy way to landscape your yard on a budget and add more curb appeal.