10 Ways of Adding Curb Appeal to a Ranch-Style Home
Do you own a ranch-style home and would like to renovate it to enhance its curb appeal? According to Country Living, nine out of ten homes in the US had a ranch-style design in the 50s. Ranch-style homes are lovely because of their open-concept interiors, but they could seem dull outside. Fortunately, these homes’ low, linear style makes for many quick modifications that liven up the exterior.
Adding curb appeal to a ranch-style home can significantly enhance its overall appearance and make a lasting impression on visitors and potential buyers. Whether you want to sell your house or make it more aesthetically pleasing, there are a few important areas to focus on. This article will explore ten ideas for adding curb appeal to a ranch-style home. Read on to learn more.
1. Appraise Beforehand
It is essential to clearly understand your home’s current condition and potential value before making significant changes. Hiring an appraisal service can give you a thorough evaluation of your property. They will assess the characteristics, state, and nearby properties comparable to your house. With this knowledge, you can plan your investments more effectively and ensure you get the most out of improving your ranch-style home curb appeal.
According to the National Association of Realtors, homes with great curb appeal typically sell for 7% more than comparable homes with a drab façade, and that percentage can rise to 14% in slower markets. This statistic emphasizes how crucial it is to appraise your home ahead of time so that you can decide which changes to prioritize. You may strategically spend your budget and concentrate on the areas that will boost curb appeal and total property worth by being aware of your home’s existing state and prospective value.
Prioritizing investments by having your home appraised before improving the exterior gives you a competitive edge in the housing market. Any prospective buyer would prefer a home that has been assessed and properly maintained, guaranteeing their investment. You may successfully convey the value you’ve added to your ranch-style home and make it stand out above other listings by displaying the appraisal report during the selling process. Therefore, take the time to evaluate your house and lay the groundwork for your success in adding curb appeal to a ranch-style home.
2. Repair Obvious Damage
Addressing any obvious damage is one of the first steps in adding curb appeal to a ranch-style home. Whether it involves a leaky roof or water damage, you should fix any damage as soon as the issue arises. A water restoration company can assist in restoring your house to its former splendor. By correcting evident damage, you not only enhance the appearance of your home but also stop additional deterioration.
According to Virginia Tech research, properties with attractive landscaping and curb appeal fetched 5.5% to 12.7% more when put on the market. It is crucial to make repairs before concentrating on aesthetic upgrades since a house that is well-maintained and devoid of obvious flaws is more likely to attract buyers in the future. By attending to these repairs, you improve the curb appeal overall and show potential buyers that your home has been well-maintained.
3. Swap to Metal Roofing
Any home’s roof is a defining feature that significantly impacts its exterior appeal. If you want a modern, sleek aesthetic, consider replacing your current roof with metal roofing. But how can you ensure you choose the right style and color for your ranch-style home? A reliable roofer can help you with this. In the long term, metal roofing is a wise investment because it adds visual appeal and provides longevity and energy efficiency.
According to Home365, installing metal roofing in place of an existing roof can yield an ROI of up to 85%. Metal roofing not only improves the overall look of your house, but it also has long-term advantages that appeal to potential buyers. Its lifespan guarantees fewer repairs or replacements down the road, while its energy efficiency may result in savings on heating and cooling costs.
The popularity of metal roofing has also grown as a result of its environmental friendliness. Metal roofing is recyclable at the end of its lifespan and is constructed primarily of recycled components. Thanks to this sustainable feature, your ranch-style home will appeal more to purchasers who care about the environment. By switching to metal roofing, you’ll add curb appeal to a ranch-style home while helping create a greener and more sustainable future.
4. Secure Your Property
A home security system enhances safety and adds curb appeal to a ranch-style home. In addition to giving you peace of mind, a secure home raises its allure. A home security system can protect your family and possessions by repulsing invaders. Contact a reputable home security service to discuss the best options for your ranch-style home. Including security systems on your property, like surveillance cameras and motion-sensor lighting, can make your home less inviting to would-be burglars.
According to Alarms, visible security equipment reduces burglaries in homes by 300%. When enhancing the curb appeal of your ranch-style home, this intriguing fact emphasizes property security’s important role. In addition to safeguarding your family and possessions, a home security system gives prospective buyers a sense of safety and comfort. The security systems systematically placed exude exquisite ambiance. Therefore, put security first when enhancing the curb appeal of your ranch-style home to create a warm and secure environment that appeals to potential buyers.
5. Clean Your Piping
Focusing on the details is important when adding curb appeal to a ranch-style home. You can enhance the exterior of your property by having clean, well-maintained pipes. Your pipes may become covered in dirt and grime over time, reducing their aesthetic appeal. Therefore, you might need a professional plumbing service to clean your piping. In addition to looking nicer, clean pipes improve functionality and help ward off future problems.
Additionally, prospective buyers value good plumbing systems because they give them peace of mind and lessen the possibility of plumbing issues in the future. Clean pipes also improve water efficiency, which is crucial for homebuyers concerned about the environment. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research, maintaining clean and effective plumbing systems can help households save up to 10,000 gallons of water annually.
A clean, well-maintained piping system enhances the curb appeal of your ranch-style home. It also demonstrates your commitment to environmental conservation. So, when beautifying the exterior of your property, don’t forget the significance of clean pipes.
6. Repaint the Exterior
A new coat of paint can do wonders when adding curb appeal to a ranch-style home. Consider repainting the exterior to breathe new life into your house. You can achieve a timeless design that appeals to a wider range of prospective buyers by choosing neutral hues or traditional colors.
According to a HomeGain 2012 Top DIY Home Improvements for Sellers survey, painting the interior yields a 107% return on investment (ROI), while painting the outside has an ROI of 55%. The color you select can also increase the value of your home. A Zillow analysis found that properties with certain exterior color choices, such as greige (a gray and beige mix), often sold for $3,496 more than those with less appealing hues.
You can increase your chances of a successful sale by consulting a skilled exterior painter to help you. Select a color that improves the overall aesthetics and appeals to potential buyers. Don’t undervalue new paint’s impact on your ranch-style home’s curb appeal.
7. Renovate the Bathroom
Your home can’t achieve a high-tier appearance if the bathroom is dilapidated. Renovating the bathroom is crucial to adding curb appeal to a ranch-style home. The National Association of Realtors found that bathroom renovations had one of the highest rates of return on investment, with an average ROI of 70%. Upgrading this essential space can significantly enhance its appeal and increase the overall value of your property.
Consider installing glass partitions to give your shower or bathtub area a sleek, modern appearance. Additionally, functionality is just as important as beauty in the bathroom. A well-designed bathroom with modern fixtures and effective space utilization can increase appeal. A customized vanity or additional storage options can also improve the bathroom’s usability.
Adding energy-efficient components to your bathroom renovation can also be a huge selling factor. Choose water-saving appliances like low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads, which help preserve water and appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. Consider installing LED lights to conserve energy and create a welcoming ambiance.
These eco-friendly improvements increase the value of your ranch-style home and demonstrate your commitment to green living. Renovating the bathroom of your ranch-style home is a worthwhile investment. You can create an exquisite and appealing bathroom space that enhances your ranch-style home’s general attractiveness and desirability by including these modern features.
8. Expand Your Closet
Many home designs have large, open floor plans but fewer closets. As you run out of storage space, consider adding a new closet to an existing room. According to Angi, a new closet costs the average homeowner between $1,080 and $2,960; however, the top end of that range might go as high as $6,000 for those choosing more expensive materials or dealing with more complicated architectural designs.
Increasing the size of your closets can make a big difference to your ranch-style home’s functionality and outward appeal. Storage space is a feature that prospective buyers highly value. So how can you attain it? Investing in a custom closet system can make the most of your space and give your home a slick, well-organized appearance.
A custom closet provides storage spaces you can uniquely tailor to suit your requirements and personal preferences. It enables effective organization and makes use of every square inch of space. Custom elements like built-in cabinets, drawers, and shoe racks not only keep the space uncluttered but also enhance the appearance of the house as a whole. Exhibiting a well-designed and sizable closet can convey to potential buyers that your ranch-style home offers plenty of storage and a sense of luxury. Consider expanding your closet space to leave a lasting impression and raise your home’s overall curb appeal.
9. Add Custom Lighting
Custom lighting makes your ranch-style home stand out. An electrician can place lighting fixtures strategically to draw attention to architectural details and focal points while creating a warm ambiance. DIY installations are possible, but consulting a professional electrician guarantees compliance and safety. Here are ways you can enhance your curb appeal using lighting:
- Outdoor Accent Lighting: You can add visual appeal and depth to highlight special features by positioning spotlights beneath eaves, along columns, or in the entryway.
- Pathway Lighting: Low-voltage path lights around driveways, garden edges, and walkways provide security and produce a cozy atmosphere.
- Landscape Lighting: You can add fixtures to highlight trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds. After dark, methods like uplighting and downlighting produce a spectacular visual effect.
- Smart Lighting Solutions: Smart switches, dimmers, and timers provide improved control and convenience. You can alter settings, make routines, and control the lighting remotely through mobile apps.
You can transform their ranch-style home into an inviting and visually appealing property that stands out in the neighborhood. Whether it’s a beautiful chandelier or an eclectic patio pendant light, there are tons of ideas to make your home captivating to the eye. A reputable designer can help bring your custom lighting dream to life.
10. Replace Your HVAC
Are you still using your old air conditioning unit? Chances are it’s beaten and could soon turn into an eyesore. The performance and appearance of your HVAC system will improve when you replace it. Hire an air conditioning company to ensure a flawless installation for a lovely exterior. Your ranch-style home will become more appealing and comfortable after you replace your HVAC system with professional help. Here’s how HVAC can add curb appeal to a ranch-style home:
- Upgraded exterior unit: Replace worn-out, outdated units with contemporary ones that match the design and colors of your home.
- Concealed ducting: Reroute or cover it with architectural features for a cleaner appearance to address exposed ducting.
- Energy-efficient equipment: Choose air conditioners with high SEER ratings and smart thermostats to reduce energy usage and utility expenses.
- Noise reduction: Install HVAC equipment with sound-dampening technology for a quieter environment.
- Improved comfort and indoor air quality: Choose the right air filters and purification devices for better indoor air quality.
You can significantly improve your ranch-style home’s curb appeal and value by fixing the damage, repainting the exterior, and renovating necessary rooms like the bathroom and closet. These upgrades make the house more aesthetically pleasing, draw in potential buyers, and increase its marketability. So take the initiative to make these modifications and profit from having a ranch-style home that is visually captivating.
