Custom Homes with Curb Appeal

Custom homes can be built to suit the needs, wants and specifications of homeowners. Since anything the buyer and builder wants can be done, why not make the curb more appealing? When a person drives down the street past a house or is going to visit someone, a more attractive exterior will make him or her want to come in and stay a while. It will also increase property value and resale possibilities down the road. Many houses are lovely inside, but the external facade, entry and landscaping details are boring or unimaginative. Getting rid of the lackluster appearance of a house can be achieved by paying attention to a few details, some of which can be obtained by seeking out options available in custom homes. Here are some ways to make home exteriors more enticing.

- Paint schemes: The exterior paint colors on a house have a huge visual impact on passersby. The body of a home should be relatively neutral and should align with the neighborhood and surrounding terrain. Painting a place bright orange in a mountain community will cause it to look very gaudy and out of place. Picking hues that align with trees, sky, rocks, mountains or other natural elements will make it look like it belongs. Trim can be darker or lighter depending on personal preference. It's important to choose tones from the same families such as "cool" or "warm" colors.

- Front door: The appearance of the front door should not be underestimated. Not only are doors noticed from the street, they are also the in-and-out pathways to residences. They should be of high quality materials, well designed and sometimes in a contrasting hue for impact. Red doors have long been popular for visual appeal and Feng Shui principles of prosperity and good fortune. Blue or green front doors can also be quite attractive.

- Windows: High quality windows say a lot about a structure. Well made products that are surrounded with molding will make them pop and stand out. Having shutters and awnings can also work for certain architectural styles. Windows should be thoughtfully placed in a balanced and harmonious way on this front side. Having more on one side than the other can look unsightly unless it's well planned in terms of proportion.

- Accessories: Having high quality accessories such as metallic, stone or tile house numbers, nameplates, and a well made door knocker can add to the appeal. These items are almost like jewelry to adorn and dress up your abode.

- Front porch or entry: Having a porch or deck can be a great way to say "welcome" to all who pass or stop by. Attractive potted plants, patio furniture and statuary can also be a way to make this space come alive. It should be kept neat as a pin, swept often and never used as a storage area for tools, bikes and junk.

- Walkway: Having an attractive walkway made from stones, tiles, brick or curving cement will be a lovely way to provide a pathway to your doorway. Lining it with flowering shrubbery will make it even more welcoming.

When designing custom homes, paying attention to curb appeal will be beneficial. The exterior of a house says a lot and will pay dividends in the future.