While there are many factors which can contribute to the value of your home, one of the most important is curb appeal. Curb appeal refers to the impression people get when they walk by your house from the street, or "the curb". If your home looks neat and inviting, then it could be said that your curb appeal is high. In this article, we'll look at 7 sure-fire ways to increase the curb appeal of your home, from a brand new paint job to hiring fencing contractors. Some of these methods are quick and easy while others may take more time, but all work together to achieve the look every homeowner desires.

1. Add a fresh coat of paint

Exterior painting is crucial in increasing curb appeal. Old and peeling paint, poor colour choices or a general dull look can all work to devalue your home. By adding a fresh coat of paint or perhaps choosing some exciting new colours that complement your front yard, you'll be adding undeniable value.

2. Clean your windows

Aside from the benefits of more light streaming into your home, cleaning your windows also adds value from the curb. Nobody likes seeing dirty, cob-webbed filled windows, and a thorough window cleaning is a great option for making your home look more inviting, particularly if you have large windows in prominent positions on your property.

3. Mow the lawn

While you can get away with not mowing your backyard regularly -- provided you aren't regularly entertaining guests, of course -- the front yard is another matter. Overgrown edges, large clover patches and general lawn disarray is a poor look for your home. A quick mow once a week should be more than enough to keep your lawn looking attractive.

4. Pressure clean the driveway

Over time, driveways can become very dirty due to the regular traffic of vehicles. Mud marks, oil stains and general dirt can all amass very quickly, leaving your driveway looking weathered and unsanitary. Pressure cleaning removes the dirt and stains and makes this prominent feature of your front yard more appealing.

5. Care for the garden

The size, position and role of gardens in front yards varies with every home, but if yours is even a minor feature of your yard then letting it become unkempt can greatly decrease your curb appeal. Trim overgrown plants, pull out any weeds and rake away any leaves or bark and you'll be well on your way to an attractive look.

6. Build a fence

Sometimes the best way to add appeal to an otherwise boring front yard is to add a great-looking fence. Whether it's a quaint picket fence or strong Colorbond fencing that complements the colours of your home, fences create an impression of security and homeliness that can add loads of curb appeal and value.

7. Keep things tidy

We've already touched on the importance of a tidy lawn and garden, but the pursuit of tidiness extends beyond these features of your yard. Little things like a collection of shoes building up on the verandah or toys and bikes strewn across the front lawn can all decrease your home's curb appeal, so take a moment to do a quick clean every day and you'll begin to see the benefits.