The Weekend Reno – Kerb Appeal Checklist

The first 30 seconds of a viewing are the most critical. In the UK property market, “Kerb Appeal” isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about confidence. A well-maintained exterior signals to a buyer that the rest of the house has been cared for, reducing their “hidden repair” anxiety.

On your Priority Matrix, this project is the ultimate “Quick Win.” It’s low-cost, requires zero structural work, and offers one of the highest visual returns on investment.

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The Weekend Reno – Kerb Appeal Checklist

The “First 30 Seconds” Kerb Appeal Checklist

Phase 1: The Shopping List

Focus on high-contrast colours and “tactile” quality (things buyers touch, like the doorbell or handle).

The Entrance Overhaul:

Exterior Wood/Metal Paint: Choose a “heritage” colour (e.g., French Grey, Racing Green, or Deep Black) in a Satin or Gloss finish.
New Door Furniture: A heavy-weight brass or chrome letterbox, knocker, and house numbers.
High-Quality Doormat: A fresh coir mat that fits the width of the door.

The “Green” & Clean Kit:

Two Matching Planters: Symmetry at a front door creates an instant “expensive” look.
Seasonal Plants: Evergreens (like Boxwood) for structure, or white hydrangeas for a premium feel.
Path & Driveway Cleaner: A heavy-duty fungicidal wash or a patio cleaner (or rent a pressure washer).
Bag of Decorative Slate or Cotswold Stone: To cover bare soil or “weed-patch” areas.

Phase 2: The “First Impressions” Weekend Plan

Saturday: Deep Clean & Prep

09:00 – The “Buyer’s Walk”: Walk 20 yards down the street and look at your house. Note the first three “eyesores” (weeds, bins, dirty windows).
10:00 – The Big Scrub: Pressure wash the path, driveway, and front step. Scrub the window frames and sills with soapy water.
13:00 – Door Prep: Remove the old hardware. Sand the door down to remove flakes and “key” the surface. Wipe with white spirit.
15:00 – The First Coat: Apply your exterior paint. Tip: Start with the panels and move outwards to avoid drips.

Freshly painted bright pink door with colourful flower planters both sides

Sunday: The “Wow” Factor

10:00 – The Second Coat: Apply the final layer of door paint.
12:00 – Garden Grooming: Weed the front borders, trim any overhanging hedges, and top up the soil with your decorative stone or mulch.
14:00 – The Jewellery: Once the door is dry, screw on your new, shiny hardware. Ensure the numbers are perfectly level!
16:00 – Final Touches: Hide the wheelie bins (use a screen or move them to the side), place your symmetrical planters, and lay the new doormat.

House with attractive exterior up & down lighting

Pro Tip for UK Reno’s:

Don’t forget the lighting. In the UK, many viewings happen at dusk or in the rain. Replacing a dated, yellowing porch light with a modern “Up/Down” LED lantern (approx. £30) makes the house look occupied, safe, and modern.

Kerb Appeal Cost Estimator (2026 DIY Estimates)

Item	Estimated Cost (Low)	Estimated Cost (High)	Why the difference?
Exterior Door Paint	£20	£45	High-street brand vs. Designer (Farrow & Ball/Little Greene).
Door Hardware Set	£40	£120	Plated steel vs. Solid forged brass or blackened iron.
Symmetrical Planters (x2)	£30	£150	Plastic/Composite vs. Terracotta or Stone.
Plants & Shrubs	£25	£80	Small bedding plants vs. Mature “topiary” trees.
Stone/Slate Chippings	£15	£40	Small bags vs. a half-bulk bag for larger driveways.
Cleaning Supplies	£10	£50	Hand scrubbing vs. Pressure washer rental.
TOTAL	£140	£485

Home Renovation Inspiration

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