Help with curb appeal

9 years ago

We are closing on this home in a couple weeks and we would love some advice on improving the curb appeal/exterior. Its in a very sunny/dry coastal climate so water wise plantings would be preferred. We also want to add a fence to enclose the front yard, which is hard to fully see here since its set down from the street. Debating whether it make more sense to fence just around the yard or go across the driveway with a gate. Gated driveways are not typical in this neighborhood. We have young children and are considering a dog in the future. Also considering painting the exterior since currently its pretty bland. The lattice work in the front is covering a water softener setup which will be removed and the water softener moved to the garage. Ideas?

Featured Answer

Kelley Dockrey

9 years ago

from the way the property appears, I would fence the front yard and driveway and gate the driveway. the driveway appears to be a large part of the front elevation. I must assume that your back levation / backyard is not as amenable to children and a future dog as the front space.

you will need to check the local building codes to see what the fence height restrictions are for the front yard and side yards and if a permit is required.

as for landscaping, you will need to see what needs to be removed for the gate and fence.

you may want to consider a swing gate versus sliding gate. sliding gates tend to have more issues than swing gates

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Comments (6)

apple_pie_order
9 years ago
This property needs a licensed professional landscaper who is familiar with local codes and permits. Consider adding a sidewalk if kids walk on your side of the street to the school. Walk around the neighboring streets to meet homeowners whose landscaping you like.

Consulting an arborist about the trees would be worth the fee if you are planning to keep them. Local codes may govern trimming and removal of trees. Local codes may also require drought tolerant landscaping over all or part of the ground. You can use many California native, Mediterranean, and Australian ground covers that may work with a new dog.

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loves2read
9 years ago
Definitely call in someone to evaluate landscaping...
It looks more overgrown and thorny than I would want.
Would think the very tall tree needs trimming at least and removal at best.

You might consider using marine-grade cable for fencing or something w/horizontal layout which would be preferable to vertical IMO. Does the neighborhood have an HOA w/architectural oversight as well as city ordinances?
Ashley Bal
Original Author
9 years ago
The tall palm type tree will definitely be removed, as will the almost dead bougainvillea along the driveway. I agree between the planting and fencing needs getting a professional landscaper is needed. There really is no backyard since it's all ocean view deck in back.
Any thoughts on house exterior paint? We were considering a gray or blue-gray color with white trim to give it more contrast. Right now it just seems so vanilla.
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Logistics, inc
9 years ago
My first thought is remove the dying palm tree monstrosity and the dead bush to the right of the drive way. Also those temporary white walls. They look out of place. Usually those are used for vines or gardening. If your planning on having vines grow there I understand but if not they look a bit awkward. Once you clear out those two plants I'm thinking you will have a much more visually striking curb appeal. You can then decide what plants you want in that main garden at that point. The red brick driveway is fantastic! I wish I had one of those in my drive way!
Kelley Dockrey
9 years ago
if you did a really nice fence and landscaping like the attached image shows, it would give you lots of curb appeal.

you can't see the house in this image except for its garage from the street. the house is painted the same color has the fence. it is a non descript , 1940s house with a bay window. To keep a modern esthetic, the trim and windows of the house are painted the same color as the body of the house and the fence.