Installing motion porch lights, such as a solar security light with motion sensor, isn't just about enhancing security.
What do folks experience when they come to your front door? Are they welcomed by a warm, friendly, safe vibe or do they stumble around in the darkness?
Your front door gives visitors (and someday buyers!) their first impression of your home. It is important to take a look at view your front porch from their perspective.
There are lots of easy, cost-effective ways to add to the curb appeal of your home. Adding a motion porch light, such as a solar security light with motion sensor, is just one example.
In the guest article below, you can read about 5 practical ways to improve the curb appeal of your home.
5 Ways To Add Curb Appeal And Security - From Motion Porch Lights To Walkways
Why consider motion porch lights, such as a solar security light with motion sensor? Whether you are building a new porch or renovating an existing one, there are specific things you can do to ensure safety, security and curb appeal at the same time. From the walkway leading to the porch to your porch amenities, you have several options to extend your enjoyment and comfort. No matter your age or physical abilities, everyone benefits from some simple improvements.
Here are some tips for you:
1. From Natural Stone Walkways To Free Slate Flooring Samples
You can click here to get a variety of free slate flooring samples (no shipping fees at the time of writing), as well as travertine paver samples, sandstone samples and granite pavers.
Whether you choose a natural stone walkway, Kerala slate pavers or granite, walkways need to be clear of obstructions. Also check to make sure they have a level surface. Uneven pavement, stones, bricks, concrete, or other materials can cause you or a visitor to trip and fall. Keeping your walkways in good repair not only adds curb appeal but also makes good economic sense as well.
If feasible, add motion porch lights along the path. You can opt for either low voltage or a solar security light with motion sensor. The light should be sufficient to actually light the pathway, not just be decorative to your landscaping. A solar security light with motion sensor powers on and off automatically depending on the level of light. Low voltage lights usually run on a timer so you can adjust them as daylight hours shorten or lengthen.
2. Building Porch Steps
Since most accidents happen at home and falls top the list, especially for seniors, be sure that you are on the safe side when building porch steps. Installing railings, such as a wrought iron hand railing, should be a top priority. Many small porches have only a few steps and in many locations railings are not required. Check your local building codes. However, regardless of code requirements, I encourage you to add functional, decorative porch railings if you don't have them. Wrought iron porch railings can be very decorative and add to your home's curb appeal.
3. Decorative porch railings
Not only do many porch steps not have railings, but many porches do not either. Your local building codes may not require them but in addition to adding immense curb appeal they also protect your family and visitors. There are a multitude of styles and materials available to maximize your home's curb appeal and satisfy safety requirements. Wrought iron porch railings are very popular. Try to match the railings, door hardware and your motion porch lights, to ensure a coordinated look.
If installed, the balusters (the vertical posts) must not exceed four inch spacing between them. Railings (also called balustrades) must extend at least 30 inches from the floor. For safety avoid installing balusters horizontally. This will only encourage small children to use them as a ladder.
4. Motion Porch Lights
Want to brighten your porch? Updating your lighting fixtures by adding something like a solar security light with motion sensor, is a great way to spruce up your porch and give it an up-to-date look. When choosing motion porch lights (for over your front door) select one with dual bulbs. That way if one burns out you'll still have light. Better yet, two lights, one on either side of your door look great and provide even more light.
The benefit of motion porch lights, has to do with security. They will ensure that you'll have lighting when you leave at noon and return after dark.
For curb appeal, while you are changing the lighting, think about changing the door hardware to match the lights. Don't forget the doorbell; most really need to be replaced and it's an easy do it yourself project!
5. Porch Package Shelf
Ever try to open a locked door and you are holding packages? Adding a simple porch shelf beside the front door can help everyone in the family. Or, consider placing a small shelf unit beside the door. This especially helps seniors but is handy for Moms, Dads and everyone.
These are just a few of things you can do to make your porch safe and simultaneously add lots of curb appeal and value to your home. Making your porch, steps, and walkways safe is just good common sense and in the end, makes your porch much more enjoyable.
- This article is by Dave R. Morris, who along with his wife Mary, is the creator and founder of http://www.Front-Porch-Ideas-and-More.com, your portal for front porch ideas and designs. Dave is a retired Air Force officer, teacher, logistics analyst, woodworker, remodeler, and niche e-business developer. Grandfather of five, Dave lives in Nashville, TN. Please visit his website to learn more about how to design, decorate, furnish, and enjoy your porch.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_R_Morris
With a few changes like these, you will soon have a warm, welcoming porch and front door. By adding motion porch lights, such as a solar security light with motion sensor, you can also enhance the security of your home.
