A Home's Curb Appeal Starts with the Driveway

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Bound Brook, NJ - Many home sellers focus on indoor renovations to appeal to potential homebuyers, but a home's first impression starts on the outside. Kathleen Kuhn, president and CEO of HouseMaster, reminds sellers that a nicely maintained driveway makes a huge impact on a home's curb appeal.

According to Kuhn, “Homeowners can repair and reseal their blacktop driveways on their own, creating a professionally finished look, particularly if the driveway is a manageable size. And the finished product will appear clean and fresh.”

To spruce up your driveway, simply follow these steps:

• Plan ahead. Schedule the job when the forecast is sunny, warm and dry for several days. Also remember, the driveway will not be usable until the sealer dries.
• Dress appropriately. Wear gloves, old shoes and clothing that you can discard.
• Clean the driveway thoroughly. Use a leaf blower or broom to remove loose dirt and debris. Remove any oil stains with a commercial degreaser.
• Patch cracks more than 1/8 inch wide. Small cracks can be filled by using a sealer containing fine filler such as sand. Tube-type fillers are also available. If the cracks are too numerous or large, you might need to resurface.
• Follow instructions. Review product directions carefully. If the driveway has been sealed previously, use a compatible type sealer.
• Mix thoroughly. Blending containers together will help ensure uniform shading. Make sure you have enough sealer on hand so you don't have to stop in the middle of a job.
• Pour, spread and brush sealer onto the driveway. First, pour sealer on small section of the driveway. Next, spread with the recommended type squeegee applicator. Finally, brush over the sealer to work it into the pores of the driveway. Continue until the entire driveway is coated.
• Do not overdo it. One coat is all that is needed to seal the driveway and reduce staining and water damage. A coat every three years is usually an adequate maintenance schedule. A new asphalt driveway should not be sealed until it is a year old.

Even if you are not comfortable making home improvements on your own, a driveway reseal is fairly straightforward. Driveway resealing is a weekend project that can grab potential buyers from the first moment they drive up. Kuhn says, “More home sellers are taking the initiative to present their homes well - inside and out - to secure the best market position possible, including ordering a home inspection and then making the noted repairs. Studies show that homes in good condition sell faster and for a higher percentage of their listing price, particularly in a competitive housing market.”

Remember, these suggestions are only general guidelines. Since each house and situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific condition or issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.

About HouseMaster: Headquartered in Bound Brook, N.J., HouseMaster is the oldest and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America. With more than 370 franchised areas throughout the U.S. and Canada, HouseMaster is the most respected name in home inspections. For over 30 years, HouseMaster has built upon a foundation of solid leadership and innovation with a continued focus on delivering the highest quality service experience to their customers and providing HouseMaster franchisees the tools and support necessary to do so. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.

For more information please visit www.housemaster.com or call 800-526-3939.

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