Ideas for Adding Curb Appeal to a House with a Flat Roof

A house with a flat roof does not have to appear plain and uninteresting. It can be enhanced and redefined to look more appealing, more updated and less like neighboring houses of the same design. With a few design adaptations, it is possible to add curb appeal.

When you are working to add curb appeal to a house with a flat roof, begin your quest at the entryway. Houses with flat roofs usually have entryways that are small or tight, with proportions that do not enhance the view of the house from the street. Consider adding an awning over the front door. If budget allows, consider an extension of the roof over the door or adding a covered porch.

If a porch exists, add an attractive bench or build benches attached to the wall. If the steps to the porch are wood, give them a fresh coat of paint. If they are concrete, add a facing of stone or brick. Scrutinize the porch's front door. If it looks dated and tired, replace it with a more contemporary style. If its style is attractive, consider a new coat of paint or stain and new hardware. Add lighting on the porch near the front door. If space allows, set colorful potted plants near the door and even at the edges of the steps.

Consider adding attractive trim to the window exteriors, such as shutters or awnings. A small splash of style and color can interrupt the visual impact of the flat roof line. Add hanging planters under the eaves or window boxes and outfit them with attractive plants to soften the look.

A flat roof line does not have to mean flat character for your house. You can make changes that alter the look dramatically without actually changing the roof. Examine the horizontal board that trims the exterior at the roof line. This board or band that conceals the ends of rafters is known as the fascia. By removing a scant, thin fascia and replacing it with one that is wider and more proportionally appealing, you can improve curb appeal. Paint the fascia and its underside, the eaves, with a color that will complement the house.

Changing the look of your landscaping can also add curb appeal. If the usual path to the front door from the street is straight, change it to add a bend or a curve. Line the walkway with low-lying plants close to the path and insert taller shrubs or grasses behind the low plants. The changes in plant elevation and texture will draw attention to the variety and away from the flat roof line.