Quick-fix outdoor checklist

When clients drive by your practice at 60 mph, they have only a split second to develop an opinion. When they pull into your lot at 10 mph, they see another level of detail, says Mark Hafen, AIA. And when they're walking to your building at 3 mph, their visual acuity is even stronger. Your building has to work on all those different levels. Here's a quick look at steps you can take to make the outside of your practice shine:

• Clean windows inside and out regularly.

• Power-wash walls, paths, and porches.

• Clean your gutters.

• Hide your trash and recycling containers.

• Sculpt your landscaping.

• Paint any walls and structures that are faded or peeling.

• Repave cracked sidewalks.

• Re-stripe the parking lot.

• Rebuild your porch.

• Paint your door and replace the door handle.

• Create a focal point at your entry, such as a water feature, pergola, or sculpture.