You don’t have to spend a lot of money to boost your home’s curb appeal. Here are 10 easy and inexpensive exterior updates that will improve your home’s appearance and add value without busting your budget.
10 Easy and Inexpensive Exterior Updates That Will Add Curb Appeal
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, and making it look its best doesn’t have to break the bank. There are several simple and budget-friendly ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Here are ten easy and inexpensive exterior updates that can transform the look of your home.
1. Freshen Up the Front Door
Your front door is a focal point of your home’s exterior. Give it a fresh coat of paint that is subtle and blends with your home’s existing materials, or add an unexpected or bold color that pops, while still complementing your house’s overall palette.
Don’t forget to update the hardware or add a stylish new knocker and handle for a polished look. This easy, inexpensive update can be completed in a few hours.
2. Upgrade Outdoor Lighting
Replace old, dated outdoor light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient ones. Wall sconces, post lights, and pathway lighting can illuminate your home’s exterior while adding a touch of elegance.
Don’t forget about boosting the curb appeal of your home when the sun goes down by highlighting pathways and trees with landscape lighting. This will also improve safety. Consider solar-powered lighting to save energy.
3. Add Window Boxes and Container Plants
Window boxes filled with colorful flowers or greenery can breathe life into your home’s façade. You can also add a few well-chosen planted containers.
Vary the coordinated containers and sizes, arranging them nicely on multiple levels on the front porch. Choose plantings that match your home’s style and color scheme.
4. Pressure Wash Exterior Surfaces
A thorough pressure washing can make your siding look like new. Removing dirt, grime, and mildew can reveal the true beauty of your home’s exterior.
It is safe to pressure wash vinyl, aluminum, and wood siding, as well as wood decks and concrete sidewalks. However, stucco can be damaged by too much pressure, so the following precautions must be used: pressure must be 1500 psi or less, as well as must be sprayed from a distance of at least two feet away and sprayed at a 45-degree angle.
5. Install New House Numbers and Update Your Mailbox
Upgrade your house numbers to something stylish and easy to read. Consider using modern, oversized numbers or customized plaques that reflect your home’s personality.
A well-maintained mailbox can add a charming touch to your home’s exterior. Repaint it to give it a makeover or replace it with a new mailbox that complements your overall design.
6. Refresh Your Lawn
Refreshing your lawn to give it a healthy look is another way to add instant curb appeal. Here are a few easy DIY things you can do, but if your lawn is in really bad shape you may need to lay new sod.
One easy trick is to allow your lawn to grow slightly taller by setting your mower to cut the grass near its tallest setting. Be sure to have your lawnmower blade sharpened regularly.
Another way to improve your lawn’s health is to give it a weed and feed treatment you can pick up at any big box hardware store or tractor supply. You could also hire a lawn service to apply a professional treatment.
7. Landscaping
Simple landscaping improvements can have a big impact. Trim bushes, prune trees, and add fresh mulch to flower beds.
Consider planting low-maintenance, colorful shrubs and perennials. Or landscaping that follows the transition from the street to your front steps. On walkways, use mid-size shrubs and flowers.
8. Define the Entryway
Create an inviting entryway by adding a new welcome mat, potted plants, and a stylish doormat. A cozy seating area with outdoor furniture or a porch swing can also enhance the entrance.
Selecting colorful outdoor furniture is another way to add eye-catching appeal to your home. Consider complementary colors to the existing palette of your home that will pop to add contrast.
9. Upgrade Your House Trim
Highlight architectural details by painting or updating the trim around windows, doors, and eaves. Crisp, clean lines can give your home a more polished look.
If your house lacks trim, consider installing house shutters and painting them with a hue that contrasts your home’s exterior color.
10. Clean the Gutters
Properly functioning gutters not only protect your home but also improve its appearance.
Clean out debris and repair any damage to keep your gutters looking tidy and working well.
Final Thoughts
Enhancing your home’s exterior doesn’t have to be a costly endeavor. With these ten easy and inexpensive updates, you can transform your home’s curb appeal and make a positive impression on visitors and passersby. These simple changes can go a long way in improving the appearance and value of your home.