Forget about resale value—in a recent survey, 75% of homeowners said an investment in their home’s curb appeal made them want to spend more time at home. While you could spend a small fortune on an exterior paint job or upgraded siding, a more inviting, welcoming home doesn't have to break the bank. We’ve got seven easy and affordable ways to kick up curb appeal and create an environment that you can’t wait to come home to.
1. Refresh Your Front Door.
Want to get the most bang for your buck? Your front door is the first thing most people notice about your home, and freshening if up with a coat of paint can have a huge impact on the overall look of your home. Go subtle with a hue that blends with the siding or make a statement with a splashy color—while red is the most traditional choice, deep greens, rich blues, and soft rose are all trending right now.
After painting, polish or upgrade the hardware and add a colorful wreath and welcome mat to complete the look. And remember that details matter if you want a tidy, well-kept entryway. If the threshold is worn or cracked, replace it with a new one, and check the weatherstripping around the door frame to make sure it’s not sagging or torn.
2. Liven Up Your Landscaping.
A well-manicured lawn and tidy beds can make your home shine, so spend a day mowing, edging, cleaning up the yard, trimming overgrown bushes and pulling unsightly weeds. Got bare spots? Fall is the perfect time to plant grass, trees and shrubs—the cooler air temperatures give them a chance to quickly develop healthy root systems before winter sets in. Give your landscape the final touch by adding a cheery pop of seasonal color with chrysanthemums and asters in pots, hanging baskets and window boxes.
3. Add Exterior Lighting.
Outdoor lighting isn’t just practical—it enhances your home’s aesthetic, too. Upgrade old fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options, or refresh existing fixtures with a coat of spray paint. Don’t have the budget to install pathway lights along the walkway leading to your front door? Inexpensive solar-powered lights or a strategically placed string of LED lights provide instant illumination at a fraction of the price.
4. Address Your House Numbers.
House numbers might seem like an unimportant detail, but choosing the right style can make your home look more polished and put together. There are countless materials and designs to choose from—from modern to farmhouse to traditional—so you’re sure to find an option that showcases your personal style. Easy-to-spy house numbers make your home easier to find too, so you never have to worry about emergency services, visitors, or the pizza delivery guy missing your house.
5. Clean Your Gutters.
Look up at your gutters. If they’re sagging or overflowing with leaves, twigs and other debris, they can take away from your home’s visual appeal. And clogged gutters don’t just look sloppy, they can cause dirty water to back up and splash all over your siding, further detracting from your home’s appearance. Grab a gutter scoop and a bucket and get to work clearing leaves and debris from your gutters. Once you’re done, add our Vinyl Snap-In Gutter Screen to your gutters to prevent future clogs—so you’ll never have to do this messy job again.
6. Wash Windows.
Dirt, smudges and grime that build up on your windows over time make your home look tired and uncared for. Make it feel fresh and polished by giving your windows a good cleaning. An added bonus? Clean windows let in more natural light, making your rooms look more spacious and inviting. Not sure how to get a streak-free clean? Read this article for a step-by-step guide to sparkling windows.
7. Give Your Garage Door an Upgrade.
A dirty or dinged up garage door is an eyesore—but it’s one that’s easy to fix. If the door is simply dirty, a quick scrub could be all it takes to make it look better, but if it’s downright shabby, more drastic steps might be called for. Adding a fresh coat of paint and some trim or molding can give old doors a luxe look for a minimal investment of money and time. If the weatherseal around the top and bottom of the door and the door bottom are visibly worn, it’s time to replace them—not only does it detract from your home’s appearance, faulty seals on weatherstripping and door bottoms let dirt, debris and insects into your garage and make it less energy efficient.
You don’t have to shell out big bucks to boost your home’s curb appeal. By tackling these seven projects, you can transform your home’s exterior and make it one of the prettiest houses on the block.
