Budget-Friendly Ideas to Enhance Curb Appeal

Spring and summer mean more time outdoors, but the long winter may have taken a toll on your home’s exterior areas. Ramp up your spring projects by looking at your home through a visitor’s eyes. Do you find it cluttered, messy, or just blah? Improve the look of your house and bolster its curb appeal without breaking your bank account. These budget-friendly ideas enhance curb appeal without spending tons of money.

Dress Your Door

The front door is a beacon that speaks to guests and makes them feel welcome. Increase the allure of yours by painting it a rich color that complements the front of your home. Clean away the cobwebs and spend a few bucks on a door knocker and a kick plate. Add a welcome mat for a final touch, which also helps keep the inside floors free of debris.

Pretty-fy Your Porch

Porches are great for enhancing a home’s curb appeal, and using as a functional space to enjoy during the warmer months. Spruce up the porch in a snap by adding a swing, some furniture with colorful pillows, and  a container garden. Brush some fresh, high-quality paint on all the posts and banisters, and hang a couple of ferns. Make sure you have your house number creatively displayed so guests can find you easily.

Bust Out Some Blooms

Drag out your rake, clean up your front yard and store old toys or bicycles away to reduce the look of clutter. Do a little bit of landscaping and add a small flower garden or a few shrubs in the yard to enhance the atmosphere. Add some big pots with an array of bright flowers that grow well in your area. Plant a couple of fast-growing trees so you can enjoy some shade in a few years. Invest a bit of money in a quality garden hose to keep all your flowers and plants adequately watered.

Build New Window Boxes

Spending a bit of money on window boxes will pay off big in terms of curb appeal. Plant vibrantly colored flowers and hanging vines to give the look that flowers are busting out of the boxes. You, and anyone driving by you home, will get lots of enjoyment from the pretty display of color and greenery.

Spiffy Up Your Shutters

Nothing makes a house look more neglected than a peeling, half-hanging shutter. Get a ladder and some soapy water and wash your shutters to remove spider webs and layers of winter dirt. Update your home’s entire look by painting your shutters a new, fresh color. Finally, make sure they are hung securely so a summer storm won’t rip them off.

Related Read: Summer Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home (and Your Bills) in Check

Make Over Your Mailbox

If your mailbox is suffering from dirt and pollen, clean it or purchase another one. Use decals to decorate it and break out your painting skills to add your name in flowing script. Plant some climbing flowers to grow up the mailbox’s post or use a half-barrel to plant colorful perennials around it for a beautiful statement.

Plan Some Pathways

Don’t expect people to trod through your grass to your door—give them a way to get there! Instead of expensive concrete pathways, carve out your own with simple stepping stones, railroad ties, or bricks laid out in interesting patterns. Design the path as you like, either in a diagonal, straight, or curved shape.

Disguise the Less-Than-Desirable Areas

While you’re making the best of the positive parts of your exterior, take a few minutes to hide the unattractive features that may be lurking around, killing your vibe. Plant some fast-growing bamboo or tall shrubs to cover the garbage can or the ugly heating unit. Build an attractive hanging shelf to camouflage your electric meter. Making these items less noticeable draws attention to the lovely parts of your yard while enhancing curb appeal.

Expand Your Exterior Lighting

Lighting sets a warm ambiance and also promotes safety from falls. Illuminate pathways, shed light on your driveway, and highlight your flowerbeds with extra lighting. Hang some lanterns in your trees or set them on your steps. Investigate using solar lights to cut down on your electric bill.

Beautify with Bird Houses

Befriend your feathered neighbors by hanging a few bird houses in your yard. Find some brightly painted ones at a local discount store, or break out the tools and build your own. They increase curb appeal, add a bit of whimsy, and watching the birds may become one of your favorite new pastimes.

Related Read: 3 Fast and Easy DIY Home Projects

Finish Up with A Flourish

The devil is in the details, so don’t neglect adding little touches that take your curb appeal from good to awesome. Hang a wreath above your garage, set out some small decorative statues, a bird bath, and a welcome sign. A flag at your front door will give your yard some extra dimension and movement.

There are a variety of improvements you can make to increase your home’s curb appeal without going into debt or busting your budget. Use some creativity and some muscle to put these tips into play, and your home will be the envy of everyone on your street!