Improving the home exterior can make a big difference to your home by making it look more beautiful, tidy, and inviting. An extra curb appeal can visually increase the image of your house, especially in a large neighborhood. But if you plan to sell your home, a beautiful exterior will also increase the selling value.
While most of us have come too transfixed in improving our interior dwellings, the exterior also needs a little TLC. A house should look on point not only on the inside but on the outside as well. Sadly, most homeowners have shunned the idea of exterior home improvements. People assume that an exterior renovation is pricey, time-consuming, and tricky.
But a home exterior improvement shouldn’t be expensive. There are plenty of upgrades you can do by yourself without breaking the bank. Whether you hope to obtain a deal with a potential buyer or spruce things up for your satisfaction, here are budget-friendly ideas to get the home exterior you’ve always dreamed:
1. Exterior Walls
The color of an exterior house wall adds interest to any average home design. In neighborhoods where every house looks the same, give yours a unique personality by applying a fresh coat of paint.
For example, a house painted in warm pastel colors creates a relaxed and vibrant tropical setting. From the outside, your home will look warm and inviting, powerful enough to pique the interest of anyone who passes by. But if you need help, you can consult an exterior home painting expert so you can pick the right paint colors for your home.
2. Garden
One of the most obvious ways to enhance curb appeal is to begin at your garden. Adding fresh flowers and greenery can make a difference by adding a pop of color. If you don’t have an existing garden, you don’t need to spend time and money creating one. You can start by adding small planters around your house and add more as you progress.
Use plants to accentuate visual vital points, such as your entryway, door, and windows. If you don’t have enough room for large plants, you can try hanging them. But be careful about adding too many planters because too much greenery will make your house look like a messy forest!
3. Lawn
While we are talking about plants, lawn care should also be a part of maintaining curb appeal. If you have a lawn, keep it neat by pulling weeds and doing regular mowing. You should also keep it watered to prevent brown spots.
4. Front Door
If your front door has a standard design, a little paint job here and there might help. The color of your door can have a significant impact on how your house looks. If you want to create a statement, go for bolder colors. If you have a bigger budget, you can replace your old door with a newer model.
5. Lighting
A dark entryway is enough to have your visitors walking out your driveway. Make your home look welcoming by adding more illumination. If you have outdoor pendant lights or the good old-fashioned sconce, replace it with newer light fixtures. Outdoor lights come in different styles that give a fun and fresh vibe to your entryway.
Remove all the debris and cobwebs hanging at your door. A clean entryway can make the exterior look extra brighter and more inviting. You can also add more light by hanging porch string lights for a sophisticated look. Also, solar-powered lanterns are great energy-saving solutions to light up your walkway.
6. Metal Hardware
Outdoor fixtures such as house numbers, mailbox, and door lockset are all elements that contribute to your home exterior’s curb appeal, no matter how small they look. If the hardware looks old and rusty, it’s time to replace it with something colorful and stylish. But instead of trying to mix-and-match pieces, oiled-bronze finishes and brushed nickel will undoubtedly look great on metal hardware.
7. Gutters
Dingy gutters can instantly ruin the visual setting of your house. Do a little makeover by cleaning the gutters both inside and out. Clear out all debris and scrub the outside to get them looking new again. You can also apply a fair amount of elbow grease for a more polished look.
8. Outdoor Furniture
If your space allows, add some decorative outdoor furniture around your garden or near your front door. You can start by adding a couple of benches for outdoor resting spots. Ceramic stools also add extra charm if you pair them with a small center table with a green planter on top.
As much as possible, avoid adding too much furniture because it can easily clutter your home’s appearance. If you have a smaller yard, find a good balance in the middle and keep the furniture in great shape.
Enhancing the curb appeal of your home exterior doesn’t have to be expensive and time-consuming. Your home already has all the beautiful elements, and you just need to be a little creative to give it a new personality. Keep in mind that a bit of time and effort go a long way.
