8 Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
When you are driving in an unfamiliar neighborhood, what makes certain houses stand out among the others? Many homeowners know the secret of using curb appeal to their advantage. Not only does it make their homes more admirable from the street, but it can also add resale value to their property. An article from the National Post.com states that curb appeal can easily add 7% more to your home’s value.
If you are on a tight budget, you can still do some things to your exterior that will make the place pop. The smallest detail may catch the eye of passersby or potential buyers (if you are selling your home). Here are 8 great hacks that you can use to create curb appeal on a budget:
-
Paint The Front Door
Have you ever looked at someone’s porch and felt instantly drawn to their front door? Maybe it was the mesmerizing color. You can paint your front door a cheerful color with a small can of paint, says an online article from Better Homes and Gardens.com. Depending on where you buy it and the brand name, you can spend $25 or less for paint. Brightly-colored doors say “welcome!” and bring instant charm to the entire house. If you want to bring some more attention to your interior, consider painting your window shutters the same color.
-
Replace Your Old Mailbox
If your old, weather-beaten mailbox has seen better days, consider replacing it with a spiffy new one. If it is a free-standing mailbox, replace the post as well. You can find mailboxes in a lot of fun shapes and colors. If you do not want whimsical, you can stick with a classic black or gray mailbox. Be sure to plant some colorful flowers around the post of your free-standing mailbox.
-
Upscale Your Address
If people have a hard time finding your address, you probably need to put up numbers that catch attention, according to Curb Appeal Fixers. Most home improvement stores sell address plaques that will hold individual tile or wooden numbers. Put your new plaque on a conspicuous place on your porch or on the mailbox. Forget those flimsy peel-and-stick numbers!
-
Add A Tree to Your Front Yard
Ornamental trees can quickly add beauty to your front yard. They also attract songbirds and butterflies. Consider small trees that bloom, such as weeping cherry, dogwood, or crabapple. Planting trees is kind to the environment and beautifies your yard for little money.
-
Consider New Exterior Lighting
Modern exterior lighting fixtures make your home look elegant—plus, they add security and safety at night. Take down those old brassy light fixtures from the ‘80s and put up some beautiful polished nickel or bronzed ones. You can buy automatic light fixtures that will turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. While they can be a considerable investment, they will pay for themselves in the electricity they save each year.
-
Put Window Boxes Around Your House
What could be more charming than customized window boxes on your house that are filled with flowers? You can find different styles and sizes at home improvement stores. They are ideal places to plant colorful annuals and fresh herbs. Experiment with different heights of flowers so you add depth and interest to your window boxes. They are easy to water and are removable during winter. If you are handy with wood, you might consider building your own window boxes.
-
Invest in Nice Patio Furniture
A good patio set will last for years if you take care of it. Consider an iconic white wicker set. It will make all the colors of your porch stand out instantly. Wrought iron is another classic choice for patio furniture. If you want to go the whimsical route, you can paint four Adirondack chairs different pastel colors and arrange them on your porch. How about some cozy rocking chairs? Quality patio furniture welcomes guests to sit and relax.
-
Say It With Flowers
A well-kept lawn is highlighted when you have a few beds of gorgeous flowers. Invest in some perennials and annuals that will stay beautiful throughout the season. You may also plant some small blooming shrubs that will add interesting color and texture in the winter. If you want to save money, grow your own flowers from cuttings and seeds.
When people pass by your home, you want them to take notice. Some simple curb appeal will show how much you care for your property. That first impression can make a big difference if you are selling or renting your home.
