Are you looking to improve the look of your home’s exterior but don’t have the money to spend on a contractor? Consider these five simple steps that you can do yourself to add to the curb appeal of your property.
1)Wash/Clean the Exterior: This is perhaps one of the most affordable and important things to do to improve the curb appeal of your home. From the drive way to the actual siding you can clean things up and make a big impact on the way your home looks. The entry to your home is the most visible so be sure to rent a pressure washer and clean up your driveway, walkways and paths leading to your home. You can even use a pressure washer to clean the siding of your home but make sure to read up on how to so you don’t strip the paint.
2)Painting: Did you clean the exterior of your home but still feel it is not enough? Next on the list, and still very affordable, is painting. Painting your home can have a huge impact on its overall look and can be very gratifying. Paint, however, is not always cheap and if painting your whole house is on the list, it may be outside the budget. If so, consider only dressing up the trim on your home. Eye catching and clean trim around the doors and windows can make a huge difference.
3)Landscaping/Pruning: Next up on the list is landscaping and pruning. The decor in the front of your home can really add to its appeal and make if feel unique. You would be surprised how affordable landscaping can be if you keep your eye out for good deals and sales. If you have a lawn in the front of your home invest in some fertilizer and keep it green and mowed. This can really help the rest of your house stand out against the vibrant green color of a well maintained lawn. Also, don’t forget to keep your plants and shrubs properly trimmed and pruned.
4)Decorate: Still not feeling like you have done enough to your property to make it stand out? Try adding some decor to the front of it. A simple bench on the edge of a lawn or a swing on the front porch can add charm and give the feel of “there’s no place like home”. Have a pathway leading up to your front door? Consider lining the edge of it with decorative stones or adding a bird bath along it. Simple decorative changes can really add appeal and make a difference.
5)Lighting: If you are improving your homes overall look you may also want to consider how it will look at night. Lighting can show off your hard work but you want to make sure it is the right type of lighting. Have lights down on the street? Consider keeping your eyes peeled for a sale at your local hardware store and upgrading the fixtures. You can also purchase outdoor rope lights for a low price and use them under overhangs or a along a pathway to add accenting to your property.
As you can see there are a lot of ways to improve your property’s curb appeal without having to hire someone and spending a bundle. There are many resources on the internet that can help with ideas as well and looking for sales is the right way to save big money on improvements.
