Let’s face it — first impressions matter. No homeowner wants their home to be the one people drive by and never notice. Everyone wants to have a home that stands out for its instant appeal and charm. But when a homeowner hears “charm,” many instantly think that the only solution is to break the bank to give your home that appeal.
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to break the bank at all! Here are our top 9 ways that you can simply and affordably give your home the curb appeal that you want even if you’re on a tight budget.
1. Take Care of Your Lawn
For many homes, the front lawn can be the biggest (and first noticed) element in the front of your house. Therefore, keeping the lawn maintained goes a long way when it comes to curb appeal. Regularly mow your grass, rake leaves and other debris, and pull weeds from your lawn. If you notice brown spots, give them a little bit of extra water to bring them back to a beautiful green. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on an expensive landscaping crew. Simple maintenance can work wonders on its own.
2. Trim Your Shrubbery
Speaking of maintenance, don’t forget to trim your shrubs to keep them looking neat and clean. Get rid of any tall and window-covering pieces to give your shrubs a nice and neat flat top.
3. Give Your Front Door Some Color
Your front door is one of the first things noticed by passers-by and visitors alike. Why not give them a reason to look twice by giving your door a fresh coat of paint. A bold and interesting color that compliments the rest of your house will make your house pop and draw attention immediately.
4. Upgrade Your Porchlight
If you’re still holding onto that brass porchlight that was there when you bought your house (which is now probably covered in cobwebs), consider a trip to the local lighting store to upgrade. A new, modern design will give your front porch some instant life when you turn on the porchlight.
5. Add Lighting Throughout the Front Yard
Your porchlight doesn’t have to be the only source of light in your front yard. Strategically placing lights along the walkway or shrub line can add instant charm when the sun goes down. There’s no need to call an electrician to get the job done, either! Using solar-powered lights that stick right into the ground can add a lot of “wow” with minimal effort.
6. Hang a Seasonal Wreath on the Door
Wreaths on the door aren’t just for Christmas! A seasonal wreath can instantly give your house a warm and homey feel at any time of year. Orange and gold leaves could adorn a fall wreath, while bright and pastel flowers could add charm to your door in the spring. With just a two-minute installation, adding warmth to your home couldn’t be easier.
7. Spruce Up Your Entryway
Besides wreaths and bold paint colors, there are many other ways you can make your entryway more inviting. Adding planters with flowers or greenery is a great way to add some dimension to your home. Also, consider adding some seating to your front porch. A porch swing or small patio set gives the impression that people are welcome to sit and stay a spell.
8. Give Everything a Good Wash
Never underestimate what a good pressure washer can do for any house. Over time and throughout seasons, the surfaces of your house, walkway, driveway, front porch furniture, and planters all accumulate grime and more. A pressure washer can instantly take this away and make your entire house look shiny and new once everything is dry.
9. Clean Up the Clutter
Front yards can easily become dumping grounds for all of our outdoor stuff. From unwound garden hoses to discarded bicycles, the stuff can pile up fast — and become a big eyesore. Utilize better ways to store some of these items by using your garage or finding neat ways to organize if that’s not an option. Making things neat and tidy will help draw attention to all the other things you’ve done to beautify your home.
With a little bit of effort and not a lot of money, you can do a lot to your home in one afternoon that will give it instant curb appeal.
If you’re looking to do something a little bigger, it’s best to partner with a reliable contractor like Dependable Home Services. We can help up your curb appeal game in big ways, such as foundation repair, hanging new siding, and upgrading your front porch. Even on big projects, Dependable Home Services not only does top-notch work, but DHS is affordable for homeowners as well. Contact one of our specialists today to discuss the project you’ve had in mind to upgrade the outside of your home.