Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home This Summer

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Are you hoping to make your home stand out in all the right ways? Do you want to boost your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank? Whether you’re prepping your home for sale or just sprucing up your surroundings, this updated guide will help.

What is curb appeal?

First, let’s define curb appeal. It’s the attractiveness of a home as viewed from the street—a form of first impression. This visual appeal can enhance a property’s value, invite a sense of welcome, and, if selling, lure potential buyers to explore what’s inside.

Why is curb appeal important?

Curb appeal is important for several reasons. For one, it sets the tone for your home’s overall appearance and can make a big impact on its value. A well-maintained exterior can also create a positive first impression for visitors and potential buyers. In fact, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal was ranked as one of the top five most important factors for buyers when choosing a home.

Does improving your home’s curb appeal have to be expensive?

The good news is that improving your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to revamp your home’s exterior and boost its visual appeal. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal while sticking to a budget.

How can you revamp your curb appeal on a budget?

Now that we understand the importance of curb appeal, let’s explore some budget-friendly ways to give your home’s exterior a facelift.

• Start with cleaning and decluttering: Before spending any money on renovations or new decor, start by cleaning and decluttering your home’s exterior. This will instantly improve its appearance and create a clean slate for any future updates. Plus, it won’t cost you a thing!
• Add pops of color with plants: Plants are an inexpensive way to add color and life to your home’s exterior. Consider planting flowers in window boxes, hanging baskets, or along a walkway for an instant boost of curb appeal. You can also save money by purchasing plants from a local nursery or opting for low-maintenance varieties.
• Upgrade your front door: Your front door is one of the first things that people notice about your home, so why not make it stand out? Give it a fresh coat of paint in a bold color, add decorative hardware, or replace it with a stylish new door. You can also save money by purchasing a pre-painted door and installing it yourself.
• Update your lighting: Adding new light fixtures to your home’s exterior can instantly modernize its appearance. Look for budget-friendly options at home improvement stores or online and consider changing out old and dated fixtures for something more sleek and contemporary.
• Create a welcoming entrance: Make your front entrance the focal point of your home’s exterior by adding small updates that make a big impact. Consider adding a new welcome mat, potted plants, or a bench for seating. These small touches can create an inviting atmosphere without breaking the bank.
• Repair and maintain: Don’t underestimate the power of simple maintenance and repairs. Fixing a cracked driveway, replacing missing roof shingles, or touching up paint can make a big difference in your home’s overall appearance. Plus, regular maintenance helps to prevent larger issues down the road.
• Add decorative details: Small touches like house numbers, mailbox covers, and door knockers can add a personal touch to your home’s exterior. These details are not only affordable, but they also add character and charm to your home.

Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home This Summer

You may fret that improving your curb appeal will be costly. However, you can elevate your home’s exteriors on a budget with the right strategy and some elbow grease. Here’s how:

Pressure Wash

One of the simplest ways to instantly uplift your facade is by pressure washing your home. It removes years of dirt and grime and gives your home a fresh look. This can be a DIY project if you invest in a pressure washer, but be sure to use plant-friendly cleaners if foliage is nearby.

Cost Estimate for Pressure Washing Your Home

The cost of pressure washing your home can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of your home and its exterior condition. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $150 to $400 for a professional to pressure wash their home’s exterior.

If you decide to tackle the project yourself, the cost of renting a pressure washer for a weekend could range from $50 to $100, plus any additional cleaning solutions. Remember, investing in pressure washing is a cost-effective way to improve your home’s curb appeal drastically and can be significantly less expensive than other home improvement projects.

Repaint

If your home’s paint is peeling or dated, a fresh coat can make a substantial difference. While it may be tempting to go bold, stick to neutral, earth-toned shades for broad appeal. This project can be DIY to save, but remember to prep it correctly for the best results.

Cost Estimate for Repainting Your House

The cost of repainting a home varies greatly depending on factors such as the size of the house, the type of paint used, and whether you hire professionals or do it yourself. On average, for a professional exterior paint job, homeowners might spend between $1,800 and $4,000.

However, opting for a DIY approach can significantly reduce this cost. You’d likely spend between $200 to $600 on paint and supplies for an average-sized home if you choose to tackle the project on your own. This considerable price difference makes it an appealing option for homeowners looking to save money while still boosting their home’s aesthetic appeal.

Create Flower Beds

Flower beds infuse color and life into your exterior. Choose flowers that are hardy and blooming during selling seasons. These beds can flank your front entrance or line your walkway for maximum visual impact.

Cost Estimate for Creating Flower Beds

Creating flower beds is another effective way to beautify the exterior of your home, enhancing its curb appeal. The cost can vary widely, depending on whether you opt for professional landscaping services or decide to do it yourself.

Professional Landscaping: For homeowners choosing professional landscaping services to create flower beds, costs can range from $500 to $3,000. This range accounts for soil preparation, plants, labor, and any additional features like edging or mulch. The final cost can vary based on the complexity and size of the flower beds.

DIY Approach: For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the DIY route can significantly reduce costs. Generally, you can expect to spend between $50 to $300 to create flower beds on your own. This budget includes purchasing plants, soil, mulch, and any necessary tools. Opting for perennials over annuals can offer more value over time, as they come back year after year.

Affordable Flowers: To maximize curb appeal while keeping costs low, consider incorporating hardy, yet beautiful flowers such as marigolds, petunias, and daylilies. These flowers are not only affordable but are also known for their vibrant colors and ability to thrive in various conditions. Additionally, incorporating native plants can reduce maintenance and watering costs over time.

Walkway

A new or improved walkway can dramatically boost your home’s curb appeal. Consider installing stepping stones or using a DIY kit from your local hardware store.

Cost Estimate for Building or Improving a Walkway

Creating or improving a walkway is a fantastic way to enhance the curb appeal of your home, guiding visitors towards your front door with style. The costs associated with this project can vary significantly based on the materials chosen and whether you decide to hire professionals or take on the project yourself.

Professional Installation: Hiring professionals to build or improve your walkway can provide you with a hassle-free experience and high-quality results. Professional costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the design, the materials used, and the length of the walkway. This option is ideal for those seeking intricate patterns or materials that require specialized skills for installation.

DIY Approach: For homeowners with a knack for hands-on projects, the DIY route can lead to substantial savings. The cost for a DIY walkway project can range from $100 to $1,000, largely depending on the materials you choose and whether you need to purchase or rent any specialized tools. Concrete pavers, natural stone, and brick are popular choices, each with varying price points and levels of difficulty for installation.

Tips to Save Money:

• Compare Materials: Research and compare the costs and benefits of different walkway materials. Sometimes, less expensive materials can offer a similar aesthetic appeal and durability as more costly options.
• Recycle Materials: Look for recycled or reclaimed materials from local resale shops or online marketplaces. These can significantly reduce your expense while adding a unique charm to your walkway.
• Start Small: If you’re new to DIY landscaping projects, consider starting with a small, manageable section of your walkway. This allows you to gain confidence and skill before tackling larger areas.
• Wait for Sales: Plan your project around sales at local home improvement stores. Often, pavers, stones, and landscaping tools go on sale, especially at the end of the season.

Plant Shrubbery

Shrubs and evergreens not only beautify your yard but can also offer privacy. Consider arranging them along property lines or incorporating within your flower beds for a vibrant, tiered effect.

Cost Estimate for Planting Shrubbery

When contemplating the addition of shrubs to your exterior, cost considerations play a crucial role.

Professional Landscaping: Opting for professional landscaping services for planting shrubbery can range from $200 to $2,000 or more, depending on the number, size, and type of shrubs you choose. This cost typically includes the shrubs, labor for planting, and any necessary soil amendments or mulch to encourage healthy growth. Professional services offer the advantage of expert advice on choosing the right shrubs for your climate and soil type, which is vital for long-term success.

DIY Approach: For homeowners inclined towards a DIY project, planting shrubbery can be significantly more cost-effective. A DIY approach might cost anywhere from $50 to $500, mainly depending on the type of shrubs and how many you plan to plant. The cost savings stem from eliminating labor costs and potentially sourcing plants more cheaply.

Cost-Saving Shrubbery Types: To maximize curb appeal while minimizing costs, consider planting native shrubs. Native plants are often more affordable, require less maintenance, and are better adapted to local climate conditions, reducing the need for watering and fertilizers. Examples include the vibrant Burning Bush, the sturdy Boxwood, or the low-maintenance Forsythia. Each of these shrubs offers visual appeal and privacy with minimal upkeep.

Solar Lighting

Solar lights offer a triple threat – they provide safety, are eco-friendly, and enhance aesthetic appeal. Plus, they come in numerous designs to suit your home’s style.

Cost Estimate for Installing Solar Lighting to Boost Curb Appeal

Integrating solar lighting into your landscaping or walkway can be a cost-effective and attractive way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. The investment for solar lighting varies depending on the quality, style, and quantity of lights you choose.

Budget Options: For those looking to illuminate their space without a significant financial outlay, basic solar path lights can be purchased in packs, often ranging from $20 to $50 for a set of six to ten lights. These options are suitable for providing a soft glow along walkways or highlighting small garden areas.

Mid-Range to High-End Options: For a more robust lighting solution, higher quality solar spotlights or decorative lanterns can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 each. These lights typically offer brighter illumination, longer runtime, and more durable construction, ideal for accentuating architectural features or larger landscape elements.

Installation & Additional Costs: One of the key benefits of solar lighting is that it generally requires no professional installation, saving on labor costs. However, it’s important to consider the positioning of the lights to ensure they receive adequate sunlight for optimal performance. Additional costs may arise if adjustments to landscaping are needed to accommodate the solar panels.

Front Door Makeover

Lastly, don’t overlook your front door – it’s an opportunity to make a statement. A fresh coat of paint in a bold or contrasting color can make your entrance pop and welcome visitors in style.

Cost Estimate for a Front Door Makeover

The cost of rejuvenating your front door largely depends on whether you choose a DIY approach or seek professional help.

DIY Approach: For those who are comfortable with a DIY project, repainting your front door can cost as little as $50 to $100. This estimate includes the price of sandpaper, primer, high-quality exterior paint, and basic tools if you don’t already own them. Choosing to do it yourself not only saves money but also allows for complete creative control over the project.

Professional Painting: Hiring a professional to paint your front door will increase the cost, typically ranging from $200 to $500. This price range depends on the complexity of the door design, the type of paint used, and the labor fees in your region. Professional painting ensures a smooth, high-quality finish that can withstand the elements and continue to look great over time.

Hardware Upgrade: Another factor to consider is updating the door’s hardware, such as handles, knobs, and locks, which can cost an additional $50 to $200. New hardware can complement the door’s new look and enhance security.

A front door makeover is cost-effective to significantly boost your home’s curb appeal, welcoming visitors with a fresh and inviting entrance.

Remember, improving your home’s curb appeal needn’t be an expensive undertaking. Begin with a thorough cleaning, and then steadily add elements that enhance your property’s visual appeal.

An investment of time, effort, and a modest budget can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal, potentially adding significant value when it comes time to sell.