Improving the look and value of your home is something almost every homeowner can get behind, but initial enthusiasm can be hard to maintain after looking into the cost and time required for many home improvement projects. Far too often, it can seem as though updating appearances is close to impossible without taking out a home equity loan, especially if what you’d like to improve involves your home’s exterior.
Thankfully, a little creativity, hard work, and sly spending can actually go a long way in increasing your house’s curb appeal, and oftentimes, you’ll be happy with the results for years to come. From putting up some window boxes to replacing old hardware, here are eight easy ways to update your home’s exterior without spending a ton of money.
1. Get a New Porch Light
It may seem overly simple, but your porch light is one of the first things you and others notice when approaching your house early in the morning or after dusk, which means getting a different one improve your home’s look will pay off handsomely. Savoy House outdoor lighting offers a great selection if you’re in the market for something brand new, or, if you’d like to incorporate a more vintage and repurposed look, shop around at your local flea market and antique stores.
2. Improve Your Landscaping
You don’t have to hire a pro to improve your landscaping, but if you were born without a green thumb, and you’ve never worked to acquire one, you will have to do some research to ensure that you don’t actually end up making it worse in your quest to improve your landscaping. From planting bushes and shrubs that stay green all year long to utilizing flowering plants that reach their zenith at varying times throughout the year, taking some time to enhance nature’s colors around your fence, mailbox, and more can have a dramatic effect on the overall look of your home. If you do need a tree expert, you can check out, landscaping service tree expert eau claire.
3. Get a New Front Door (or Paint Your Old One)
When was the last time you took a good look at your front door? Does it look tired and worn? Does it seem dated or unattractive? Consider getting a brand new door to replace your old one, or, if you don’t have enough cash to get the quality of the door you’d like, choose a color and get to painting the one you’ve got. From simply refreshing the existing color to transforming your entire entry with a bold new palette, a new – or new-looking – the front door will make your home feel fresh and revitalized.
4. Replace Hardware
Sometimes, the devil really is in the details, and when it comes to hardware, it’s only after you switch everything out that you’ll realize it’s true. From doorknobs and locks to knockers and house numbers, replace your old hardware with some that are shiny and new, and you’ll feel like you moved into a new house.
5. Better Your Mailbox
Whether it’s a brand new mailbox, a fresh coat of paint on your existing mailbox, or a colorful bevy of freshly planted wildflowers, improve the look of your mailbox in one afternoon without spending too much money or time. Not only will your mail carrier notice the difference, but you and your neighbors will, too.
6. Put in Window Boxes
Window boxes sit just beneath your windows and add charm and color to your house instantly. Whether you build the boxes yourself or buy them from your local hardware store, be sure to mix and match plants so that your window boxes look good in any season. Fresh herbs will come in handy during spring and summer and hearty paperwhites and boxwoods will keep your window boxes looking fresh and festive during the cold, winter months.
7. Replace Gutters and Downspouts
Far from just an aesthetic choice, replacing your gutters and downspouts can also work wonders for your home’s and yard’s drainage, which will keep basements, roofs, and trims in better shape over time. Snap-fit vinyl systems are easy enough to install yourself, and if you’re willing to make a bit more of financial investment, you can opt for the copper guttering systems, which add an unmistakable look of class.
8. Paint the Trim
From windows and steps to doorframes and railings, a fresh coat of paint on all your trim work will make your house look brand-new – even if it’s the same color! Just be sure to prep the surfaces properly, so you don’t have to redo it in a year.
Improving the look of your home’s exterior doesn’t require a 12-man crew and thousands of dollars. From fresh paint to fresh plants, these eight easy updates can be accomplished by just about any homeowner, and they won’t stress your finances, either.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
My main acceptance in life would be that “change” itself is a constant and regardless of opinion it is inevitable. Making peace with one’s self and accepting the things we CANNOT change is key to living a full and happy life. Within those experiences, we grow as people and learn.
What have you learned to appreciate yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I have learned to appreciate all of my imperfections as it makes me who I am as a person and in reality “perfection” is all up for interpretation. In return, I have taught myself to replace the old methods in dealing with situations and problems with ones that will deliver or elicit positive responses and solutions.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
I believe my core values or the personal rules I have set in place for myself and chose to live by have brought nothing but reward to my life as it has created my known presence to be one of value and those things remind me daily of my standards set if ever I were to steer off course.
