Quick Fixes For Curb Appeal

How does your house look from the curb? After a long winter, chances are good it could use a refresher.

While you might be tempted to take on an HGTV-style renovation to get that coveted curb appeal, there are many smaller-scale projects any homeowner can do and still achieve great results.

“I like to start with the front porch,” says Stacy Marsilio, CKD, Choice Home Remodeling. “After a good cleaning, give it some personal charm with outdoor chairs, bright cushions, a colorful rug and a fun wreath on your door. Add a couple plants or hanging flowers and you’re done!”

Check out these curb appeal tips – ranging from no cost to moderate expense – that you can do on your next free weekend.

No expense

• clean your windows and glass door, inside and out
• clean your outdoor light fixtures
• remove cobwebs around the exterior
• reduce the number of accessories in your yard and gardens. Less is more.

Low expense

• try a new color on shutters and/or door
• plant flowers around your front entry
• hang flowers and plants on your porch
• paint flower pots, arrange on front steps
• window boxes – buy them pre-assembled or build your own
• add decorative pavers to a walkway

Moderate expense

• add mulch to your flower beds and around trees
• put a bench or chairs on your porch, add decorative cushions for a pop of color
• upgrade the house numbers on the front of your house
• replace broken shutters
• install a new mailbox
• pressure wash your home’s exterior – rent a pressure washer for the day or hire a pro