Cost Effective Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

There are dozens of small, inexpensive home improvements that you can do to your house to add instant curb appeal. Adding curb appeal to your house not only makes it easier to sell, but it also gives your house that nice and finished look in which you can take pride in.

Below are a few DIY home improvement projects that all cost under $120 and will add instant curb appeal to your house.

Edge the Sidewalk & Driveway

If you have grass along your sidewalk or driveway, keep it edged.  This is a free, quick, and easy way to make your yard look neat and clean.  It also makes your lawn more of a focal point.

Cover Up Dead Spots

The problem with robust trees is that their constant shade, along with their roots hungrily grabbing water and nutrients from the soil, kills the surrounding grass and leaves unsightly dead spots in the lawn. Instead of fighting an unending battle to restore the grass, make life easier on yourself and improve the yard’s appearance by planting flowers around the base of the tree that thrive in shade.

Or, for an even easier solution, apply mulch around the tree base. Covering the dead spots next to trees will make your entire yard look healthier. Mulch also helps retain moisture for the roots, but don’t apply it too thickly or it can suffocate the roots and provide a home for pests. About 2 inches of mulch is all you need to prevent weeds and provide cover.

Upgrade the Hardware

Don’t overlook the simple things that improve curb appeal, such as changing the outdated lock and handle on your front door, replacing rusty light fixtures, and installing decorative house numbers. These accents provide subtle enhancements that help to define the home’s overall look.

This doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing deal, either. If you’re happy with your door hardware, leave it alone and concentrate on upgrading the porch light fixtures. Even something as simple as placing brushed-nickel address numbers on your siding adds a handsome point of interest.

Pressure Wash Concrete Surfaces

There is no more beautiful place to live than the Pacific NW, yet with all this lovely green comes lots of rain and moss.  Periodic cleaning of concrete helps to extend the value, beauty and service life of the surface.

Paint the Front Door

A fresh coat of paint can transform your front door and provide a more welcoming entryway into your house. Or consider replacing it altogether with one that adds some personality. There are myriad ranges of colors, styles, and options, including doors with decorative glass. Adding a storm door with a glass design can also improve the entrance and provide better energy efficiency.

To paint the door, first remove it, lay it flat, and lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. Foam rollers work great for painting doors since they minimize runs and lap marks, but you’ll still need to use a brush to work paint into crevices.

Cut Back Trees and Bushes

It doesn’t matter how attractive your home is if no one can see it. Trees, branches, and shrubs can obscure your home’s features and make it seem dark and uninviting. Plus, trees that rub against your house can damage your siding, limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive, and offer a bridge to squirrels, mice, and other critters that want to get onto your roof or under your siding.

Rent a chain saw to trim back large tree branches, and use a hedge trimmer to tame your bushes. Cut away anything covering a window or touching your house. This is a good safety tip as well.  Well-manicured trees and shrubs complement a healthy, green lawn.