Is the curb appeal of your home in need of attention? You might think that sprucing up the exterior of your house involves a lot of expense. The truth is that there are many economical ways to make your property look nicer.
Many of them also require a minimum of physical labor, and you can do them yourself without the assistance of a service provider. Try these six tips if you need to boost curb appeal on a budget.
1. Light Those Walkways
Walkways and paths serve the purpose of directing the eye to the front of your home. You can add a little flair to your walkways with simple solar lighting. These lights have an attached stake that you simply push into the ground, and no wiring is required. The sun does all the work.
Of course, the presence of lighting in the evening hours also adds an element of safety. Walkway lighting will also create a sense of warmth, and it speaks of a happy home where friends and family are welcome.
2. Landscape Like a Pro with Outdoor Planters
Planting and maintaining flower beds can be a chore. Some homeowners just don’t have the time to devote to garden care. An affordable alternative can be large rectangular planters made of PVC. The material construction of these planters means that they won’t warp or rot, and they are suitable for a wide range of climates.
Self-watering outdoor planters mean that you will spend less time maintaining your garden and more time enjoying it. You can also use these planters to create symmetry around entryways and lawn furniture.
3. Decorate the Front Porch
Most people tend to think of seasonal decorations when it comes to decorating porches and patios. This is great, but you can also add curb appeal by creating a year-long aesthetic which often involves little more than a few pieces of furniture.
Rocking chairs and swings are good choices for a porch. It also helps to add some fancy light fixtures. The key here is to be symmetrical when it comes to your design choices. Stick with pairs – two chairs, two plants, etc. A nice outdoor rug can be a good touch, too. Your porch area should clearly state that happiness dwells in your home. This touch of warmth psychologically alters the way individuals view your home’s exterior.
4. Maintain the Yard All Year Long
Lawn maintenance gets pushed to the back burner in the winter months. The problem with this is that some winter climates don’t totally stop the growth of grass or foliage. You should take an active approach to lawn maintenance year round.
Whether it’s mowing, weeding, or raking leaves, your yard needs attention. It is very likely the first thing people notice when they pass by. A beautiful home exterior can be invalidated with a poorly maintained yard. The best practice is to establish a routine and stick to it. Unlike the other tip on this list, keeping a yard requires more labor than money. Roll up your sleeves and get to it.
5. Custom Shutters to Beautify Windows
The exterior design has come a long way. Today there are many affordable exterior shutters for windows, and you don’t even have to be a pro to install them. At most, the job can be accomplished in a single afternoon. Options include a variety of styles, and the shutters can be painted to match the existing colors of your home.
Once again, PVC is the way to go. Custom shutters use a composite that is reinforced with stainless steel. These shutters are built to last for years. You can generally have the shutters made and ready for delivery within three to five business days. Just this one tip will make a huge difference in curb appeal.
6. Don’t Forget the Flower Window Boxes
For years homeowners have been using window flower boxes to make homes look nicer. The advantage of these boxes is that they are easy to maintain. You don’t need a green thumb to keep them looking great. For best results, choose a nice mix of flower varieties that include trailing plants.
You can order window boxes that are assembled before they arrive. All you need to attach them is a few basic tools. PVC window boxes can be painted in any color you desire, and PVC is much easier to manage than wood. A self-watering flower box will also cut your watering time by more than half.
All of these tips are ones you can use without spending a lot of money. All you really need is a willingness to improve your home’s curb appeal. Your neighbors might think you’ve begun an expensive remodeling project, and the results will reinforce that perception.
