There are dozens of quick, low-cost home improvements that you can do to your home to dramatically increase the curb appeal. Adding curb appeal to your home not only makes it easier to sell, it creates a beautiful, finished look that you can be proud of.
When deciding what home improvements to make to increase the curb appeal of your home, you should consider your budget, and the amount of time that you can put into the project(s). It is also important to consider what your home currently looks like and what upgrade would compliment the visual appearance of your house.
Paint the front door, shutters, or trim of your house
Exterior house paint runs approximately $25 per gallon, so it is very possible to paint the front door, shutters, trim, and even the garage door for $100 or less, unless you have a very large house. Painting your house can create interest, and brightness, while revitalizing the overall look of your home. Selecting a bright color will make your house pop, but make sure that the colors you choose match both the style and other colors of the house. This home improvement project will take you several hours, depending on the amount of the house that you choose to paint, so you should make sure to allot at least one full day for painting.
Replace old faded house numbers
If you have old, faded house numbers, it is quick and inexpensive to replace the old number with sparkly new ones. The look will suite your house best if you match the style and finish of the numbers with your exterior light fixtures. This will create a coordinated, and finished appearance. Individual number run about $2 at the local hardware store, or you can look into replacing the plain numbers with a customized plaque. The plaques typically run between $50 and $100.
Plant a tree in the front yard
Planting a tree is one of the most basic ways to add curb appeal to your home. Before planting a tree, you need to consider how large the tree will get, and the size of your yard. You do not want to plant a tree that will grow to 50 plus feet tall only a few feet from the house, as it poses a risk to the foundation, as well as the roof. If you have the space, it is also a great idea to plant two trees to frame out the walk way to the front door. Trees can be purchased for as little as $25, and take only a few minutes to plant. Flowering trees can add not only color, but also fragrance for people entering your home.
Put in an upgraded mailbox
It does not matter whether your mailbox is mounted to your house, or the standard mailbox on a post next to the road, adding a new, upgraded mailbox will make your home look upgraded. New mailboxes can be purchased for $10 to $100. Make sure that you follow the regulations set forth by your community when installing your mailbox. If you have a simple mailbox attached to the wall of your house, it should take less than an hour to replace the old mailbox with a new, upgraded model. For installing a full-size mailbox at the street, you should allot at least two hours for this home improvement project.
Replace old outdoor light fixtures
When purchasing new outdoor light fixtures to improve the curb appeal of your home, it is important consider not only the style of the fixtures, but also the function. You want the light fixtures to provide adequate light to the entry way of your home, making it safer. It is also wise to use lights that have the same type of mounting system as the lights that you are replacing. This will save you a considerable amount of time on this improvement project. Outdoor light fixtures typically start at about $20 and increase from there.
Add color with flower boxes
If your house is lacking curb appeal and color, add some flower boxes to the outside of your house. Install the flower boxes on the front porch railings, or in the windows. Flower boxes run about $25, but you will also have to purchase flowers and potting soil. The flowers will also need to be maintained for this project to improve the curb appeal of your house. If you prefer to not add flower boxes to the outside of your house, the color and warmth that comes with plants can be achieved with plants in containers. The potted plants can be place on the porch, down the stairs, or wherever they look nice.
