Whether you're getting ready to sell your home or you just want it to look good enhancing your home's curb appeal is one of the ways to boost our home's value. The best thing about curb appeal is that you can enhance it without breaking the budget. Curb appeal can come cheap, here are five tips for an inexpensive makeover.
1. Add a layer of mulch. A fresh layer of mulch was mentioned the most as a cheap way to improve the look of your yard. Mulch will cover up a multitude of problem areas. But experts warn to avoid red mulch which can clash with flower gardens or other landscaping. When picking mulch keep in mind that the darker the color the better. Save more by getting it for free. Your local landfill probably offers free mulch as long as you will haul it away.
2. Focus on your front door. Updating your door's handle and deadbolt set with a modern-looking option is a great visual upgrade, and it can be a practical improvement, too. While you're at it, see if your doorbell, light fixtures and the door's kick plate could be replaced. Don't forget to glance up to check for cobwebs on the front porch.
3. Talk a walk. Walk to the end of your driveway and look at you house. Are there oils stains in the driveway? Is there mold on the mailbox? Grime on the front door? Is the siding green with algae? You can often clean these types of things with cleaners you can find at the hardware store. Rent or borrow a pressure washer and thoroughly clean your home's exterior. You can use the pressure washer to clean your siding, foundation, patio, walkways, driveways, stairs, decks and porch. Take a bucket and scrub brush to your front door, mailbox and any other areas that need gentler cleaning.
4. Add a color to your home's palette. If your home's paint job is decent but a little boring, see if you can add a second accent color to the window casements, shutters and/or front door.
5. Mow, trim, prune and weed. A manicured lawn and weeded garden beds shows you care and take pride in your home. A little thinning of the trees and shrubs will open up the house and make the good areas more visible. There is nothing worse than a house that looks overgrown. Avoid putting too much garden art in the front yard, instead use colorful flowers to add accent. If you have to have your little gnomes you can save them for the backyard.
