When it comes to updating the exterior, many homeowners balk due to a lack of funds and time. The good news? There are actually plenty of quick, easy curb appeal projects you can complete in just one weekend, whether selling your house or just aiming to make a better first impression.

Check out these five quick and easy curb appeal projects, get (moderately) busy and fall in love with your home all over again!

1. Clean up the exterior

Has winter wreaked havoc on your home? Snow, ice and winter winds can cause cracks, brittleness and other damage, all while dirtying up the property. Luckily, you can probably refresh siding, steps and pathways pretty easily. And when it comes to curb appeal projects, cleaning up is a must.

Take an hour to pull out the power washer or garden hose to make a profound impact in very little time. Double-check that you have the right detergent for your material, stand approximately six feet from the surface and begin cleaning on the lowest possible pressure setting with slow, smooth strokes. You can dial the pressure up if needed, but you don’t want to overdo it at the outset. If you’re cleaning your siding, diligently work from top to bottom, so that drips and streaks don’t interfere with the portions you’ve already cleaned. Then, rinse from the top down. You might consider investing in an extension wand or telescoping wand if you have multiple stories or many hard-to-reach places.

While you’re at it, also consider replacing faulty pavers and quickly patching up the driveway. Cracks, chips and uneven surfaces are both unsafe and unsightly. Depending on the material of the driveway, you can get pothole repair or asphalt patch from the local hardware store and install it fairly easily. Just find a matching product and follow the package’s directions to pack cracks and fill holes. If your issue is with a loose or broken paver, simply use a screwdriver to pry it out of place. Then, re-level the surface below, replace it with a matching one, and reseal with joint sand.

2. Revamp your front door

For a colorful improvement, you can transform an average front door into a focal point with just a fresh coat of paint. While neutrals are universally appealing, a bold color is sure to make the biggest splash. Research and follow directions for repainting your door based on material and, for best results, choose a day that isn’t too hot, cold or humid. After taking the door off its hinges, remember to remove all hardware, sand the surface, fill any holes or chips, and begin with a high-quality primer. Then, use a wide brush to paint the edges, bevels, and corners. Follow up by painting the flat faces of the door with a small roller, to prevent streaking. Let the paint dry completely before flipping it over to paint the other side. Finally, finish it up with an appropriate sealer, so it can stand up to next winter’s weather. 

To complete the look, consider investing in coordinated hardware on the lockset, mailbox and address numbers. Homeowners rarely consider how these metallic accents may have aged, but after years of weather-related wear and tear, they’re probably not looking their best. Plus, a shiny, new door knocker could make quite the first impression. Modern hardware comes in materials of all kinds, from brass to copper and everything in between, so simply choose your favorite finish and start shopping!

3. Install shutters

Decorative shutters can quickly add both color and depth and come in a variety of styles and materials. Installation is simple, especially if you’ve already got a drill in your toolbox, as exterior shutters simply screw into the siding. Before you begin the project, thoroughly research styles, materials and prices, as there’s significant variation. If you have windows in unique sizes or shapes, you may need to explore custom shutters for best results. You might also want to look into any HOA or community rules, requirements or approval processes for making changes to the exterior of your home.

Once you’ve found and picked up the shutters you’d like to install, properly position them on the first window. The bottom rail will generally be wider than the top, and there should be a small gap between the shutter and trim, to allow for weather-related expansion and contraction. Then, drill your mounting and pilot holes, and screw the shutters into the wall. Repeat on the other windows. 

When you’re done, step back and admire your handiwork! That’s a lot of style for minimal effort.

4. Install outdoor lighting

Properly planned and installed lighting increases safety, drama, and interest. Plus, whether wall sconce, in-ground or motion sensor, a little light ensures each charming feature is visible even after dark.

Step outside after sundown to determine where your yard could use a little illumination. In general, pathways, entryways and any focal points should receive lighting, but homeowners should work on a case-by-case basis. Make note of each opportunity and begin brainstorming fixtures. In general, floodlights work best to “flood” the intended area with light and are a solid choice for driveways, patios or paths. Spotlights are ideal for aiming at statues, water features or other interesting outdoor items. Step lights will help you make your way up and down stairs, while garden lights illuminate your greenery. Of course, string lights shouldn’t be overlooked for creating ambiance. Regardless of space, determining your needs and choosing light fixtures accordingly can quickly and easily add flare.

As a pro tip, don’t discount sustainable options either, such as solar-powered or LED. Environmentally-friendly options are available in nearly all light types.

5. Plant some flowers

Strategically placed flowers are one of the quickest and easiest ways to seriously boost curb appeal.

Begin by understanding your unique garden. Analyze the amount of sun, soil type and plant hardiness zone for best results. You may also want to consider whether you’d prefer perennials, which regrow every spring, or annuals, which die off after one season. Many gardeners opt for a combination of both, but perennials tend to be less maintenance overall, as they live longer (and annuls need to be replaced each year). In the same vein, they may also give you the most value for your money!

Develop a layout that will best display your property. You might want to consider color, layout, height and variety to really help your property bloom. Then, once you’ve decided on potential types of plants, it’s time to shop for specifics. Collect some seeds, saplings and shrubs, and plan a landscaping day. Spend some time in the sun to brighten up the exterior quickly and easily.

Curb appeal projects make all the difference

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression! It doesn’t require a massive budget or all your free time, either. Just block off next weekend, roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Published on September 27, 2019

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