12 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior

Try these low-cost, high-impact improvements to make your home look more tidy, beautiful, and welcoming. While some exterior home improvements can be pricey, lengthy projects, there are plenty of wow-worthy upgrades you can DIY without breaking the bank. Whether you hope to catch the eye of potential buyers, impress passersby with your style, or simply want to spruce things up for your own satisfaction, the easy, inexpensive ideas here should do the trick in no time!

Little things mean a lot!

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Home exterior ideas

If you’ve got a free weekend, you can start and finish a small home exterior project—and you’ll be surprised at how impactful a bit of paint, some new plants, or a pristine façade can be. Try one of these mini-improvements and you’re sure to be inspired to do more.

Paint the front door.

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Paint front door

First impressions are made at the front door, so a whole new hue will mean a lot. “I’ve had aesthetically bland listings and simply painting the front doors in bold colors made the homes more interesting and inviting,” says Jean Rosalia of Keller Williams Realty. A fresh coat on the front door will help enhance the exterior, but while you’re at it, jazz up the trim, shutters, porch rails, and patio too. “Not only will it increase your curb appeal, but it will also protect your investment,” Rosalia says.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Bring in a bench.

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Add porch bench

“If space allows, add a small, decorative bench near your front door,” suggests wellness design consultant Jamie Gold, “This will be a spot to rest packages while you reach for your keys and provide seating for anyone waiting for you to come home.” Benches are available in all types of designs and price points, so you’re sure to find one that complements the home’s style and colors.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Let there be nicer lighting.

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Add exterior lighting

Lighting will improve the ambiance of your home at night, but stylish new fixtures make things snazzier during the day. If your budget only allows you to get one or two, choose an area where it will get the most attention, such as beside your front door or on the on walkway to your home.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Illuminate the landscape.

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Add walkway lighting

You work hard in the garden so why not shine a light on your efforts? Solar-powered illumination is inexpensive and a snap to install—simply pop them into your garden beds where they’ll soak up the sun to light your plantings at night.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Upgrade the door mat.

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DIY door mat

Function and fashion combine in this humble outdoor accessory, so if yours has seen better days, replace it. “Look for a durable model that will keep dirt outside, hold up to the elements, and create an attractive welcome for household members and visitors alike,” suggests Gold. Or personalize a plain bristly doormat like Lia Griffith did with DIY stencil.

Photo: liagriffith.com

Reseal the driveway

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Seal driveway

Driveways take a daily beating—and yours looks worse for wear, it will reflect poorly on your home’s exterior. “A fresh coat of blacktop sealer will do wonders for a driveway’s appearance and make you feel like you’ve got a brand new surface,” says Rosalia. Pro Tip: For concrete driveways, remove any weeds and debris from small cracks, then fill with masonry crack filler.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Pressure wash for a pristine clean.

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Pressure wash walkways

Everything looks better after a bath! Fortunately, renting a pressure washer costs between $40 and $100 a day, and a DIYer can do the whole house in an afternoon. Be sure to tackle nearby pavement, too. “A good pressure washing will lighten and brighten the surfaces of sidewalks and your driveway,” says Rosalia. “Pressure washing old or stained fencing also makes a huge difference.”

Photo: istockphoto.com

Update the mailbox.

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New mailbox

Note to self: Do something about that shabby mailbox! Purchase a pretty one, and don’t forget to replace the post, too. Or DIY with any of the nifty ideas here, all using such salvaged materials as auto parts, computer housing, even an old wine barrel!

Photo: istockphoto.com

Renew your house numbers.

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New house numbers

House numbers add an architectural element to your home. Upgrade with something unique from crafty sites like Etsy to have them custom-made. Or tap your own creativity and install basic brass numbers, available at any home improvement store, onto a decorative piece of wood.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Pave the way.

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Install walkway

Made of all kinds of attractive hard materials, including cast concrete, clay tile, brick, and cut stone, pavers are the relatively inexpensive secret to an exterior transformation. You may not have the time or the budget to do an entire patio, but a small walkway is a doable project for most homeowners.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Mulch the flowerbeds.

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Mulch flowerbeds

You already know that plants help soften hard edges and bring a natural pop of color to your home’s exterior. Now go the extra mile by pulling the weeds and adding a new layer of mulch. “Fresh mulch in flowerbeds adds a tidy, cared-for look,” Rosalia says.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Count on containers.

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Container garden front porch

Adding containers with seasonal flowers is a fun way to bring bright color to your exterior, without having to commit to caring for a large flowerbed. Containers—which in themselves add a decorative element—are moveable, and you can swap out plants whenever the mood strikes. Check out these ideas to create your own cool planters, from old furniture, housewares, and more!

Photo: istockphoto.com

Don’t Miss!

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If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!


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By |2023-01-31T18:32:56+00:00January 24th, 2023|
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