Improving a property is always more expensive than you first imagine. It’s hard to come up with accurate estimates for contractors and the materials you’ll need, and unforeseen costs can quickly mount up. But, it’s all part of owning a home, isn’t it? If you need to make some improvements to your property to improve its curb appeal but you’re concerned about how much it could cost you, here are some affordable ways to update your home’s exterior:
Tidy up your entryway: whether you have a simple front door or a slightly more elaborate set-up, like a porch or a wraparound, start by making it look as attractive as possible. Clean up your path or paving slabs, fix your fencing, and keep your front lawn looking nice and trim. This is the perfect opportunity to hang a new front door or, for something that’s a little more budget-friendly, simply give your door a fresh lick of paint.
Paint where possible: speaking of paint, freshening up your home’s exterior is a good idea. Of course, if your property is painted in its entirety then it won’t be a cheap fix (even if you’re doing the DIY work yourself), but you could just focus on painting the trims around your windows and doors. Consider painting the eaves of your room too, and while you’re up there, think about replacing your gutters: you probably haven’t noticed how badly they’re in need of fixing, clearing or replacing altogether!
Add a little charm: upgrading your home’s exterior doesn’t have to be limited to treating the bones of the house itself. Instead, you can do a lot to improve how it looks (and functions) with a few simple additions. For example, how about adding some boxed plants for a little color and texture? A well-placed bench could give you somewhere to enjoy a morning coffee, and some carefully-planned lighting could add a little wow factor once the sun has set. Perhaps you could even treat yourself to a firepit so that your backyard has a focal point to gather round? It’s the perfect addition if you like entertaining friends and neighbors, and prospective buyers are likely to picture themselves doing the same.
Tidy up the yard: pulling weeds, cutting the lawn, raking leaves… these kinds of tasks need undertaking regularly if you don’t want your yard to fall into disarray. A little regular maintenance will ensure you don’t have a big job on your hands but, if you need some help, call in a landscaper or gardener to assist with the hardest tasks.
And if you find yourself freed up because you’ve called on the professionals to help you? Use your time to wash your windows. It’s not the most exciting job, but all that gleaming glass will make a subtle (yet impressive) impact on the way passers-by perceive your property.
As you know, the exterior of your home deserves no less attention than your interior. In fact, it can add value to your property and really help to sell your home if you’re putting it on the market. Try these affordable updates and see if you notice an uplift in your home’s value.
