Weekend Curb Appeal Boosters: 10 Projects to Transform Your Home's Exterior

Overview

Before anyone steps inside, they've already formed an impression. According to the National Association of Realtors®, nearly half of all buying decisions—49 percent—are made from the street. Yet curb appeal is valuable even if your house isn't on the market. A house and yard that look attractive and well-kept offer a warm welcome to guests and provide a small mood boost each time you arrive home.

Tackle Maintenance Details

Begin by addressing the basics: cut the grass, shape the borders, and create clean edges along the driveway and paths. Strive for straight lines and crisp edges. Put down fresh mulch. Use a power washer on the siding, and scrub the soffits and eaves. Clean the windows, and buff any reflective surfaces until they shine.

Clean the Walks and Driveway

Give attention to the sidewalks, steps, and driveway—clean them and make repairs. After cleaning each surface, fix small holes and seal cracks. For a creative touch, you might outline a sidewalk or driveway with brick.

Arrange a Container Garden

Mix containers of different sizes, heights, shapes, and textures, then introduce bursts of color with flowering plants. Alternatively, choose soft, neutral hues for a calm arrangement. Make sure the containers harmonize with each other and with your home's exterior.

Install Window Boxes

Select window boxes that are the same width as the window or 6 to 12 inches wider, and pick a color that either matches or enhances the siding and trim. Mount them right below double-hung or sliding windows, or 6 to 8 inches beneath casement windows, leaving enough space for the window to open without harming the plants.

Add Trees or Planting Beds

A well-landscaped yard with mature trees can significantly increase a home's value, but there's another compelling reason to plant. The American Public Power Association notes that shading windows and walls can cut air conditioning costs by as much as 50 percent. Even small trees offer some shade, and now is an ideal time to start growing them.

Paint or Replace the Front Door

If your front door is solid, take off the hardware, sand it well, and brush on two coats of exterior enamel in a shade that either contrasts with or complements the siding. If not, consider a full replacement. "Remodeling" magazine's "2010-11 Cost vs. Value" report found that a new steel entry door returned more at resale than any other project—102.1 percent of its cost.

Hang Shutters

Adding shutters is one of the quickest weekend upgrades to change a home's appearance. Properly positioned shutters frame windows and introduce depth and color. For wood shutters, insert shims to leave at least a 3/8 inch gap between the shutter and the siding. This air space prevents moisture from getting trapped and damaging the wood.

Upgrade Exterior Lighting

Quality lighting adds warmth at night and makes your home stand out. Consider solar landscape lights along a path, uplighting a tree, or highlighting an architectural detail. You could also replace a recessed spot or small pendant with a striking chandelier. Whatever you choose, work safely by cutting the power and verifying it's off before touching any circuit wires.

Renew Home Hardware

Details make the difference, particularly with your home's hardware. Spend a weekend refreshing items such as the front door knocker, knob, and house numbers. Look for hardware that fits your home's architecture and color scheme. Pick classic pieces that will age gracefully, or at least develop a patina you find appealing.

Makeover Your Mailbox

Transform your mailbox from a purely functional object into a beautiful feature with a makeover. A new coat of paint, a fresh flag, and updated numbers can revitalize a frequently overlooked element of your home's curb appeal. Add flowers around the base of the mailbox post to bring a splash of color that makes your home even more inviting.