5 DIY Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Mary Jackson, Cook & James

Upgrade Your Mailbox

It doesn't matter if you have a regular mailbox by the road or if you have a box mounted to your house, adding a shiny new mailbox can add curb appeal to any home. You can find a new mailboxes and mailbox kits starting around $20 at most home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowes. When you install your mailbox, be sure to follow any regulations that are set forth in the city that you live in, or any rules or restrictions your HOA might have regarding mailboxes. If you have a simple mailbox mounted on your house, this home improvement project should take less than an hour to complete and will add charm to your home. If you have a full-size mailbox at the road, plan for at least two hours or so to complete the project.

Plant a Tree

Planting a tree is one of the most common ways to add curb appeal to your house. Before you plant a tree, consider how big the tree will get and how it will affect your house. Also consider care for the plant until it reaches maturity. If you do not have room for a tall tree, then you can opt for a new hedge or set of shrubs/bushes. If you have enough space, try planting two trees to frame your house or your entryway, this will make the home look put together and trimmed. You can go to any nursery such as Pike to find the perfect tree to complement your home.

Install Flower Boxes

If your house is lacking color, or has dull landscaping, try adding flower boxes or pots.  Install them on the front porch railings as well as below the windows. Window boxes are relatively cheap or you can DIY them in a simple Sunday afternoon. The flowers and soil may actually cost you more than the box, and remember, you have to maintain the flowers to actually add curb appeal, so choose plants that you can easily care for. Keep in mind sun, size, and blooming seasons. If you would rather not add flower boxes to your house, then consider buying some container gardens in pots and placing them on your front steps or porch. Large pots can frame your driveway and create a luxury feel to any home.

Replace Exterior Lighting

When buying new exterior light fixtures, consider the style of your home and the function the lights will serve. You want them to be able to adequately illuminate your entryway or driveway to make the area safe at night, you also want to create a sleek look, so stay away from outdated solar lamps or Christmas lights. If you already have light fixtures that need to be replaced for cosmetic reasons, look for fixtures that have the same mounting system as the current ones that you have to save yourself some time on the update. Exterior light fixtures can be found anywhere from $20 and up. Most home improvement stores carry fixtures and will instruct you on easy installment.

Go Bold With Paint

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a home, and a bold color choice will lift spirits and ensure your home isn't lost in a sea of cookie-cutter houses. If you do not want to paint your entire home, you can always paint your garage door or front door- any color is better than none. You can opt for red or blue if you want to keep your home neutral but add a fresh face.