Introduction
The saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is not always pleasant. A great counterexample to this would be in terms of the exterior appearance of the home. You can definitely make the effort to make your home a point of attraction for passersby on the street, without breaking the bank. That is how.
1. Prune your bushes.
The first tip is the simplest and cheapest of all: clean up your garden. If half your house is covered in tall shrubbery and shabby trees, then people probably won’t even think twice about looking at it. Besides, it is also inconvenient for you if you feel like you have to go through a jungle every time you go in and out of your house. So cleaning your lawn and making sure it is well cared for can show your home and how well you care for it.
2. Practice your green thumb.
Part of having a well-groomed lawn is making sure your trees and plants are healthy and thriving. Therefore, it is also important to ensure that there are no dead or dying plants in your front or back yard. Getting rid of these annoyances and practicing your green thumb is like hitting two birds with one stone; you are developing a relaxing hobby while improving your garden.
3. Make a clear path.
Bring your guests into your humble abode by making sure your walkway is well defined and wide enough for at least two people to walk side by side. You can do this by reusing some old bricks, wooden planks, or steps. There are a wide range of custom catwalks to choose from, and most of them offer DIY alternatives so you can have fun while renovating your catwalk. If you’re not really the practical type, there are plenty of home improvement companies that offer materials like faux tile, wood steps, and tile-floored steps. Your creative choices along with your practicality should determine which option you would make.
4. Spice up your porch.
There are a number of ways you can add some life to a drab-looking porch. One of the easiest ways? Add a splash of color to your door. Paint it a vibrant red or bright yellow if you like, but make sure the color doesn’t conflict with the color of the rest of your house. You can also add furniture like porch swings and outdoor tables to create a cozy seating area. If you want to go a step further, you could even add (or change) deck railings to keep up with the latest trends and differentiate your home from the rest.
5. Out with the old, in with the new.
To make sure your home doesn’t look dated, replace any old hardware with new. These may include (but are of course not limited to) mailboxes, house numbers, door knockers, or light fixtures. But don’t just make sure they are new. Small features on the exterior of your home can add personality and style, so in addition to ensuring functionality, make sure they also look good together.
6. Let your inner architect out.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to have an architecture degree to get this tip. All you need to do is make sure there is symmetry with the front door. What does that mean exactly? For example, if you want to add a plant to the side of the front door, make sure there is a plant on both sides. The same goes for light equipment. Symmetrical views look organized and aesthetically pleasing. They show that you’ve given your home a lot of thought, and that’s really something to be impressed with.
7. Add planters.
These things will not only add charm to your home, but also give you another chance to show your personality. If you’re a bit old school, choose copper iron for your planter material. On the other hand, if you prefer the soft and warm type, use painted wood. Whatever you decide, make sure it goes well with the flowers and lighting.
8. Get rid of old gutters.
In fact, the gutter system is a bit outdated. If you’ve unconsciously neglected your gutters, then there’s a good chance you’ve also missed some chipping paint or loose hinges. Replace your gutters with a copper system that can resist wear and tear and give you longevity.
9. Renew, renew, renew.
If a real estate agent’s mantra is “location, location, location,” then yours should be the one written above. Refresh old paint jobs every few years to keep your home looking modern. Trim details should also be given importance as it adds an interesting shine to an otherwise flat exterior.
10. Add exterior shutters.
Having shutters for the exterior of your home is a great way to further energize your curb appeal and add color to your home. These can be made of vinyl or the more expensive cedar, but whatever material you choose, the important thing is that it fits two things: your budget and your desired aesthetic. Lastly, make sure your shutters blend in well with the style of your home; you don’t want to be caught playing games and disappearing.
11. Replace your threshold.
Your threshold has to withstand the natural elements, as well as the footsteps of your guests when they approach. Sooner or later it will surely have to be replaced. Don’t worry though, as it’s a fairly easy job that won’t hurt your wallet much.
12. Install dormer windows.
If you have a sloped roof with nothing but old shingles, then you can choose to add a dormer window while you’re already replacing those shingles. Dormer windows are great for bringing symmetry to your homes and, again, a touch of personality.
13. Add liner.
Again, you can choose different materials for this exterior material that is meant to help remove some of the rainwater and protect your home from the other elements. You can opt for vinyl or fiber cement. Whatever you choose, just be sure to install one as it is a key aesthetic feature of your home. And of course, always get the help of professionals on this technical matter just like the best siding contractors in Plymouth Michigan.
14. Add a pergola (gazebo).
This landscape structure is sure to add that last bit of oomph you are looking for in turning your house into a home. With its versatility, you can make your home feel and look like a cabin or island getaway; nothing can stop you from being creative with your gazebo.
15. Use stone.
Applying stone siding to the exterior of your home shows that you mean business. It not only protects your walls and surfaces, but it also serves some decorative purposes.
Conclution
Those are some simple, cost-effective ways to make your home look like your dream home. All you need to remember is to consider your budget and personality. If you have those two things, then your house is sure to be the star of your street. Congratulations on your home improvement achievement!
