5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home's Exterior

by Ann Hayward 07/15/2024

Whether you are putting your house on the market or just need a new look, there are plenty of exterior renovation projects you can handle yourself. The best part is that most of them are budget-friendly and easy to DIY. Here are some of the most affordable DIY projects to renovate your home’s exterior:

Add a Path or Walkway

One way to transform the entire look of your yard is to add a path or walkway. While it’s easy to spend a lot of money on professional hardscaping, it’s just as easy to make one yourself on a budget. Make a pathway with regular mulch or gravel for a quick and low maintenance option that’s easy on your wallet.

Replace Your House Numbers

The numbers on your house might seem like a minor detail, but upgrading them can have a huge impact. There are countless options available for numbers, all in different styles and materials. Try changing up your old brass numbers for rustic iron. Exchange dated tile for modern options that are easier to read from far away. This project only needs a few basic tools and can be finished in a single afternoon.

Refresh Your Light Fixtures

Give the light fixtures on your porch or patio some attention. Even without completely replacing them, you can revitalize your fixtures with some careful cleaning. Use a broom or large brush to sweep away cobwebs and dust. You can also paint the fixtures to change their look without spending a fortune. Change out the lightbulbs for energy-saving LEDs for ongoing affordability.

Paint Your Door

Giving your front door a new coat of paint will enhance your curb appeal and add a fresh look. Opt either for bright and dramatic colors or a color that fits in with the trim and fixtures on your home. Contrast with the house’s paint color will make for an eye-catching change that only costs you a can of paint.

Spruce Up Your Yard

You can make a vast difference in your yard by spending some time on regular landscaping. This includes things like weeding, planting new bulbs or flowers, cleaning up the edges of the lawn and other simple DIY tasks. While seemingly insignificant on their own, doing these smaller projects will feel manageable. In the end, your hard work will combine to refresh the whole look of your front yard with no extra cost.

About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]