Making improvements to your home can get expensive. There are so many areas of the home and so many different ways to fix it up.

That does not, however, have to be the case when it comes to your home’s curb appeal.

There are several small and inexpensive improvements that you can make to your home that will increase its curb appeal. These small changes can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home. Whether you just want your home to look more inviting or if you’re taking the first steps to selling a house, here are just a few suggestions to help you get started.

How to affordably improve your home’s curb appeal

  1. Paint the front door

Exterior paint typically costs around $35 per gallon. Your front door can be brightened up and redesigned. Choose a bold, stand-out color but keep it in harmony with the other colors in your home. You will get outstanding results that last for years if you properly prepare all surfaces.

  1. Coordinate colors

A few gallons of paint can make a big difference in curb appeal. Your home will look better if you use a consistent color scheme. You can coordinate the architectural elements of your home, such as shutters, shutters and trim, railings, posts, garage doors, and railings with paint or stain. Your palette should be limited to just two or three colors. Too many colors can make the house look cluttered. You don’t have to match them all. You can choose one trim color and then use a lighter or darker color for the second. A common method is to match the main trim color and siding, then add an accent color like the one pictured above.

  1. Landscaping

Ask any real estate agent for tips on preparing for a real estate showing and they will tell you that landscaping is the first thing potential buyers will notice. A lawn that is well maintained with established trees, shrubs, and plants will increase curb appeal. You can start small by planting a few fast-growing trees. Remember to water them every year and fertilize them in spring and autumn. Trees will not only improve curb appeal but also help you reduce your utility bills, increase air quality, and reduce stress.

pressure wash the front of your home

  1. Pressure wash

To make your home look new and clean, give it a good polish and spit-shine. This is the first thing you should do when you are selling your home. You can rent a pressure washer to clean your driveway, walkways, and fences. To remove oil stains from driveways, you might need to use a degreaser. To ensure that you don’t damage any surface, you should use the lowest setting and the nozzle.

  1. Display house numbers

You can either buy new numbers or make your own display if your house numbers don’t look chic enough. Matching your exterior lighting fixtures with your new numbers is a nice touch if your house numbers are on the house itself. You can get simple house numbers starting at $2 per number or custom plaques for $50-100.

  1. Add window shutters

To add some symmetry and personality to your exterior, consider adding shutters to your home. Shutters should be at the same height as window trim. The shutters do not have to be functional. They should have a width of 25-50% of your window’s width unless you have a very large picture window. Prices for new vinyl shutters start at $40 per pair. You may also be able to find shutters made from real wood at architectural salvage shops. However, you will need to paint them or refinish them to match the color scheme of your home. How do you install shutters? Use French-cleats. You can then easily remove them to clean them.

  1. Replacing the mailbox

If your mailbox is old or shabby, you might consider replacing it. A new mailbox costs as little as $20 and a nice one will be around $100. Make sure to follow the United States Post Office regulations when installing your mailbox.

Update your lighting for better curb appeal

  1. Make sure to update your lighting

Consider the style and function of your exterior lighting fixtures when shopping for new ones. They should be able to illuminate your entranceway well and keep it safe. You will save time and money by looking for fixtures with the same mounting system. You can find exterior light fixtures starting at $25. If you are looking for vintage lighting that matches the style and age of your home, check out salvage shops.

  1. Refresh the garage door

Garages can often take up large portions of the front façade of a house, so make sure they are attractive. A few small updates such as pressure washing, new paint, faux hardware, and window coloring can make a big difference. Hardware kits, faux hinges, nail heads, and latches for metal or wood garage doors cost around $40. They come in many styles and can be ordered in different colors to enhance the look of your door. You can even get faux garage door windows if your door doesn’t have any.

  1. Create a welcoming seating area

A few benches or chairs can make your yard feel more welcoming and inviting. It’s a great way to inject personality and color into your curb appeal. You can find a wide range of bright colors and plastic lawn chairs that are affordable. You can also bring an old piece of indoor furniture outside and make it new again. Just make sure to spray it with weatherproof varnish or fabric waterproofing.