Budget-Friendly Exterior Improvement Ideas That Make a Big Impact
Ready to give your home’s exterior a facelift without emptying your wallet? You’re in the right place! From your entryway to your garden, small changes can make a huge difference in how your front yard looks and feels.
Whether you’re planning to sell and want to entice potential buyers or simply want to enjoy a more welcoming environment, these 11 budget-friendly exterior improvement ideas offer high-impact transformations that won’t break the bank.
Refreshing the Front Door
Adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door makes a huge difference and gives you lots of options to express your personality.
Choose paint colors which complement your siding, or go with something bright and contrasting! Stuck for color choices? Check out our ultimate guide to exterior home colors.
Upgrading your front entry doesn’t have to stop with new paint. New door hardware like handles, knockers, or even a trendy doorbell can add personality and flair. These are small changes that don’t require a huge investment.
Landscaping on a Budget
Adding perennial flowering plants is a surefire way to improve your lawn’s curb appeal. Perennials return year after year – eliminating the need for homeowners to purchase new plants every spring. Here are some low-maintenance perennials that are perfect for Columbia’s climate and offer multi-seasonal interest:
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
- Daylilies
- Lavender
- Sage (Salvia)
- Camellia
- Carolina Jessamine
Mulching Garden Beds
Mulch is a multi-purpose lawn upgrade: it makes your garden beds look well-manicured, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds. Pine straw is a local and budget-friendly mulching option that also adds a southern charm to your garden. Alternatively, you may be able to contact a local tree trimming company and see if they can drop off some mulch the next time they’re working in your area!
Installing Outdoor Lighting
Simple string lights or even solar-powered path lights can change the ambiance of your home’s exterior, making it inviting and cozy once the sun has set.
When hanging string lights, we recommend not relying on the wiring to suspend the lights. Instead, set up a tension line and hang the wires from that line. This will help your string lights last longer and take your home improvement game to the next level!
Want an even easier upgrade? Replace the standard light bulb in your exterior light fixture with an Edison-look LED bulb. These bulbs have the longevity of LEDs but recreate the look of old-fashioned filament bulbs.
Updating House Numbers
Sprucing up your house numbers is a small change that can make a surprisingly big difference. Whether you opt for sleek, modern digits or something more decorative and whimsical, new house numbers instantly update your home’s curb appeal.
If you’re the DIY type, consider getting creative by displaying the numbers on unique platforms like ceramic tiles, metal plates, or even integrated into a planter. This simple project not only lets your home make a great first impression but also helps visitors and delivery drivers find your home.
Power Washing Surfaces
Power washing is an exterior improvement game-changer that removes years of accumulated dirt, grime, and even mildew, bringing a newfound brightness to surfaces you may have forgotten were ever that clean.
Even if you don’t own a power washer, renting one for a weekend is an affordable way to accomplish a variety of tasks, giving you a lot of bang for your buck.
A word of warning: Do not attempt to pressure wash vinyl siding – as this is a great way to damage it! Already have cracked siding? We can help.
Adding Window Boxes or Containers
Plant colorful flowers or succulents in window boxes or decorative containers along front porch railings to add a pop of color and life to your home’s facade. You can even plant a mini-herb garden outside of your kitchen window. While basil is notoriously picky, scallions, sage, and thyme all are easy to grow and taste great.
Painting or Updating Shutters
Freshening up your home’s shutters can work wonders for your overall exterior aesthetic. Choosing the right color is crucial; go for hues that not only match your home’s primary exterior color but also add a bit of contrast to create visual interest.
But it’s not all about the color—maintenance plays a role, too. Regular cleaning and occasional repainting can make your shutters look brand new. Even if you opt for more durable materials like vinyl, giving them a good scrub now and then can help maintain their luster.
Updating the Mailbox
Revamping your mailbox can be a quick and easy project that adds a personal touch to your home’s exterior. Even better, it’s a fantastic opportunity to make it a fun family affair. Involve the kids in choosing a design, picking out stencils, or even doing a bit of the painting themselves.
Whether it’s a classic black-and-white look or something more whimsical like a sunflower or beach theme, the options are endless. Don’t forget to prep your mailbox properly by cleaning it and applying a primer; this ensures that your mailbox makeover will be long-lasting!
Refreshing the Porch
Your porch is the first space guests see up close, so making it inviting is key. Start with the basics: sweep away leaves, and remove any clutter. Next, consider the flooring. An outdoor rug adds a splash of color and warmth, turning your porch into an extension of your living space.
If you already have chairs or a bench, consider giving them a new life with a coat of paint or some weather-resistant cushions in fun patterns. For a cozy touch, add a small outdoor coffee table where you can place a lantern, a potted plant, your morning coffee, or a cold glass of sweet tea.
Building or Updating a Trellis
Adding a trellis to your garden is not only visually pleasing but is a cost-effective way to enhance your outdoor space. Trellises are generally affordable, and you can even make one yourself using budget-friendly materials like wood, bamboo, or metal mesh. The investment is minimal compared to the dramatic change it can bring to your garden’s aesthetics.
By adding vertical growing space, a trellis allows you to maximize the use of your existing garden area, saving you the expense of expanding flower beds or adding new planters. You can choose climbing plants that are easy on the wallet, such as sweet peas, morning glories, or even vegetables like cucumbers and pole beans. As these plants grow, they’ll cover the trellis, creating a lush, green focal point that adds depth and visual interest for far less money than most landscaping projects.
Curbside Appeal Doesn’t Need to Be Expensive
It’s clear that you don’t need a hefty budget to make noticeable improvements to your home’s exterior. From the simple act of power washing to bring out the hidden sparkle in your surfaces, to updating your mailbox as a delightful family project, these changes can make a world of difference.
Whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply want to be the envy of your neighbors, these budget-friendly exterior improvements are your ticket to boosting curb appeal without breaking the bank.