Budget-Friendly Exterior Improvements to Boost Home Aesthetics

Want to make your home look beautiful without spending a lot of money?

The good news is that exterior home design and improvement don’t have to be expensive. In fact, many of the most impactful upgrades can be completed on a budget. Even better…

They can also add real value to your property.

According to one study, homes with better curb appeal are likely to sell for 7% more than other homes in the same neighbourhood.

Nice, right?

Okay, so without further ado, let’s get into it.

Inside This Guide

• Why Exterior Improvements Matter More Than You Think
• Budget-Friendly Upgrades That Pack a Punch
• Small Details That Make a Big Difference
• How to Prioritise Your Projects

Why Exterior Improvements Matter More Than You Think

The first thing I want to share with you is a very interesting statistic…

You’ll be shocked to know that…

The 2024 Cost vs. Value Report found that 9 out of the top 10 projects with the highest ROI were exterior improvement projects. And that’s no coincidence. Exterior projects consistently deliver better results than more expensive interior renovations when it comes to return on investment.

Here’s why…

Remember, your home’s exterior is the first thing people see when they look at your property. It sets the tone for the rest of the house. If the outside of your home looks like it hasn’t been taken care of, the inside of your home must be that way too, right?

The good news is that improving your exterior home design and improvement doesn’t have to involve hiring expensive contractors or taking out a home equity loan.

Budget-Friendly Upgrades That Pack a Punch

Okay, let’s talk about the upgrades that actually matter.

Refresh Your Front Door

Your front door is the focal point of your home’s facade. A new coat of paint goes a long way to transforming your entryway from drab to fab. Black and charcoal doors are especially in vogue at the moment and can make a world of difference.

If your door is damaged, beat up or looks outdated, replacing it can also be worth the effort and expense. Steel entry doors have one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project.

Update Your Entryway Details

Details count and add up fast. You can upgrade your entryway with a sleek address plaque from Modern House Numbers and instantly modernise the outside of your home. These little details might seem like they’re not important, but they send a clear signal to everyone that you care about your home.

Other entryway details to add or update include new house numbers, a modern mailbox, fresh outdoor lighting, and updated door hardware.

These small touches work in unison to create a polished look that lifts the entire front of your home.

Boost Your Landscaping

Landscaping is one of the most overlooked exterior improvements. A mowed lawn, trimmed bushes, and colourful flower beds can work wonders for any property.

Bonus: much of this landscaping work is DIY and can be completed over a weekend.

Focus on these landscaping basics:

• Keep your lawn mowed and edges trimmed
• Pull weeds and dead plants
• Add fresh mulch to garden beds
• Plant seasonal flowers for a pop of colour
• Trim overgrown shrubs and trees

These small improvements go a long way in changing how people perceive your home.

Power Wash Everything

Mud, dirt, grime, and mildew are things that nobody wants to look at. A good power wash can make your home look years younger without costing much money.

Hit these key areas: driveways, walkways, siding, fences, and any outdoor furniture you own. You can rent a power washer at most hardware stores if you don’t own one.

Small Details That Make a Big Difference

One of the things that most homeowners miss is…

The little things matter more than you might realise. Exterior home design and improvement isn’t just about the big projects. It’s also about creating a consistent look that tells visitors and passers-by that your home is well cared for.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a double win. Good lighting improves safety, and it also makes your home look beautiful after the sun goes down. Solar-powered path lights are very affordable and easy to install yourself.

Add lighting to walkways, around your front door, and highlighting key landscaping features.

Window Treatments

Dirty windows and damaged screens say neglect loud and clear. Wipe your windows on the inside and the outside. Replace any torn or damaged screens. If your shutters are peeling or faded, a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference.

Hardware and Fixtures

What do your exterior door handles, house numbers, porch lights and mailbox look like? Do they match? Do they look dated?

Updating these fixtures to a consistent finish (matte black or brushed nickel are very popular right now) creates a uniform look that makes your home appear intentional and modern.

How to Prioritise Your Projects

Not everyone has the time or money for a full house exterior makeover. That’s completely fine. In fact, it’s smart. The key is to know where to begin.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Start with maintenance. Repair or replace anything that is broken or looks like it has been neglected. Peeling paint, cracked walkways and overgrown landscaping should be the first priority.

Move on to high impact/low cost upgrades. Painting your front door, updating hardware, adding some plants and making a thorough cleaning are the next steps.

Then think about making bigger investments. Once the foundation is taken care of, consider projects like new lighting fixtures, manufactured stone veneer or replacing the door.

The goal isn’t to do everything in one day. It’s to make gradual improvements that accumulate over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few things can ruin your exterior home design and improvement efforts.

Do not go over the top with bold colours or designs that don’t fit with your neighbourhood. Trendy doesn’t mean everyone will like it. Stick to classic when in doubt.

Do not let up on maintenance after making improvements. A brand new door surrounded by dead plants is a mixed message at best.

Do not forget about the sides and back of your home. While the front gets all the glory, it doesn’t look great to have a well-tended front with a messy back and sides.

Wrapping Things Up

Exterior home design and improvement is one of the smartest investments any homeowner can make. The statistics above prove that. Exterior upgrades consistently generate the highest returns.

Plus, it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Begin with the basics. Maintenance and simple updates are key. Build some momentum with small wins before moving on to larger projects.

To quickly recap, the best exterior home design and improvement include:

• Cleaning everything (power wash is your friend)
• Updating your front door and entryway details
• Boosting your landscaping with basic maintenance
• Adding consistent hardware and lighting
• Focusing on creating a cohesive well-maintained look

Your home’s exterior is its first impression. Make it a good one.

These budget-friendly improvements can dramatically change how your property looks and feels without breaking the bank.

So… what are you waiting for?

The perfect time to start is… now.

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