DIY Saturday #43 – 10 Tips to Better Curb Appeal (Video)

Entry #466, April 2, 2011

Happy DIY Saturday! Welcome to the first weekend in April and the front of your home has seen better days! The harsh winter has been rough on your lawn, plant beds, driveway and walkways, and it’s time to start thinking how you are going to improve your curb appeal. The good news? Your curb appeal is one of the easiest and least expensive upgrades you can make on your home. It actually requires more manual labor than “money” labor!

Great curb appeal is easier and cheaper than you think!

The beauty of improving your home’s curb appeal is once it is done, all you have to do is maintain it throughout the year with regular de-weeding, watering the lawn, and light maintenance. Today, we dedicate to ways to improve your outdoor home and show you 10 tips to better curb appeal that will instantly revive the exterior of your home.

Look at this video from DIY Network – Curb Appeal Upgrades:

These 10 curb appeal tips will help: Courtesy of  Tinman Inspections

1.) Tame planter beds and landscaping:

If your beds are overrun with weeds and unsightly growth, you’ll need to get them under control to give your home a well-manicured look. Prune, pull weeds and plant flowers to add color. Add a fresh layer of mulch and your yard will look as good as new.

2.) Replace old hardware:

It’s the little things that make a big difference. Update your dated or dingy house numbers, entry door lockset and overhead light fixture. Each of these elements can add style and interest to your home’s exterior, especially if you incorporate a great finish option like oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel.

Change out old door hardware

3.) Make over your mailbox:

Your mailbox should complement the style and color of your house. Restore your existing mailbox with a fresh coat of paint or stain that matches the trim, color and woodwork of your house.

4.) Illuminate your walkway:

Adding low-voltage solar lighting to your front walkway can have a big impact on your home’s curb appeal. It also provides added safety and security. If you don’t have a walkway, string accent lighting in the trees for a whimsical-looking effect.

Ensure your walkways are well lit

5.) Freshen up the front door:

The front entry is the focal point of your home’s curb appeal. To keep it looking free of abuse from the elements and use, clean off any dirty spots and remove any loose paint. If your door is beyond repair, install a new version that reflects the design of your house. Once you’re all set, be sure to add a piece of decorative flair, like a wreath or door knocker that showcases your personality to the outside world.

6.) Add shutters or accent trim:

Everything on the exterior of your home should be a reflection of what’s inside. To mirror the pulled-together appearance of your indoor rooms, install shutters and trim to provide an extra layer of interest on the exterior. Not only do shutters help control light and ventilation, but new materials such as PVC resins or polyurethane make them durable and low maintenance.

7.) Dress up the driveway:

If your driveway is cracked, stained or has weeds sprouting up from it, now may be time to show it some TLC. Upgrade it without completely starting over. Repair any cracks or stains and be sure to kill the weeds and then add some extra character by staining the concrete or affixing flagstone. For additional flair, add stone, bricks or pavers to the sides for a completely custom look.

Dress up your driveway

8.) Renew paint and trim:

Give your home an exterior facelift by adding a new coat of paint or stain. You’ll automatically update the look of your home by fixing any obvious defects, like loose paint, fading colors or cracks in your trim and fence. Be sure to use high-quality painting tools to get a professional-looking finish, like the Pro-Extra brush from Purdy. The extra length and thickness of the filaments on these paintbrushes provide superior paint-holding capacity and are specially designed for all exterior paints and stains.

9.)Replace gutters and downspouts:

If your gutters are loose and worn out, not only do they look neglected, but they’re also a danger to guests. To prevent any injuries, as well as improve the overall appearance, install a new, snap-fit gutter system that go together with a few tools for an easy and important upgrade.

10.) Upgrade railings:

Porch and stoop railings deteriorate over time and can become loose. If yours are past their prime, look for quality wood or metal replacements. Make sure the color, scale, design and details coordinate with the rest of your home’s main features.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas