Boost your home’s curb appeal.

This article originally appeared on Thumbtack and is syndicated by Cheapism.

If you’re spending more time at home, you might be realizing it’s in need of more than a few repairs. Perhaps there’s a leaky pipe in the bathroom that needs to be fixed or your tile floors need a professional cleaning.

But as you’re scrutinizing your home’s interior, don’t forget about an area that also deserves your attention: the exterior. 

From your lawn to your siding, click through to see how you can easily boost your home’s curb appeal.




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1. Paint your front door.

Your front door influences people’s first impression of your home. Without doing any major overhaul, you can spruce it up and improve your entire home’s visual appeal.

Before you dive into this project, explore paint options. You can do this from the comfort of your home. In fact, many paint companies offer online tools that allow you to virtually “paint” your home. This is a great way to zero in on a few color options without stepping foot in a store.




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2. Trim your trees and shrubs.

If your home’s yard contains trees and shrubs, now is the perfect time to trim excess branches and foliage. Not only does trimming help with your home’s curb appeal, but it also makes your property safer. Large, hanging branches can be a serious hazard to your home. 

Trimming your shrubbery and trees is best handled by a pro. This is particularly true if you’re cutting down large branches, which can be extremely dangerous.




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3. Pressure wash your siding, driveway or patio.

Pressure washing your siding, driveway or patio is another great way to clean your home’s exterior. Pressure washing helps remove layers of dirt and grime. The end result? An exterior that looks shiny and new.




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4. Mow your lawn and remove leaves.

Another great home exterior project: cleaning up your yard, starting with your lawn. Remove old leaves and fallen twigs, and trim the grass to boost your curb appeal.

If spending hours cleaning up your yard is not your favorite way to spend the weekend, contact a lawn cutting professional. Check with local companies to see if they offer one-time services or consider scheduling ongoing yard maintenance.

Related: 7 summer lawn care tips for a healthy, green lawn.




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5. Install new outdoor lighting.

Similar to trimming back your trees, installing new outdoor lighting can improve your curb appeal and provide more safety. Consider installing lights near the steps in your front yard to prevent trips and falls. Or, put up some string lights above your patio or deck in the backyard so you can host an outdoor dinner.




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6. Clean your gutters.

You can quickly liven up your home’s exterior by scheduling a professional gutter cleaning. Clean gutters not only look better, they also ensure that your home is better protected during a storm. When your gutters are full of debris, they cannot properly direct water away from your home, causing damage to your siding and landscaping.

Related: What are the most popular types of gutter guards?




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7. Plant a small garden or a few trees.

Your home’s exterior is more than just the structure of the house. In fact, a lot of your home’s curb appeal is created throughout the rest of the property. Spruce up your landscaping by adding a small garden or planting a few trees.

Talk to a local nursery about the best types of flowers, trees and native plants to add to your yard. Many landscaping businesses also provide planting services, including the careful placement of new trees on your property. 




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8. Build an outdoor oasis.

Add value to your property by totally revamping your landscaping. The following are all great ways to improve your home’s overall appearance — and provide an outdoor oasis:

  • Add a pond or water feature
  • Install misting systems
  • Build an outdoor fireplace
  • Add artificial turf 
  • Build a gazebo
  • Utilize hardscapes (rocks, paver patios, etc.) 

To get started, look up the cost of various landscaping features.




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9. Install a new fence or gate.

Fences offer more privacy, improved safety for kids and pets — and a bit of style and character to your home.

Begin by browsing the different fencing styles and materials. From chain-link to white picket fences, you have many choices. Find a fence that complements your home’s exterior.




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10. Fix the cracks in your driveway.

An exterior project that is often overlooked is driveway repair. Concrete driveways are prone to cracks and divots. Repair your driveway to improve your property’s appearance and reduce the risk of tripping over hard-to-see bumps.




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11. Add a deck, patio or porch.

Elevate your outdoor space by installing a new deck, patio or porch that can be used for entertaining, dining and family bonding. Decide which type of materials (wood, concrete, brick, etc.) would complement your home’s exterior. Then, discuss your vision with a professional contractor and get some cost estimates.

Related: 20 home projects with the best ROI




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