Learning how to add curb appeal is important for most homeowners. Even more important is improving the exterior of your home on a budget. There are many things you can do to make your house look nice which do not require a large investment. If you are willing to put in a little work and think creatively about landscaping, your home can become an eye-catching part of the neighborhood.
Begin With Lawn Maintenance
A nice lawn is the foundation of curb appeal. The best part about this task it that it requires very little money. Your labor will be the primary investment. Mowing, weeding, trimming, and raking are things you can accomplish in a few afternoons. The result will be a well-manicured lawn that is easy to care for.
Staying on top of lawn maintenance is far easier than trying to catch up when your landscaping gets out of hand. Establish a routine and stick to it. Remember to also be proactive in the treatment of pests like fire ants. Again, a little effort now will prevent a lot of stress down the road.
Spruce Up Your Windows with Flower Boxes
Windows and doors are two areas of the home that immediately draw attention. Keeping these areas in good repair aids curb appeal, and it also helps to beautify the exterior of your home. One of the most elegant forms of enhancement is the addition of window flower boxes.
Window boxes are more affordable than you might think. They also come assembled and ready to install with just a few simple tools and fasteners. You don’t need to be a contractor to put these boxes up in a single day. Another great thing about window boxes today is that many varieties are made from durable PVC. It can be painted in any color you like, and it won’t warp or rot like a box made from wood.
Consider Custom Exterior Shutters
The perfect complement to your window boxes are custom exterior shutters. You can use shutters to create an old-world appeal that is both modest and attractive. Like window boxes, shutters are made from PVC and are very easy to install.
PVC composite shutters look like wood, and your provider can build and paint them to your precise specifications. Forever Shutters even have a lifetime guarantee, and that means you are getting maximum value for your home improvement dollar. Imagine being able to add an element of curb appeal that you will never have to replace. Keeping the shutters clean is easy, and there are multiple styles to choose from.
Don’t Neglect Mailboxes and House Numbers
Overlooked areas of curb appeal include mailboxes and house numbers. These items are among the first thing that people see when they pass by your home. Creating a nice mailbox in a brick enclosure isn’t hard to do, and buying replacement numbers for the front of your house is very affordable.
Try to match the aesthetic of your mailbox and house numbers with the overall style of your home. Making everything cohesive is a vital part of home design. You’ll also want to tend the grass around the mailbox, and don’t forget to keep it sprayed for pests. Your mail carrier will appreciate that.
Instant Landscaping with Outdoor Planters
Some homeowners just don’t have the time to maintain a garden or a large plant bed. Using PVC planters is one way you can simplify the process of adding flowers and shrubbery to your lawn. Many of these economical planters are also self-watering, so you don’t even have to spend a lot of time keeping the plants healthy.
A great thing about PVC planters is that you can put them anywhere. They can be used on porches and decks that receive a lot of sun, and they can also be placed alongside walkways. You can even use large rectangular planters to create flow in your yard. They can direct the eye to portions of your home that you want to feature.
Adding curb appeal is not always a costly project. You just have to be willing to make an effort and explore your artistic side. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and try to make the process fun for the whole family.
Matt Buquoi works at FlowerWindowBoxes.com, a company that offers premium-quality, no-rot flower window boxes and outdoor planters at affordable prices.
