Budget-friendly ways to freshen up your home’s exterior
As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money. The average cost of a home renovation is difficult to gauge, as such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects such as a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones such as painting a room. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope is what drives the cost of a renovation project.
Though there might not be an “average cost” of a renovation project, homeowners can expect to spend thousands of dollars on projects that are not very small in scale. Navigating such an expense at a time when inflation remains high might be difficult for some homeowners looking to maintain the appearance of their home exteriors. However, there are many budget-friendly ways homeowners can tend to the exterior of their properties.
• Power washing: Power washing will not break the bank, but it can revive the look of a home. Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home, and a power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways and patios as well. Hardware chains such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s typically rent power washers, but homeowners who don’t want to do it themselves can hire a professional for a few hundred dollars, if not less. Power washing after winter can be a good idea, as the elements can take a toll on a home’s exterior. A good power washing before spring and summer entertaining season can give a home a fresh, clean look without breaking the bank.
• Furnished front porch: A furnished front porch can serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade their frontporch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at low cost.
• Window-box installation: Installing window-box planters is another cost-effective way to brighten up a home’s exterior. Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows on the front of their homes, then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens urge homeowners to take weight into consideration before buying window planters. Keep in mind that soil and developed plants can be heavy, so look for a sturdy box, as well as one that has drainage holes.
• Replace hardware: Another simple way to freshen up a stale exterior is to replace hardware. Door knobs, knockers, house numbers and even the mailbox can appear dated after a while. Replacing these items is inexpensive and quick but can have a profound impact on how the exterior of a home appears to residents and visitors.
Exterior renovations need not break the bank. Various simple and inexpensive tweaks can quickly revitalize the exterior of a home.