Spring is the perfect time to give your home a curb appeal makeover. With the weather warming up and nature coming back to life, it’s a great opportunity to spruce up the exterior of your house. An attractive and welcoming curb appeal can increase your home’s value, impress visitors, and give you pride and satisfaction.

Here are 9 tips to refresh your curb appeal this spring:

1. Clean Up the Landscaping

After a long winter, your yard and gardens are likely looking tired and messy. Give them some TLC with these spring cleaning tips:

• Rake up any fallen leaves, sticks and debris. A tidy yard looks well-cared for.
• Prune back overgrown bushes, trees and shrubs. This allows greenery to regain its natural shape.
• Edge along walkways and flower beds for crisp, defined lines.
• Weed and mulch planting beds to smother weeds and control soil temperature.
• Remove dead annuals and perennials to make room for spring plantings.
• Fertilize the lawn to green it up and strengthen grass plants.
• Look for any signs of disease or damage on trees and shrubs and take corrective care.

Taking the time for spring landscaping clean up lets your greenery put its best foot forward.

2. Plant Colorful Flowers and Greenery

Nothing says “welcome” like a gorgeous display of blooming annuals and perennials. Some options to consider:

Annuals: Petunias, marigolds, zinnias, snapdragons, dianthus, impatiens, begonias, salvias

Perennials: Daylilies, irises, peonies, coneflowers, astilbe, coral bells, phlox, sedum, lamb’s ear

Flowering shrubs: Azaleas, rhododendrons, viburnum, forsythia, spirea, weigela

Edging plants: Ajuga, sweet alyssum, dichondra, creeping phlox, thyme, verbena

Develop a planting plan that incorporates clusters of color, height variances, and blooming times. Place taller plants towards the back and shorter ones up front for visual appeal. Repeat colors and plant groupings symmetrically on both sides of doorways and walkways for balance.

3. Give the Front Door a Facelift

Your front door sets the tone for the entire curb appeal. Consider these quick upgrades:

• Fresh coat of paint or stain in an on-trend hue
• New welcome mat for guests to wipe their feet
• Eye-catching door wreath suitable for spring
• Updated exterior lighting fixtures by the door
• New house numbers and mail slot cover
• Repaint or replace rusty metal railings
• Install new locksets and knockers
• Clean door and hardware to sparkling condition

With just a few enhancements, you can give your entryway elegance and charm.

4. Improve Driveway and Walkways

Over time, your home’s hardscapes can become stained, cracked and weathered. Here are some ideas for spiffing them up:

Asphalt driveway: Sealcoat and restripe with fresh lines. Repair any cracks or damaged sections.

Concrete driveway: Use a pressure washer to clean oil spots and grime. Fill cracks with caulk and consider applying a concrete stain in an updated color.

Brick driveway or walkway: Reset any loose bricks. Use a stiff brush and mild cleaner to remove moss or dirt from brickwork. Apply sand between bricks as needed.

Paver driveway or walkway: Adjust any uneven pavers. Sweep sand into joints between pavers to tidy their appearance. Clean debris with soap and water.

Gravel driveway: Rake gravel smooth and top off low spots with fresh stones. Clear out weeds and grass growing through.

Stone walkway: Pull weeds from joints. Hose down dirt and mud. Replace any cracked or missing stones.

Proper care and maintenance of your home’s hardscapes present a polished look.

5. Upgrade Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting can make a huge impact on your home’s nighttime curb appeal. Consider these updates:

• New, matching porch lights by the front door
• Accent lighting in trees and along pathways
• Stylish lampposts to illuminate the driveway
• Uplighting on architectural focal points
• Solar-powered spotlights to showcase the garden
• Motion-sensor security lights
• Timers to automatically control lighting at dusk and dawn

Modern LED outdoor lighting can be installed to highlight the best features of your home’s exterior.

6. Add Pretty Planters and Pots

Decorative planters and pots bring color, texture, and creativity to your home’s exterior spaces. Visit a nursery to select:

• Hanging baskets overflowing with blooms
• Window boxes with coordinated flower arrangements
• Tall urns planted with ornamental grasses
• Potted evergreens flanking the front door
• A big statement planter on the porch or driveway

Don’t forget to keep plants in containers well-watered. Daily watering may be needed in hot, dry weather.

7. Improve Decks, Patios and Porches

Outdoor living spaces expand your home’s livable footprint. Here are some DIY fixes to improve their form and function:

Decks: Repair loose boards and nails. Consider water sealants or deck stain. Add railings and lighting for safety/ambience.

Patios: Adjust settled pavers. Clean off stains/moss with a pressure washer. Add a cozy seating area.

Porches: Install new ceiling fans for warm weather enjoyment. Add a fresh coat of paint or stain. Decorate with planters, cushions and outdoor rugs.

Sealing, powerwashing and painting go a long way toward freshening up worn outdoor spaces.

8. Powerwash Siding and Clean Gutters

Grime and mildew can accumulate on your home’s exterior over the winter months. Tackle these spring cleaning tasks:

• Powerwash vinyl siding using a wide-angled nozzle. Start at the top and work your way down methodically.
• Use a pressure washer to clean cedar shingles, stucco walls and brick surfaces. Be careful not to damage materials.
• Wipe down windows and screens with a squeegee and mild cleaner.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts. Scoop out leaves and debris with a small trowel. Use a hose attachment to flush.
• Hose off exterior lighting fixtures. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.
• Touch up exterior paint on any areas that are cracked or peeling.

Thorough spring cleaning restores beauty to exterior surfaces. Schedule annual gutter cleanings to prevent future clogging issues.

9. Add Architectural Elements

Unique architectural accents express your personal style and give visual interest to the home exterior:

• Shutters: Mount shutter panels on windows. Opt for sizing that matches the window opening.
• Flower boxes: Attach charming wooden boxes under windows. Display vibrant blooms.
• Dormer windows: Cut into the roofline to add light. Include eyebrow, shed, or gable styles.
• Column wraps: Encase existing posts in stone, brick, or siding to match the home.
• ** shake siding:** Layer this rustic vertical siding over top older materials.
• Faux stonework: Adhere lightweight manufactured stone as accents.

Even small enhancements make a noticeable improvement in aesthetic appeal. Just be sure additions complement your home’s existing architecture.

Refresh Your Curb Appeal This Spring

A well-kept, welcoming exterior is the first impression your home presents to visitors and passersby. Follow these tips to give your curb appeal a top-to-bottom refresh before peak spring season.

With some sweat equity and strategic upgrades, you can present a picture-perfect version of your home to the neighborhood. Curb appeal projects are an investment that will reward you for years to come in increased home value and streetside elegance. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to spruce up your home’s exterior this spring!

Frequently Asked Questions About Refreshing Curb Appeal

Here are answers to some common questions about improving your home’s curb appeal:

How much does it cost to improve curb appeal?

The cost can range greatly, from a DIY project under $100 to professionally-installed improvements costing several thousand dollars. Simple upgrades like new welcome mats, potted plants and updated lighting fixtures can make a noticeable difference on a small budget. More extensive projects like new roofing, siding, stonework or paver driveways come with a higher price tag.

Where should I start when improving curb appeal?

Focus first on any repairs needed, like fixing cracks in the driveway, peeling paint or rotting wood. Next, tend to basic maintenance like powerwashing, weeding and gutter cleaning. After addressing fundamentals, move on to fun upgrades like trendy front door colors, stylish outdoor lighting and statement planters.

What small changes make the biggest visual impact?

Painting or staining your front door a bold, modern hue packs a big punch. So do refreshing faded exterior paint, adding colorful flower boxes under windows, and lining the driveway with solar path lights. These simple, inexpensive DIY updates get noticed.

How can I boost my home’s curb appeal without remodeling?

Landscaping upgrades like new mulch and flower plantings are an easy way to boost visual appeal. Pressure wash siding and concrete surfaces to restore their luster. Paint, repair and replace elements like shutters, railings, gutters and lighting fixtures to refresh without major overhauls.

Should I redo my entire landscape?

Not necessarily. Simple pruning and weeding to tidy up overgrown areas may be all that’s needed. You can refresh the look by dividing and relocating mature plants. Add pops of color with annuals and perennials planted in beds and containers. Major landscaping renovations are great but not mandatory.

What colors and materials boost curb appeal?

Earthy neutrals like warm grays, browns and greens have broad appeal. Accent with lively hues like yellow, blue and red in moderation. Natural stone, brick and wood elements lend organic texture. Wrought iron railings and lighting add elegance.

How often should I pressure wash my home’s exterior?

Plan to pressure wash vinyl siding and concrete surfaces about once a year. Cedar and brick may only need cleaning every 2-3 years. Always test pressure washers in an inconspicuous area first to prevent damage. Don’t use too much pressure.

When’s the best time of year to improve curb appeal?

Late spring and early summer when the weather is mild provide ideal conditions for exterior projects. But curb appeal upgrades can be made anytime. Just select plants, materials and improvements suitable for the season.

Conclusion

Giving your home an exterior refresh before peak spring season is one of the highest-return investments you can make. With some planning and elbow grease, you can transform the look with creative upgrades and maintenance. Concentrate first on repairing flaws and doing thorough cleaning. Then have fun adding colorful plants, stylish accents and eye-catching details.

Curb appeal projects are very rewarding. You’ll take pride in your home’s appearance and enjoy the reactions of passersby. With this spring makeover checklist as your guide, you’ll be ready to give your exterior spaces new life and beauty.