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Have you been thinking about giving your home a makeover, but you’re not sure where to start? We are going to be talking about 10 ways to update the outside of your home on a budget. Plus, since we are in the midst of spring, it is the perfect time to do so. It is important to keep the outside of your home looking fresh and new, as that is the first impression someone will have of your home.

1. Paint your Front Door
   1. As you drive up to a home, one of the first things that is noticed is the front door, which is why painting it can make such a large difference. It sets the initial tone for the rest of the exterior. A gallon of paint can range anywhere from $50-$70, and you want to pick a color that stands out but still coordinates with the home. 
2. Pressure Wash
   1. Sometimes it can be hard to tell how much dirt gets piled up on the driveway and exterior of a home until it is pressure washed. This can make a huge difference in making the home looked well-cared for, and it also brightens everything up. A pressure washer can be rented at your local hardware store ranging anywhere from $50-$100 a day. 
3. Add Landscaping
   1. Whether you want to add new flowers, plants, or bushes, adding this sort of landscaping can drastically change how the exterior of a home looks. This is one of the best ways to add curb appeal to a home. The options are limitless. You can add hanging plants, potted plants, a flower bed, etc. Make sure the colors coordinate with the exterior of your home as well as the front door color. Even adding new mulch can make a drastic difference as well. This task can take more time and upkeep than other ideas, but it is one of the most rewarding. Depending on the amount of landscaping you choose to do, it can increase your home value anywhere from 5-15%. 
4. Update your House Numbers
   1. This may sound like a small thing to do, but sometimes the small things can make the biggest difference. New house numbers can be purchased at any hardware store as well as online. They are easy to install and an inexpensive way to spruce up your home. 
5. Add Shutters
   1. Shutters are a great way to add texture and personality to the outside of a home. They are relatively easy to install; Youtube has great tutorial videos. When it comes to picking a shutter color, you should pick something that ties in with the home but also gives it dimension. For example, if you have a white house, maybe add wood or black shutters. They are all neutral colors, but it helps to add dimension to the exterior. 
6. Update Light FIxtures and Hardware
   1. This may also seem like a small thing to update, but it adds a new and modern touch to the exterior of a home. Over time, those light fixtures and hardware can become rusty. When it is time to replace, make sure and consider the style of your home because you want to stay consistent. So, whether you have a traditional or modern home, make sure to pick pieces that compliment that. 
7. Reseal the Driveway
   1. A driveway takes up a large amount of space that is usually in the front of the home, and they are driven on daily. Over the years of wear and tear, it can begin to reflect poorly on the outside of a home. A great way to add a fresh look to a home is to reseal the driveway with a coat of sealer. 
8. New Mailbox
   1. Most mailboxes sit close to the street, and they tend to be something at the back of our minds. However, they can make a huge difference in the initial first impression of a home. You can find a nice, inexpensive mailbox at the hardware store or online. Don’t forget to replace the post as well.
9. Add Window Boxes
   1. This is another great way to add dimension to your home with gorgeous flowers or greenery. They are relatively cheap and add a lot to a home. It is important to keep up with the watering to maintain the curb appeal that this brings. 
10. Plant Trees
    1. There’s nothing better than pulling up to a home and seeing the gorgeous, matured trees in the front yard. When deciding which types of trees to plant, try and pick fast-growing ones if you are just starting out. Make sure to water them often when they are first planted, and it is a good idea to fertilize them in the spring and fall. Once they grow, you will notice a decrease in your energy bill as well due to the shade the tree provides.  Planting a tree when you move into a home is a great way to not only add value and shade to your home, but it’s a sentimental thing to see how you’ve grown in your home.

While there are many ways to keep the outside of your home looking new, these are some of the most cost effective ways to do so. Also, these things will help bring value to your home which is important if you are ever thinking about selling. Whether you choose to do one update or all 10, it will make a positive impact on the first impression people have of your home.