(BPT) – Your home’s curb appeal is a statement of the property’s style and overall personality. When you look at your house from the street, does the front feel warm and welcoming? If not, it’s time to boost curb appeal. A few simple updates can make a big impact without requiring a large financial or time investment.
Tidy and trim
Overgrown plants and messy walkways make a front yard look dated. Give your space a facelift by trimming shrubbery, pruning trees and raking leaves and other yard waste. In addition, pulling and treating weeds is important for keeping your lawn looking lush. Mulch is affordable and a few bags go a long way – spread on pathways, under plants and throughout landscaping for an instant update.
Fresh new color
It’s easy to add pizzazz to your home by painting the front door, shutters, garage door and trim in a new, colorful hue. Make sure to select a paint created specifically for exterior projects, like BEHR Marquee Exterior Paint & Primer. This advanced paint and primer combo is low VOC, 100 percent acrylic and repels rain in as little as 60 minutes after application. Plus, with incredible dirt, stain and fade resistance, it will stand up to all types of weather and your beautiful look will last the test of time. Now you and your family know your hard work today will be enjoyed for years to come. Advanced primer qualities means that BEHR Marquee Exterior Paint & Primer has great adhesion to exterior surfaces and can block exterior stains, which means less work in the long run.
Gorgeous greenery
A few strategic splashes of color add visual interest and character to entryways. The easiest and most affordable way to achieve this is by adding some potted flowering plants. For green thumbs, consider adding flowerbeds in landscaping around the driveway, sidewalk, walking paths and mailbox. Select affordable flowers from your local nursery that will bloom throughout the season. For questions about which plants are best for your region, contact your local gardening center.
Lovely lighting
Curb appeal shouldn’t disappear as the sun goes down – make sure your home impresses throughout the night with beautiful lighting. Solar lights are more affordable than ever and are an easy addition to walkways and driveway edges. Under-shrub lighting makes it easy to highlight landscape features at all hours. Finish with a few strings of garden lights on the front porch for a soft glow that illuminates for safety and style.
Driveway facelift
A dingy driveway doesn’t need an expensive replacement, and just a few strategic repairs can bring it back to life. For concrete driveways, rent a power sprayer to wash dirt and grime. Repair any cracks as necessary. For asphalt driveways, seal cracks and then spread blacktop sealer across the surface. This not only provides an appealing uniform black color, it also helps to maintain the driveway’s integrity, and therefore, your investment.
These five projects will transform your home’s exterior and boost curb appeal. Plus, because each can be done for less than $100, you’ll save while staying within budget. For more home improvement inspiration, visit www.behr.com.
