Introduction
The saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” isn’t always a pretty one. A great counterexample to this would be in terms of the exterior appearance of the house. You can definitely put in the effort to make your home catch the eye of passers-by on the street, without breaking the bank. That is how.

1. Trim your bushes.

The first tip is the simplest and cheapest of all: clean up your garden. If half your house is covered in tall bushes and shabby trees, people probably won’t even think twice before looking at it. Besides, it is also inconvenient for you if you feel like you have to go through a jungle every time you go in and out of your house. So cleaning your lawn and making sure it’s well cared for can show off your home and how much you care for it.

2. Practice your green thumb.

Part of having a well-maintained lawn is making sure your trees and plants are healthy and thriving. So it’s also important to make sure there are no dead or dying plants in your front or backyard. Getting rid of these annoyances and practicing your green thumb is like hitting two birds with one stone; you are developing a relaxing hobby while also improving your garden.

3. Make a clear path.

Guide your guests to your humble abode by making sure your path is well defined and wide enough for at least two people to walk side by side. You can do this by reusing some old bricks, wooden planks or steps. There is a wide range of custom walkways to choose from, and most of them offer DIY alternatives so you can have fun while renovating your walkway. If you’re not really the practical type, there are many home improvement companies that offer materials like faux tile, wood steps, and tile-capped steps. Your creative choices coupled with your practicality should determine which option you would take.

4. Spice up your porch.

There are several ways you can add a little life to a drab-looking porch. One of the easiest ways? Add a touch of color to your door. Paint it a vibrant red or bright yellow if you like, but make sure the color doesn’t clash with the rest of your house. You can also add furniture like porch swings and outdoor tables to create a cozy lounging area. If you want to go one step further, you can even add (or change) deck railings to keep up with the latest trends and set your home apart from the rest.

5. Out with the old, in with the new.

To make sure your home doesn’t look outdated, replace any old hardware with new. These may include (but are of course not limited to) mailboxes, house numbers, door knockers, or lamps. But don’t just make sure they’re new. Small features on the outside of your home can add personality and style, so as well as ensuring functionality, make sure they also look good together.

6. Let out your inner architect.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to have a degree in architecture to carry out this tip. All you need to do is make sure there is symmetry with your front door. What does that mean exactly? For example, if you want to add a plant next to the front door, make sure there is a plant on both sides. The same goes for light equipment. Symmetrical views look organized and are aesthetically pleasing. They show that you have put a lot of thought into your home, and that is really something that impresses.

7. Add window boxes.

These things will not only add charm to your home, but also give you another chance to show off your personality. If you are a bit old school, choose copper iron for the material of your planters. On the other hand, if you are more of a soft and warm type, then use painted wood. Whatever you decide on, make sure it goes well with the flowers and lighting.

8. Get rid of old gutters.

In fact, the gutter system is a bit dated. If you have unconsciously neglected your gutters, then there is a good chance that you may have also overlooked some peeling paint or loose hinges. Replace your gutters with a copper system that can resist wear and tear and provide longevity.

9. Renew, renew, renew.

If a real estate agent’s mantra is “location, location, location,” then yours should be what’s written above. Refresh old paint jobs every few years to keep your house looking modern. Consideration should also be given to trim details, because they add an interesting touch to an exterior that would otherwise feel flat.

10. Add exterior shutters.

Having shutters for the exterior of your home is a great way to further energize your curb appeal and add color to your home. These can be vinyl or the more expensive cedar, but whichever material you choose, the important thing is that it fits two things: your budget and your desired aesthetic. Lastly, make sure your shutters go well with the style of your home; you don’t want to get caught calling and fouling.

11. Replace your threshold.

Your threshold has to withstand the natural elements as well as the footsteps of your guests as they approach. Surely sooner or later it will have to be replaced. No need to worry though, as it’s a pretty easy job that won’t put a dent in your wallet.

12. Install dormer windows.

If you have a sloped roof with nothing but old shingles, you may choose to add a dormer window while you’re already replacing those shingles. Dormer windows are great for bringing symmetry to your homes and, again, a touch of character.

13. Add siding.

Again, you can choose different materials for this exterior material which is meant to help shed some rainwater and protect your house from the other elements. You can choose vinyl or fiber cement. Whatever you choose, just be sure to install one, as it’s a key feature to your home’s aesthetics. And of course, always get help from professionals in this technical matter, like the best siding contractors in Plymouth, Michigan.

14. Add a pergola (arbor).

This landscape structure is sure to add that last push you’re looking for to turn your house into a home. With its versatility, you can make your home feel and look like a cabin or an island getaway; nothing can stop you from being creative with your tree.

15. Make use of the stone.

Applying stone cladding to the exterior of your home shows that you mean business. It not only protects your walls and surfaces, but also serves some decorative purposes.

conclusion

Those are some simple and cost-effective ways to make your home look like your dream home. All you need to remember is to consider your budget and personality. If you have those two things, then your house will surely be the star of your street. Congratulations on your home improvement achievement!