Excerpted from "The 25 Best Curb Appeal Ideas for Every Budget": by Julia Del Rosario for TheClose.com
From simple DIY projects to more significant investments requiring professional contractors, here are 25 curb appeal ideas and practical tips that suit every budget. These strategies will help you transform any property into a homebuyer’s dream home.
1. Repaint Doors & Windows
Estimated cost: $50-$100
Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
One of the most affordable curb appeal ideas is applying a fresh coat of paint to your front door, adding a pop of color that catches a passerby’s attention. Repainting the window frames can make them cleaner and newer, adding to a more polished exterior.
2. Create a Welcoming Entryway
- Estimated cost: $500
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Yes
A home’s entryway is one of the first things visitors see when approaching. To achieve a welcoming entryway, consider adding stone steps. Opt for limestone, bluestone, or granite, as they are durable and slip-resistant. Remember to complement the stone steps with outdoor lighting to ensure safety and highlight their beauty. Also, add potted plants to either side of the steps for some touch of color.
3. Upgrade House Numbers
- Estimated cost: $100
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
Did you know that new house numbers are an excellent and affordable way to boost home curb appeal? Buyers will look for them when trying to find the listing, and installing stylish house numbers shows that you pay attention to detail.
4. Get New Door Hardware
- Estimated cost: $80-$300
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
Replacing cheap door knockers or handles is another fun way to make a great first impression. Since the hardware is the focal point of most doors, upgrading it can instantly elevate the door’s appearance. You can go for gold door knockers if you have a modern home listing. But if you have a rustic property listing, opt for brass door handles or knockers.
5. Replace Outdoor Furniture
- Estimated cost: $300
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
Besides being a great home staging idea, upgrading your listing’s outdoor furniture can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your porch or front yard. To ensure longevity, opt for stylish, durable, and weather-resistant furniture. Choose coordinating cushions or mix-and-match furniture for a cohesive look.
6. Get a New Mailbox
- Estimated cost: $50-$200
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
Since they’re right out front and often feature the house number, mailboxes are an easy fix to help improve house curb appeal. You don’t have to replace the whole thing; you can replace the box instead of the entire post. Choose a stylish design that complements the house exterior. And while at it, consider repainting the post and planting flowers around it.
7. Add Flower Beds
- Estimated cost: $50-$250
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
How to increase curb appeal? Adding flower beds is an excellent way to introduce colors and greenery to your front yard. Well-maintained flower beds beautify your listing and create an inviting environment for potential clients. When you go plant shopping, opt for flowers and plants that can bloom throughout different seasons. Having flower beds in your property listings will make for wonderful real estate photos.
8. Use a Nice Doormat
- Estimated cost: $50-$150
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
An attractive doormat can instantly enhance the look of your listing’s entryway. It sets a positive tone for guests as they approach the home. Need some help choosing a doormat? Choose one with a cheerful design or a personalized message that reflects the homeowner’s personality and style.
9. Add Window Planters or Flower Boxes
- Estimated cost: $50-$150
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
Window planters are a simple and affordable way to add a pop of color and texture to the front of a home. They don’t always have to be filled with flowers. Depending on your local climate, you can plant ivy or succulents in window planters just as easily.
10. Plant Trees
- Estimated cost: $150-$300
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Yes
Not that this needs any explanation, but planting trees in your yard offers numerous benefits. Trees provide shade and improve air quality, creating a healthier environment and making outdoor spaces more enjoyable. Consider planting river birch or a flowering pear if you’re looking for fast-growing trees.
11. Light Up the Landscaping
- Estimated cost: $50-$500
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Maybe
Since potential buyers might tour the home at dusk or in the evening or do nighttime “drive-bys” of homes they’re considering, adding dramatic lighting to highlight the landscaping can greatly enhance landscape curb appeal. Choose from pathway, string, step, and accent lights to highlight the garden and other architectural features. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, opt for solar-powered lights to keep energy costs low. You can even mention the use of solar lights in your property listing descriptions!
12. Hang a Seasonal Wreath
- Estimated cost: $50
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
Here’s a favorite curb appeal ideas: hang seasonal wreaths throughout the year to make your property listing look inviting. Spring has sprung? Hang a colorful wreath that reflects the homeowner’s personality. Is it Halloween season? Bring out those spooky decorations. This small effort of putting up wreaths can make the property feel more welcoming, which appeals to visitors and potential buyers.
13. Install Outdoor Art
- Estimated cost: $20-$200
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: No
One of the best curb appeal ideas is installing outdoor art on your porch or front yard. For some great conversation starters, get art pieces that reflect your clients’ style, such as sculptures, metalwork, garden ornaments, or an outdoor mirror. Ensure the outdoor art pieces can withstand the changing weather conditions.
14. Upgrade Outdoor Light Fixtures
- Estimated cost: $150-$500
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Maybe
Another DIY trick to enhance curb appeal is to replace outdated light fixtures. Consistent updating of the property’s light fixtures ensures the home looks well-lit, safe, and inviting. Consider using energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption and provide long-lasting lighting.
15. Improve Fencing
- Estimated cost: $200-$800
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Maybe
Improving your property listing’s fencing can boost curb appeal and enhance security. If the fences only need new paint or stain, you can get paint cans and do it yourself. But if the fence needs replacing or upgrading, hiring a contractor is better. Choose fence materials that suit the property, such as wrought iron, horizontal metal panels, wood, or vinyl. Painting or staining will prolong the fence’s lifespan and keep it looking new.
16. Splurge on a Hanging Chair or Porch Swing
- Estimated cost: $300-$500
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Yes
If you’re open to slightly more expensive curb appeal ideas, installing a porch swing can instantly elevate the charm of your property listing, especially if you’re marketing a listing like a quaint wooden cottage or some craftsman bungalows. Hanging chairs or porch swings are cozy spots for relaxation, making the property feel more inviting even from afar.
17. Clean Up the Landscaping
- Estimated cost: 0-$250
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Maybe
Trimming overgrown hedges, bushes, and trees is a must to get top dollar for your listing. You can trim hedges independently, but since tree trimming can be dangerous, hire a professional to handle overgrown trees to ensure safety. A professional arborist has all the tools to achieve the best results, preventing damage to the property.
18. Add a Natural Stone Retaining Wall
- Estimated cost: $3,000+
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Yes
If you want to add old-world charm to the front of the home, a natural stone retaining wall is a great way to do it. They’re not cheap, but a natural stone retaining wall would be a classic choice if you want your listing to sell quickly. Natural stone retaining walls can create terraced gardens, emphasize property boundaries, and manage soil erosion.
19. Revamp the Porch
- Estimated cost: $1,000-$3,000
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Yes
Changing the porch flooring can refresh the look of your listing’s entryway. Since some porches may be exposed to weather elements, choosing durable and slip-resistant materials is essential. For a stable surface, consider flooring materials made of cedarwood, vinyl, plastic wood, ceramic tiles, brick, or natural stone. This porch flooring update will improve curb appeal.
20. Freshen Up the Walkway
- Estimated cost: $150
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Maybe
Another cost-effective way to improve your listing’s front yard curb appeal is to power wash the dirt and grime from your walkway. This simple cleaning method can brighten the appearance of your entry path, making it look as good as new. Pressure washing can extend your walkway’s life by removing mildew, mold, and other harmful substances that could eat away the concrete. Everybody loves a clean walkway!
21. Repaint the Home’s Exterior
- Estimated cost: $3,000+
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Yes
Repainting the property’s exterior gives it an updated look, significantly boosting its curb appeal and yielding a 55-150% return on investment. Aside from modernizing the exterior, high-quality paint can protect it from weather damage. You can paint it yourself, but hiring a contractor isn’t so bad and won’t cost too much.
22. Conceal Garbage Cans & A/C Units
- Estimated cost: $500
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Maybe
Hiding garbage bins and air conditioning units can greatly improve your listing’s exterior. You can use a trash enclosure, wooden planks, or lattice screens to keep garbage out of sight. If you’re feeling fancy, you can invest in privacy landscaping by adding tall shrubs or more decorative plants to blend these unsightly items into your yard.
23. Upgrade the Garage Door
- Estimated cost: $2,000
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Yes
Garage doors are a significant part of a home’s exterior. If your property listing’s garage doors look old and rusty, it’s time to upgrade! Choose garage doors that complement the home’s style. Should you get rustic wooden garage doors or modern steel ones? Did you know that garage doors sold today come with improved security features and better insulation?
24. Replace Outdated Siding
- Estimated cost: $1,500+
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Yes
If there are already cracks, holes, or rotten pieces of wood on your property listing’s siding, it’s time for a replacement. Replacing the siding can enhance the property’s curb appeal, insulation, and energy efficiency. Choose from various materials and colors, including fiber cement, vinyl, or wood. To ensure the best results, hire a professional for siding installation, especially if the job requires removing old siding and dealing with water damage or structural repairs.
25. Build an Arbor or Pergola
- Estimated cost: $1,500+
- Will you need to hire a contractor?: Yes
Here’s an excellent way to make a dramatic difference in the home’s curb appeal. Install an arbor or pergola to highlight an entryway. If you don’t know the difference between them, pergolas generally have flat tops, and arbors are rounded. Climbing plants, like wisteria, roses, honeysuckle, or jasmine, can grow over the structure, adding natural beauty and shade.
Bringing It All Together
Boosting your property listing’s value doesn’t have to cost too much. By incorporating any of the front yard curb appeal ideas I’ve listed above, you can enhance the attractiveness and marketability of a property.
