Homeowners are in a bit of a bind right now. Maintaining our homes is a crucial step we can all take to protect our most significant investment, and a form of self-care in stressful times, allowing us to take pride in where we spend our time. Yet, the economy has never seemed more fragile. For many of us, putting costly projects on hold right now is wise.
Thankfully, there are simple, low-cost steps we can take to improve the appearance of our homes without spending much. A little sweat and some very manageable spending can go a long way in protecting a home’s value, and give us a new sense of affection toward the place where, for the time being, we’re spending virtually all of our time.
Here are five simple, cheap projects that will get you out in the spring sun, boost your home’s curb appeal, and
increase the value of your most important possession.
Clean Your Home’s Siding
We all understand how much a simple washing can renew something. But when was the last time you washed your house?
Vinyl siding accumulates dirt, grime, pollen, spider webs, bird droppings, and many other small slights that, over time, give your home a worn look. Replacing it is, of course, the most extreme option to renew the look of your home. Painting your siding is a lesser step, but still a major commitment of cash, whether in fees to a painting contractor or supplies to do the job yourself.
Often, though, neither step is necessary. A simple cleaning can make your siding look new, be done in a single day, and cost as little as several hours. Renting a pressure washer makes the job easier, but since most of us have more time on our hands this spring than we’re accustomed to, the job can also be done with equipment you most likely have a home. The Vinyl Siding Institute recommends simple long-handled, soft-bristle brush, and solution of 30% white vinegar and 70% water. To prevent streaks, work from the bottom up. If you notice any cracks or damaged areas, you may need to consider repairing or even replacing the siding.
Paint Your Shutters and Trim
A full-home paint job can be a lovely home improvement, but it’s possible to renew the look of your home with a much lower investment of time and money…by painting the shutters and trim.
Depending on the design aesthetic of your neighborhood, you may want to renew the classic colors that were on your home the day you bought it, or choose a bold statement color that makes your house stand out. Just a single can of paint is often enough to refresh the look of a home when applied to the shutters and trim.
Update a Statement Window
Everyone knows that replacement windows dramatically enhance a home’s appearance and bring down heating and cooling bills. But in an uncertain economy, not everyone is in a position to consider replacing their windows.
Thankfully, there’s a less-expensive option that still remakes a home’s look – replacing one window with something dramatic. Whatever the style of your current windows, our designers can create a custom replacement that adds a striking design element to your home.
Schedule a free estimate today, and we’ll give you a quote that’s good for 60 days while you think it over.
Resurface Your Driveway
Aging, cracked asphalt or concrete ages a house quickly. So does a rock driveway that has faded and grown through with grass. Either problem is quickly solved.
Resurfacing asphalt or concrete is a sweat-heavy job, but a good workout, and takes just a single day, most of it devoted to drying time. Refreshing a stone drive can be as simple a matter as weeding, and buying a few bags of matching stone from a local home improvement store to rake through the old stuff.
Plant Flowers
Spring is the perfect time to update your home’s look with flowers. Whether refreshing existing beds with new plantings, or carving new spaces for greenery, a single trip to a garden center can give you a new perspective on your home – and reduce the amount of lawn you have to mow.
We’re particular fans of a small bed around the mailbox, which both adds a pop of color to your lawn and forever eliminates the need to get out the weedwhacker to buzz the base of the post every time you mow.
