It may seem like just yesterday that the holidays were over, but time flies — and spring is just around the corner. It’s time to clear away the lingering traces of a Michigan winter from your home. Now is a perfect time of year to refresh your home’s exterior look and add those attractive, functional new features that will boost its curb appeal and help you fall in love with your home all over again.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated to make those little changes that will enhance your home’s curb appeal. Consider these 7 do-it-yourself approaches to sprucing up your home exterior just in time for the Michigan spring.
Refresh the Landscaping
After a harsh Michigan winter, it’s not surprising that your lawn, flowerbeds, trees, and hedges are looking ragged, thin, or otherwise in need of attention. Early spring is an ideal time to:
Plant colorful flowers. A mix of perennials and annuals adds beauty all through spring and summer.
Add decorative stonework to help flowerbeds stand out.
Shape bushes and hedges. Keeping these neat helps any home stand out well in a neighborhood.
Trim trees to remove dead branches. This keeps the trees looking good and lessens the likelihood of stray branches cluttering your lawn.
Plant sod to fill out thin areas of grass and give your home a lush, green look.
Remove any dead plants, dried leaves, and other debris.
Beautify the Front Entrance
Your front entrance, porch, and doorway are often the first features of your home that guests see. With a little creativity and artistry, these features can make your home pop from the curb and also create a warm, welcoming feel.
A stylish new door can be a great way to add color and personality to your home, as well as adding insulation to keep cool air in during the summer months.
Consider laying a new path to your door with fresh flagstone, which can help your lawn and entrance look tidy and inviting.
Fresh flowers in attractive planters add color and beauty, as well as helping your home look well-maintained.
Freshen Up Your Siding
The winter weather and spring rains can both create a buildup of dirt and debris on your home siding—dulling the color and making your home exterior look drab.
Rinse your siding. Be sure to use the proper technique for cleaning your siding to keep it functioning at its best. Usually, rinsing with a garden hose is sufficient.
Inspect your siding for nicks, cracks, mold, or other issues. Consult with a siding contractor for the best way to make needed repairs.
If appropriate, add a fresh coat of paint in a modern color. Paint is an easy DIY approach to enhancing a home’s appearance.
Spruce Up the Driveway
Another area that can make or break your home’s curb appeal is the driveway. A cracked, damaged, dirty, untidy driveway turns off guests and makes a home appear neglected.
Blow leaves and debris out of the driveway. Then, rinse the driveway with a hose to remove lingering dirt.
Patch cracks and seal the driveway. This has the dual purpose of beautifying your driveway and also improving its performance. And it’s often an easy DIY project.
Add pavers to both sides of the driveway to help it look polished.
Wash the Windows
Clean windows can literally help your home sparkle, because clean window glass reflects sunlight. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Be sure to clean both the interior and exterior of each window for the best results, inside and outside your home.
Newer window designs are usually simple to tilt inward for easy cleaning.
For older windows, rinse the exterior glass with a hose. Then wipe the surface with a mix of vinegar or soap and water.
Having a friend or family member hold the ladder while you clean windows is a great way to enhance safety while cleaning.
If the windows are outdated, consider installing replacement windows for a fresh, attractive look.
Install New Light Fixtures
Beautiful new light fixtures belong not just inside a home, but along a home’s exterior as well. Outdoor lighting features can serve many purposes that add both security and beauty to your home:
Landscape lighting — highlights special features such as an exquisite Japanese maple, or a small pond on your property
Pathway lighting — illuminates paths, driveways, and steps to make walking in the evening hours safer
Flood lights — brightens your home exterior, eliminating shadows and deterring thieves
Decorative porch lights and sconces — illuminates and adds a personal touch to your home
Ceiling fans — ceiling fans with lights are a decorative way to cool the air on a front porch or back deck
Add Welcoming Decor
A finishing touch that adds character, personality and beauty to your home exterior is the use of attractive décor.
Enhance the porch with a hanging bench or an outdoor couch with bright cushions that complement your house’s color.
Add planters, statuettes, table centerpieces and other small details in your favorite style.
Place an attractive, durable welcome mat in front of the door to add verve while keeping guests from tracking in dirt.
Add wall hangings and other outdoor art to your porch and deck.
Beautify Your Home Exterior for Long-Lasting Curb Appeal
Many of the home improvements mentioned here are simple do-it-yourself projects you can tackle on weekends. But there may be other projects that are better performed by a trusted home contractor—such as new door or window installations, siding repair, and adding a deck or porch. Our friendly, attentive, professional staff are here to help you plan and carry out home exterior improvements that make you proud of your home’s appearance. Contact us today to request a free consultation and quote on the home exterior project you’ve been dreaming of.
