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Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home’s Exterior Without a Full Remodel

The exterior of your home is your first (and lasting) impression on visitors and potential buyers. Homeowners mistakenly believe they have to break the bank to improve their home’s curb appeal. 


But you can refresh the look and feel of your home’s exterior without a full remodel. A few strategic and cost-effective updates are all it takes. 


In this article, we’ll look at some of the easiest ways to make your home look brand new without a major investment. 


Get a Color-Coded Facelift

Applying a new coat of paint is by far the simplest way to revitalize your home's exterior. A polished finish makes your home look clean and brand new, while adding a layer of protection to the exterior that safeguards your investment over time. 


And if you choose the right color, you can do more than increase its aesthetic value—you’ll boost the resale value too. According to Fixr’s latest report on paint and color trends, experts reveal the best color to paint your exterior is white. 


Upgrade Your Landscaping

Although technically it’s not part of your home’s exterior, your front yard is a valuable extension of the overall impression it gives. 


Think about how a haircut can change the look of someone’s face even though their face hasn’t changed at all. The same goes for your yard. 


Consider these quick and easy improvements:


  • Trim overgrown shrubs and trees to keep the appearance neat and tidy. 
  • Add seasonal blooms and drought-resistant plants for structured pops of color. 
  • Install solar lights along pathways and inside flowerbeds to accentuate features at night. 
  • Refresh the edges of garden beds for a clean and polished look. 


The market shows that well-maintained landscaping has a better return on investment than in-ground pools. According to a 2023 report by the National Association of Realtors, landscaping upgrades can recover 100-200% of the homeowner’s cost at resale. 


Revamp Exterior Trim

Your home’s trim plays a significant role in both face value and durability. A good quality trim will highlight unique architectural features and also frame your home beautifully. 


On the other hand, neglected or poor-quality trim can lead to costly repairs down the line. 

Common Problems with Window Trim

For many homeowners, their home’s exterior window trim only becomes a focal point once issues arise. These are some of the most common ones they face:


  • Moisture damage and decay When wood trim isn’t properly treated it absorbs dampness from the air and of course, wet weather as well. This leads to a horrendous compromise of the structure itself, aside from also being a major eyesore. 
  • Paint chipping or peeling Low-quality finishes expose the wood to weather that speeds up wear and tear. 
  • Cracking and warping Prolonged exposure to extreme weather can cause trim to warp away from your home’s structure. This creates gaps where cold, bugs, and moisture can get in. 
  • Infestation Termites and other pests are attracted to untreated wood, which can lead to much bigger structural issues. 


According to Belco Forest Products, your windows’ exterior trim should offer more than just curb appeal—it should be built to last. Investing in quality, well-treated wood trim ensures durability and greatly extends the lifespan of your home’s exterior. 


A trim that’s both naturally beautiful and structurally sound will do two things: enhance the appearance of your home and reduce the need for frequent maintenance. 


Refresh Your Entryway

Your front door and porch set the stage for your home’s winning first impression. This central point is either overlooked in its importance or horribly mismanaged. 


Homeowners who don’t care about the entryway to their home will show:


  • Front doors with peeling paint
  • Broken or outdated mailboxes
  • Unkempt porches


Those who pay attention to the entryway, but get it wrong will show:


  • Front doors that don’t suit the face of their home, painted in garish colors
  • Overcrowded and ill-planned porches
  • Outdated aesthetics


Research by Zillow shows black front doors earned homes a resale boost of over $6000. That’s reason enough to take this part of your home’s exterior seriously. 


  • Replace your front door if needed, or simply give it a fresh coat of paint to get it looking as good as new. 
  • Install new house numbers and a mailbox that matches your home’s updated new look. 
  • Add potted plants to your porch, with touches of seasonal decor when needed. 


Now you’re left with a beautiful home at a fraction of the cost. By simply focusing on these easy improvements, you’ll have a home that looks brand new and well-maintained—all without having to undergo a full-scale remodel. 


author

Chris Bates

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