As our short-lived winter comes to an end, you're probably getting ready to purchase new plants for your planter boxes and to replace the ones that didn't quite make it. We decided to compile a list of tips to help improve your home's curb appeal this
spring.
1. Pressure Wash
Rent a pressure washer from your local hardware store and get to work washing the oil and grime off your driveway. Don't forget to wash gutters, walkways, siding, and fences while you're at it! Regardless of what surface you're going to be washing, start
with the least powerful setting and work your way up if you need more force.
Pro tip: Use a degreaser on your driveway for any major oil stains.
2. Clean Windows
After you finish pressure washing, make sure you wipe down your windows with a glass cleaner. Check on your windows' screens as well and replace if necessary. You might even want to touch up the trip around the windows, too.
3. Landscaping
When planting a new tree, hedge, or plant, look for fast-growing plants. Planting a large, shady tree can help to reduce your utility bill. Don't forget to fertilize during the spring and summer!
If you live in an HOA or CDD governed community, be sure to check and make sure it's in your community's list of approved plants.
4. Add Window Boxes
If you don't have the budget to re-paint your home but you want to add some color, install window boxes on front porch railings and below prominent windows. Don't forget to keep up with your plant care! Look for long-lasting, native plants that thrive
in Northeast Florida's conditions, like these.
5. Refresh Your Front Door
One of the best and easiest ways to change the look and feel of your home is to re-paint your front door. If it's wood, you can sand and re-stain. Need recommendations for what color you should paint your door? Check out the top front door colors for 2022.
6. New Mailbox
Your mailbox can cost as much or as little as you'd like. Here are 19 unique mailbox designs to keep you inspired.
If you take this on, be sure to read up on the regulations you have to follow according to the United States Post Office.
7. Re-Paint
If you're ready to take on the task of re-painting your home, great! Be sure to coordinate colors appropriately. Limit your palette to two or three colors, keeping them similar in tone or various shades of the same color is an easy way to be sure your
colors work well together. If you want something a bit more daring, consider painting the front door a bold color and keep the rest of the house neutral.
Need inspiration? Here are 67 inviting home exterior color palettes.
8. New House Numbers
Head to your local hardware store and purchase new house numbers! They cost about $2 a piece and can give a major facelift to any house, especially in conjunction with any of our other tips. If you're looking for something more unique, consider purchasing
a customized plaque.
9. Update Light Fixtures
When picking out new porch lights, think about the architecture of your home, the light's functionality and brightness, and the mounting system of your new lights. They will be much easier to replace if you keep the same mounting system.
10. Define Walkways
Enhance sidewalks and walkways by lining them with rocks, a gate, landscape lighting, or planters. This can quickly turn boring concrete into something beautiful!
No matter your budget, there are tons of things you can do to up your home's curb appeal!
