A home with curb appeal speaks welcome to guests and passersby alike. There are many ways a homeowner can increase curb appeal on a budget.

Dress up the Porch

From potted flowers to a cute loveseat, adding decorative elements to your front entry increases your home’s curb appeal. Place outdoor pillows on a porch rocker and hang a basket of cascading flowers for instant interest.

Thrift stores can help you add decorative touches inexpensively. A wooden chair from a resale shop is easily brightened with paint for a pop of color. Set an old-fashioned enamel kettle planted with vibrant nasturtium on top of that chair and you have created an attractive setting for the front entrance.

Spruce up the Landscape

Shrubs, bushes and perennial flowers, when arranged in a pleasing layout around the foundation, add greatly to the house’s appeal. If you are handy with a shovel, garden centers offer great selections and helpful sales people who can guide you in picking the right varieties for your space. It helps to lay out your plants where you want them, still in their pots, and step back to the curb to survey the effect. Remember to plan for the full grown size of the plants when you place them in their new location.

Update Your Lighting

Replace tarnished, weathered or unattractive lighting fixtures on the house. Choose a style and finish that complements the features of your home. Don’t forget lighting in the yard. Landscape lighting comes in many styles and prices and makes an easy project that boosts curb appeal. Besides lighting pathways and entryways, consider adding individual spotlights that will highlight attractive features such as a specimen tree or the front doorway. When arranged well, lighting draws people toward your home.

Replace Old Windows

Few things will improve the appearance of a home as dramatically as updating old windows. Window specialists, like those at Fas Windows and Doors, can provide you with high quality, energy-efficient windows to replace your old ones. These will not only improve your home’s facade, they can lower your energy bills by preventing heat and air conditioning loss. Options range from a focal point window like a bay, to a set of sidelights beside the entry door, to a whole house update. Consider which styles and features will best enhance the curb appeal of your home. New windows beautify the home inside and out, while improving comfort and energy savings.

With some imagination and planning, there are inexpensive ways to increase curb appeal. Spend a few minutes at your curb envisioning different options that will work for your home and budget.