Pressure Wash
Rent or borrow a pressure washer and hose down the stone or cement surfaces of the front walkway, driveway, patio or cinder block fencing. It is easier to do than you think and the results provide immediate gratification.
Use caution, however. Pressure washing, even at low volumes, has the potential to damage stained or painted wood surfaces, aged brick, electrical boxes, exterior light fixtures, air conditioners, window frames and screens and roof shingles
Keep It Clean!
Wash windows and wipe down ledges, remove cobwebs and dead plants, sweep the entrance, replace porch lights, refresh front porch furniture and decor. If you fly a flag, keep It in good condition.
Light It Up
Replace rusty or outdated porch lighting with something that sheds more light on your personal style.
Get a New Handle
Switch out the old front door handle and lockset with a new design. Or consider adding a door knocker, available in a wide and sometimes whimsical variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes. Like a new piece of jewelry, a door knocker hints at your personal style before anyone even opens the door.
Welcome Mat
Doormats do more than wipe the dirt off your shoes. Offered in a range of designs and materials, welcome mats are a quick and easy way to refresh the entry. Choose a mat that is the right size for your door. An 18-inch by 30-inch mat works for a single door, while a 22-inch by 36-inch mat has better proportions for a large or double-doored entry. Bonus point for layering a 2-foot by 3-foot flat weave cotton rug beneath the doormat for an additional pop of color, print, and style.
First-Class Mail
Upgrade the mailbox. If you currently have a metal box in good condition, consider spray-painting it a new color.
House Numbers
There are myriad fonts to choose from for your house numbers. If you have trouble deciding, walk through your neighborhood or drive around town to see what catches your eye. If your existing numbers just need a refresh, consider removing them and reviving their look with a coat of spray paint.
Landscaping
You don’t have to hire a professional landscaper to achieve a pretty front yard or garden, but you will have to do some research. Before spending money on new plants, type your zip code into the online USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Your zone determines which plants will thrive in your region, and which ones won’t. Also keep an eye on the yard to determine if the growing area offers full sun, partial sun or shade. Finally, keep natural resources in mind and choose drought-tolerant plants when possible. Mother Nature will thank you, and so will your water bill.
