How to Make the Exterior of Your House Look Better?

To make your house exterior look much better with simple changes like painting your front door, adding outdoor lighting, cleaning your home's surfaces, and improving your landscaping. These improvements can increase your home's value by up to 10% and make it sell 30% faster.

This guide will show you exactly how to transform your home's exterior with easy steps that work for any budget. You'll learn about quick fixes, medium-cost improvements, and bigger projects that make the biggest difference.

Quick And Easy Exterior Improvements

Clean Everything First

Start with the simplest step that costs almost nothing but makes a huge difference. A good cleaning can make your home look brand new.

Power wash these areas:

• Your home's siding or brick walls
• Driveways and walkways
• Decks and patios
• Fences and gates

Clean windows inside and out so they sparkle. Dirty windows make your whole house look tired. Remove cobwebs from light fixtures and doorways. Sweep leaves and debris from your entrance area.

Pro tip: You can rent a power washer for about $40 per day, or hire a service for $200-400 for most homes.

Paint Your Front Door

Your front door is the first thing people see, and painting it is one of the cheapest ways to make a big impact. Front door color, siding color, and siding material are among the top 10 most important curb appeal features, according to realtors.

Best front door colors:

• Classic red for traditional homes
• Navy blue for coastal or modern styles
• Hunter green for timeless appeal
• Bright yellow for a cheerful welcome
• Black for sophisticated luxury

Use high-gloss exterior paint for durability. It costs about $30-50 for paint and takes one weekend to complete. Semi-gloss acrylic latex exterior paint is ideal for steel, wood and fiberglass front doors and is recommended by both pros.

Add Some Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting makes your home look welcoming and safe. String lights are the most affordable and versatile type of outdoor lighting. They cost $80 to $300 per string and are easy to install DIY along pathways, trees, pergolas, and even decks.

Easy lighting options:

• String lights along your porch or trees
• Solar path lights for walkways
• A new porch light by your front door
• Spotlights to highlight trees or features

Solar lights need no wiring and cost $15-50 each. They charge during the day and light up at night automatically.

Medium-Cost Improvements That Make A Big Difference

Fix Up Your Landscaping

Good landscaping is like jewelry for your house. According to the Better Homes & Gardens 2024 Home Decor Report, the best ways to maximize curb appeal include a freshly landscaped garden (40%) boasting neatly trimmed plants and bush (25%).

Simple landscaping improvements:

• Trim overgrown bushes and trees
• Plant colorful flowers near your entrance
• Add mulch around trees and flower beds
• Edge your lawn for clean lines
• Remove weeds from flower beds

Create a welcoming entrance:

• Plant flowers in pots by your front door
• Add a new doormat
• Install window boxes with flowers
• Place a small bench or decorative items

Most landscaping improvements cost $200-800 and you can do many yourself over a few weekends.

Update Your Mailbox And House Numbers

These small details make a bigger impact than you might think. An old, rusty mailbox tells visitors your home isn't well cared for.

Mailbox improvements:

• Replace a damaged mailbox ($30-100)
• Paint an old mailbox to match your door
• Add decorative elements like stone or wood
• Make sure your address numbers are easy to read

Choose house numbers that are large enough to see from the street. Dark numbers on a light background (or light numbers on dark background) work best.

Paint Your Home's Trim And Shutters

If your house paint is in good shape but looks tired, painting just the trim and shutters can make it look fresh again.

Trim painting tips:

• Use a color that contrasts with your main house color
• White trim works with almost any house color
• Dark trim gives a modern look
• Consider the color of your roof when choosing trim colors

Professional trim painting costs $1,500-3,000 for most homes, but you can save money by doing it yourself.

Bigger Projects For Maximum Impact

Replace Your Garage Door

According to Zonda's 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the project with the highest average ROI on a national basis is replacement of the garage door (with an average 194% ROI), followed by replacement of the exterior door (188% ROI).

A new garage door can completely change how your house looks. Modern garage doors with windows or decorative panels look much better than plain old doors.

Garage door options:

• Steel doors with insulation ($800-1,500)
• Wood doors for traditional homes ($1,200-2,500)
• Modern aluminum and glass doors ($2,000-4,000)

Choose a style that matches your home's architecture. For example, carriage-style doors work well with traditional homes, while sleek modern doors suit contemporary houses.

Add A Front Porch Or Deck

I am big fan of front decks. When I'm looking at sprucing up a home, (that doesn't have a front attached garage) adding a front deck is the first place my mind goes.

A front porch makes your home look more welcoming and gives you extra outdoor living space.

Porch options:

• Small covered entrance ($2,000-5,000)
• Full-width front porch ($5,000-15,000)
• Wrap-around porch ($10,000-25,000)

Even a small covered area over your front steps makes a big difference. It protects visitors from weather and makes your entrance look more finished.

Upgrade Your Siding Or Add Stone Veneer

The installation of manufactured stone (153% ROI) is one of the top projects for return on investment.

Siding upgrade options:

• Vinyl siding ($5,000-12,000 for most homes)
• Fiber cement siding ($8,000-18,000)
• Stone or brick veneer ($10,000-25,000)
• Wood siding ($12,000-20,000)

You don't have to replace all your siding. Adding stone veneer to the bottom half of your house or around the entrance can make a dramatic difference for less money.

Budget-Friendly Improvements Anyone Can Do

Improve Your Driveway

Your driveway is a big part of what people see when they look at your house. If it's cracked or stained, it makes your whole house look run-down.

Driveway improvements:

• Pressure wash to remove stains
• Fill cracks with concrete crack filler
• Seal asphalt driveways every 2-3 years
• Add decorative edging with bricks or stones
• Consider decorative concrete staining

A clean, well-maintained driveway costs very little but makes a huge difference in how your house looks.

Add Window Boxes And Planters

Window boxes full of flowers make any house look charming. They're easy to install and don't cost much.

Window box ideas:

• Match the color to your shutters or trim
• Use colorful flowers that bloom all season
• Add trailing plants for a fuller look
• Consider herb gardens for kitchen windows

Large planters by your front door also make a welcoming entrance. Choose plants that will survive in your climate and don't need too much care.

Install New Outdoor Light Fixtures

Path lights cost $50 to $150 per installed fixture and have canopies that hide the bulb, aiming the light down and around the light fixture.

Updating your outdoor light fixtures is like changing the jewelry on your house. New fixtures that match your home's style make everything look more put-together.

Popular lighting styles:

• Lantern-style for traditional homes
• Modern geometric shapes for contemporary houses
• Vintage Edison bulb fixtures for farmhouse style
• Sleek LED strips for ultra-modern homes

Creating A Welcoming Entrance

Design Your Front Walkway

The path to your front door should be inviting and easy to follow. A straight, boring walkway doesn't create much interest.

Walkway improvements:

• Add curves instead of straight lines
• Use different materials like stone or brick
• Line the path with flowers or small lights
• Make sure it's wide enough for two people
• Keep it well-lit for safety

Materials for walkways:

• Concrete pavers ($8-15 per square foot)
• Natural stone ($15-30 per square foot)
• Brick ($10-20 per square foot)
• Gravel with edging ($3-8 per square foot)

Add Seasonal Decorations

Seasonal decorations show that someone cares about the house and keeps it looking fresh throughout the year.

Spring decorations:

• Colorful flowers in pots
• Fresh door wreaths
• Bright outdoor cushions
• Clean, bright colors

Summer decorations:

• Hanging baskets with flowers
• Outdoor furniture on porches
• Colorful outdoor rugs
• Fresh paint touch-ups

Fall decorations:

• Pumpkins and gourds
• Fall leaf wreaths
• Warm-colored flowers like mums
• Outdoor lighting for shorter days

Winter decorations:

• Evergreen arrangements
• Outdoor lighting displays
• Winter-hardy plants in containers
• Keep pathways clear and safe

Working With Your Home's Style

Traditional Homes

Traditional homes look best with classic improvements that don't fight with the original design.

Good choices for traditional homes:

• Neutral paint colors like white, cream, or light gray
• Classic front door colors like red, blue, or green
• Formal landscaping with trimmed shrubs
• Traditional light fixtures like lanterns
• Natural materials like stone and wood

Modern Homes

Modern homes can handle bolder choices and cleaner lines.

Good choices for modern homes:

• Bold front door colors like bright red or yellow
• Simple, geometric landscaping
• Sleek light fixtures
• Materials like steel, glass, and concrete
• Minimal decorations with clean lines

Ranch Homes

Ranch homes often look plain, but simple improvements can make them much more interesting.

Good choices for ranch homes:

• Add vertical elements like tall plants or light poles
• Use different materials to break up long walls
• Create separate "zones" in your landscaping
• Add a small front porch or covered entry
• Use lighting to highlight architectural features

Planning Your Exterior Improvements

Start With A Plan

Before you start buying materials, walk around your house and make a list of what needs work. Take photos so you can see what your house really looks like.

Questions to ask yourself:

• What's the first thing people notice when they see my house?
• What looks old or run-down?
• What would make the biggest difference for the least money?
• What matches my home's style?
• What can I do myself vs. what needs a professional?

Set Your Budget

According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, homes with improved curb appeal can sell for up to 10% more than similar homes without these enhancements.

Budget ranges for common improvements:

• Under $500: Paint, cleaning, small landscaping, lighting
• $500-2,000: Mailbox, shutters, window boxes, medium landscaping
• $2,000-5,000: Front door, small porch, professional landscaping
• $5,000-15,000: Garage door, large porch, siding repairs
• $15,000+: New siding, major landscaping, big additions

Remember that you don't have to do everything at once. Pick the improvements that will make the biggest difference first, then add more over time.

Do It Yourself Or Hire Help

Some improvements are easy to do yourself, while others need professional help.

Good DIY projects:

• Painting doors and trim
• Simple landscaping
• Installing outdoor lighting
• Pressure washing
• Small decorative improvements

Hire professionals for:

• Electrical work
• Major landscaping
• Roofing repairs
• Siding installation
• Structural changes

When you're moving to a new home, these improvements can help you sell your current house faster and for more money.

Maintaining Your Improvements

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Once you've improved your home's exterior, regular maintenance keeps it looking good.

Monthly tasks:

• Sweep walkways and porches
• Water plants and flowers
• Clean outdoor light fixtures
• Check for loose or damaged items

Seasonal tasks:

• Touch up paint as needed
• Trim plants and bushes
• Clean windows
• Check and repair outdoor lighting
• Prepare for weather changes

Annual tasks:

• Pressure wash house and driveway
• Inspect and repair siding
• Check roof for damage
• Service outdoor lighting systems
• Review and update landscaping

Protecting Your Investment

Your exterior improvements will last longer if you protect them from weather and wear.

Protection tips:

• Use high-quality paint that resists fading
• Choose plants that work well in your climate
• Install proper drainage around your foundation
• Keep gutters clean and working
• Fix small problems before they become big ones

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Overdoing It

More isn't always better when it comes to exterior improvements. Too many different colors, materials, or decorations can make your house look busy and confusing.

Keep it simple:

• Stick to 2-3 main colors
• Choose one main style and stick with it
• Don't mix too many different materials
• Let one feature be the star (like a bright front door)

Ignoring Your Home's Architecture

Improvements should work with your home's natural style, not fight against it.

Match your home's style:

• Traditional homes need classic improvements
• Modern homes can handle bold choices
• Don't add fancy details to simple homes
• Consider your home's age and original design

Forgetting About Maintenance

Choose improvements that you can realistically maintain. A beautiful flower garden that dies after one season doesn't help your home's appearance.

Choose low-maintenance options:

• Native plants that grow well in your area
• Materials that weather well
• Simple designs that don't need constant attention
• Quality products that last longer

Getting The Most Value From Your Improvements

Focus On High-Impact Areas

Some improvements make a bigger difference than others. Focus your time and money on the areas that people notice most.

Highest impact improvements:

• Front door and entrance area
• Landscaping visible from the street
• Driveway and walkways
• Outdoor lighting
• House numbers and mailbox

Consider Your Neighborhood

Your improvements should fit with your neighborhood. A house that's much fancier or much plainer than its neighbors can actually hurt your property value.

Neighborhood considerations:

• Look at what your neighbors have done
• Don't be the most expensive house on the block
• Match the general style of your area
• Consider property values in your neighborhood

If you're planning to move, these improvements can help your house sell faster. Professional local movers can help you relocate once your improved home sells.

Final Thoughts

Making your house exterior look better doesn't have to cost a fortune or take months to complete. Start with simple improvements like cleaning, painting your front door, and adding some outdoor lighting. These small changes can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels.

Remember that the best improvements work with your home's natural style and your budget. You don't need to do everything at once - pick one or two projects that will make the biggest impact and start there. With some planning and effort, you can transform your home's exterior and create a welcoming space that you'll be proud to come home to every day.

Whether you're getting ready to sell or just want to enjoy your home more, these improvements will boost your curb appeal and make your house the best-looking one on the block.