Investing in the interior of a home is commonplace, but it is the exterior that is often neglected. Making a home's exterior look its best is just as important as what is going on inside. There are some small but impactful changes that can quickly improve your home's curb appeal and increase your home value while making an impactful first impression. These quick projects are just a few in a long list of upgrades that can boost the curb appeal of your home with just a few hours on a weekend.

The Process

Plan it Out

Before you make any exterior improvements, first assess the situation - note any home improvement projects you need to tackle. A fresh coat of paint is a good place to start. Choose a color palette that works well with your outdoor space.

Then take note of major problem areas, determine the average cost for important changes, and establish a budget. Taking the time to do this can go a long way in terms of staying focused and cutting down on unnecessary purchases.

For this particular facade, the finishes were very dated and the homeowners wanted a more modern look while keeping the improvements budget-friendly. Focusing on small things that could easily be changed was key to cost-effective home improvements.

Paint the Garage & Front Door

Repainting exterior entrances such as the garage and front door in a matching color only takes a few hours, and is a very affordable way to increase home value.
When choosing paint, be sure to select one that is made for outdoor use as well as the corect material type such as wood, metal, etc. Since both the garage door and front door on this home are metal, BEHR is a great option that fits the bill and can be color-matched to any paint color.

Tape off trim or anything that shouldn't be painted, and lay drop cloths under the area to make cleanup a breeze.

Use a warm water and a rag to clean the door well.

If adherence is a concern, lightly sand the door to help the paint stick, then use a brush on the paneled areas and a foam roller on the flat areas.
These homeowners jumped in quickly and painted both doors to match, which feels intentional and provided a great way to give the home a more cohesive look.

Add New Hardware

Updating doorknobs and other hardware such as a door knocker can give a home a custom look with little cost. This door knocker was a mere $14, and the install took less than 10 minutes. The brass knocker really pops against the fresh dark paint and adds a little something extra to greet guests.
A new doorknob can completely change the look of a door, so when choosing hardware be sure to consider the look the home will convey to guests and potential buyers.

Update Lighting

Outdoor lighting is the biggest way to display the style of the home. For example, adding traditional light fixtures instantly makes for an quick home upgrade. Be sure to consider a specific style when choosing the lighting for an exterior.
Since the homeowners wanted a modern farmhouse look for the exterior, choosing something with clean lines and a matte black finish gives a modern feel while still staying true to the home.

Add Greenery

Adding greenery gives that beautiful, multidimensional look that neighbors envy. Although using live plants is preferred, some situations call for faux. For years these homeowners kept two spiral junipers near the front entrance, but the junipers died due to the heat. Instead of replacing them every few years, they decided to give faux plants a try.
Placing this set of faux boxwood spheres in slender white pots with the new modern sconces was just the touch of class this home needed.

Add Window Shutters

Shutters can cost a small fortune, but the homeowners built two sets of gorgeous cedar shutters for a total of $87. For this DIY project be sure to measure from the top to the bottom of the window. This is the minimum height the boards will need to be. Get, 8' L x 4" W x 1" D unfinished cedar boards. Remember, the boards will need to be at least the height of the window plus additional length for the two 10ʺ horizontal pieces on each shutter. To make DIY shutters, follow these guidelines.
Tool List

• Saw
• Drill
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Drill
• Small drill bit
• Large drill bit
• Paint stir stick
• Speed square
• Old paintbrush
• Wood stain color (These homeowners used Minwax Early American.)
• Tack cloth
• Screws designed for exterior use
• Brad nails (16ʺ or 18ʺ), screws, or liquid nails

Assembly

• Measure, mark, and cut each board to the measured height of the window.
• Cut four 10ʺ pieces.
• Lay the boards out in groups of three.
• Place the stir stick between the boards, ensuring that there is a uniform gap between the boards.
• Measure and mark 10ʺ – 12ʺ from the top and 10ʺ – 12ʺ from the bottom, then lay one of the horizontal pieces in place.
• Use the brad nail, liquid nails, or screws and attach the horizontal piece to the boards below it. Repeat for the bottom piece.
• Start over with the steps above.
• Apply the stain with a paintbrush, wipe excess stain with a tack cloth, and allow it to dry approximately 1 hour. Waterproofing is recommended.

Attaching Shutters

• Lay the shutter flat and mark exactly where the screws will go on the board – two on the top and two on the bottom.
• Using those measurements, measure the screw placement on the exterior of your home, then mark where the screws will go.
• Using the small drill bit, drill holes into the exterior wall that has been marked. Repeat this step for all four screws.
• Using the small drill bit, drill holes all the way through the board.
• Place the larger bit in the same holes, but only drill about a quarter of the way down and stop, creating a pocket that will hide the screw.
• Secure to the exterior of the home, ensuring that the shutter is level before fully tightening.

This home stands as a perfect example of how the smallest of projects combined together can create big change to improve the exterior of your home. Stepping outside the home and sprucing up the exterior will always pay off.

Project Allen Designs is a Home Decor and DIY blog based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma This husband and wife DIY + Design team take you with them as they make their 2000's builder grade home their own.