Affordable Ideas to Improve Your Home's Outdoors

by Jamie Squillare

There's nothing better for making a good first impression, when visitors come to your home, than sprucing up the outside area. You could be tidying up after a long winter or completely over-hauling the whole outdoors. The outlay will depend on what you want to achieve but there are some affordable options that'll make a big difference to the overall appearance of your home.

Cleaning Supplies for Spring Cleaning

SPRING CLEAN OUTSIDE AS WELL AS IN

Winter weather takes its toll on the exterior of your home. Rain, snow and wind makes the brickwork or painted surfaces look drab and uninviting. Wash down any paintwork and you may not be forced to repaint. Brush cobwebs and dust from your brickwork to restore their colour, while also checking for any damage. Unsightly stains can be removed with the careful use of a pressure washer. Wipe away any visible dirt especially on surfaces that your visitors will come close to such as doorways and windows. Bring a shine to your home's exterior by cleaning the windows. Traffic grime and rain stains dull their appearance and remove their sparkle. And don't forget to look up at the roof and guttering. Debris builds up over the winter months and if not cleared could lead to a blockage and result in damage. Replace or repair any broken or misplaced tiles to keep the inside protected from rainwater.

Cut The Grass

CUT THE GRASS

A badly cut or unkempt lawn is like a bad hair cut, but putting it right is cheap and simple. Dust off the lawn mower and get cutting. Clean up pathways and walkways, removing all the weeds as you go. As an added bonus freshly cut grass has a heady aroma that passers by will notice, reminding them of summer and home. If you're trying to sell your house it'll show any potential buyers that you really care.

Back Yard Panorama

BRING ON THE COLOUR

Brighten up your landscape with colourful and attractive flowers and plants. Surreptitiously placed around and on your lawn they'll make it look more lush and luxurious, while attracting glorious butterflies and insects as well. A cleanly cut hedge can act as a border and create more privacy for the people in the garden. Liven up the landscape with fresh soil and mulch, while planting colourful groups or rows of sweet smelling flowers to bring the garden alive. If your life is already full of responsibility low maintenance planting of potted annuals and hanging baskets are the way to go.

Give Your Home a New Personality

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Imagine you're an interior designer and add small details that will give your home a new personality. Replace worn out door numbers with fancy new ones, decorate your entranceway with lanterns and antique lights picked up from your local car boot sale. Home improvement ideas for your exterior do not have to cost an arm and a leg. Add a little bit of colour by painting your shutters and you could even think about repainting your front door.

Even though these ideas won't cost a fortune they'll still bring a whole new look to the outside of your home. Passers by and visitors will think you have spent a fortune but your secret is safe with us.

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2 of 3 comments

Elizabeth Sagarminaga on Jul 07, 2014
Nice ideas, I believe that a nice outdoor space makes your day, it makes you stress- free and provides the much needed quite moments after a hectic day. Thank you for the nice tips to improve the patio space and the gardens. Great tips I must say.

1 Reply
Jamie Squillare on Jul 08, 2014
I am glad that I have managed to help you Elizabeth!

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