Clean windows aren’t the only thing you can do to make your home look better from the outside.  Check out these small and doable projects.

Pressure Wash Everything

Once you give the exterior a good scrubbing you can get a better look at what needs immediate help, what can be salvaged and what needs to be replaced. It’s always a good idea to start with a good pressure wash.

Bold Colored Shutters

Shutters add that extra boost of character to any home. If your home has shutters and they’re looking a little worse for wear, repaint them in a bolder color that still goes with your exterior color scheme. If your home does not have shutters, look into the Board and Batten Shutter style. It is the simplest and most versatile style of shutter out there. It is also very DIY friendly.

Window Boxes

Window boxes are another simple DIY you can do to cheer up the look of your home. Pick some colorful flowers that are native to your area. This will make it more maintenance friendly.

Repair Torn Screens

This one may be obvious but often overlooked. You can often clean and mend older screens but if they are screaming for retirement then replacing all of them might be the way to go.

Kill Those Weeds

Weeds that grow in the cement and pavers of your home will absolutely make your home look less appealing. Thankfully, there are weed and grass killers, along with some environmentally safe or natural options to do the job.

Flower Bed Edging

Using pavers as edging does the wonderful job of keeping the grass out of the flowerbed, the mulch off the grass and the flowers safe from the lawn mower. Everything in its place and it makes for a neat and tidy looking front yard.

Porch Swing

This is a bit of a luxurious extra but if you have the space and ability, do it. Who can resist a porch swing and some lemonade? You will get to know your neighbors in no time.

The Mailbox

This is where you can be creative. Many homeowners personalize their mailboxes. Get the kids involved in the project. Make sure to follow also follow the USPS rules about mailboxes.

Hide The AC Unit and Electrical Boxes

You can get many ideas for hiding the AC unit on Pinterest. This is a very DIY friendly project. For added benefit, ask an AC repairman what would be the best way to go about it. You wouldn’t want to make a permanent structure that impedes the proper maintenance of the AC unit. The same goes for the electrical boxes.

Paint The Front Door A Bold Color

Boldly painted front doors are a major draw. They just ooze character. You can’t go wrong with this one.

Replace Worn Door Hardware

Check the locks and doorknobs. Although some DIY’s suggest painting hardware, we are totally against it. Buy a new set with a bold finish like bronze, grey or black. Pick a finish that goes with your outdoor color scheme, specifically the light fixtures.

Upgrade The Screen Door

Screen doors take a beating. You may be able to spray paint the frame and clean and mend the screens. If the screen door is too far gone just go ahead and replace. This one is just as important as the front door. It is the first thing people reach for.

Repaint Columns & Supports

While you are at it, repaint the columns and supports. If they are wood, you may opt for a beautiful stain. If your columns and supports need more than a painting or the style is outdated, it is totally possible to hire a carpenter to build around unsightly metal supports and create a chunkier and more upgraded look.

Tile A Stained Concrete Entry

This is a little weekend project you can totally do with some time and tutorial. Pick tile that is made for outdoor use and pay attention to how slippery the tile gets when wet. Slate tile is a beautiful luxury option if it goes with your already present design scheme.

Add Porch Lights

Pick some outdoor lighting with a bold finish like bronze, charcoal grey or black. Pay attention to the door hardware and make sure they match. Pendents lights and sconces are a nice addition and can hit the refresh button on an old, tired porch.

Add An Interesting Door Knocker

You can find really interesting ones at antique stores that won’t break the bank. Here is where you can add those personal touches. Charleston in South Carolina is a city that is known for its variety of door knockers featuring pineapples and lions. Pineapples are a symbol of hospitality. Search there for inspiration.

Pick A Bold Address Plaque

Display your house numbers in a bold and clear way. There are guidelines to how address numbers should be displayed so check with your distinct locality.

Stain The Concrete Walkway

A little concrete stain can liven up a regular old walkway and make the trip over to your newly painted door a nice one.

Line The Walkway With Edging or Rocks

This is another pop factor. It just boosts the overall look of your landscaping and creates separation which makes for a neat, tidy and refined front yard.

Paint The Garage Door

While you may not want to go the bold route like you would on the front door, painting the garage door can give your home a definite facelift. It takes up a large area of space on the “face” of your home. Picking a neutral color that exactly matches the exterior color scheme is the way to go. Unless you’re the adventurous type, then match the garage door to the front door but, you didn’t hear it here.

Hang Up The Hose

How many times have we stepped over that hose? Hoses are a necessary evil. You have to keep a hose handy if you want a healthy yard but, how do you keep it out of the way and make it look stylish?

Find a way to hang the hose up to the side of the house, preferably a side that isn’t seen by guests walking up your front walkway. This may be the most obvious choice. You can also construct a hose hanging post and place it anywhere you choose.  In the south, where venomous species of snakes live, hanging up a hose is the best way to go about this rather than coiling it on the ground.