Budget is one major consideration when one plans of having some improvements done to one's house. But Abby Hayes, who wrote a blog for US News, advises that making your home look more attractive -- whether you are selling it or you simply just want to be proud of your abode, need not cost you that much. Here are eight do-it-yourself (DIY) projects which will add appeal to your home, without you having to spend more than $50.
1. Paint the front door
Hayes says that if your front door is a dull gray or brown, or it just blends into the facade of your home, then it is about time to perk it up. You should keep it classy, but choose a color that will coordinate with your house, and yet still stand out against your home's facade.
Cost: $25 for a gallon of paint
2. Upgrade your house numbers
As house numbers are a necessity to anyone's place, they can also be a statement. You can have a large metal house number for $5 each, or a wooden number from a craft store which you can stain or paint for yourself.
Cost: $20 or less
3. Jazz up the mailbox
The mailbox is another great place to add some color. You can spray it with a fun color, perhaps a contrasting color with that of the façade, for an eye-catching appeal.
Cost: Around $20 to $30 for a new mailbox, and $5 for a can of spray paint
4. Add porch furniture
Adding a porch swing or rocking chairs can make your house more appealing and more functional. You may go to a thrift shop for such furniture and then just touch them up.
Cost: $20 to $40 for a furniture, $10 to $20 for a can of paint
5. Paint the porch rails and ceiling
Strip and repaint these parts of the house. While doing this, you can also repaint any peeling wooden trim around your front door and windows.
Cost: $30 for the paint
6. Install an outdoor light
Have a light fixture on your porch roof or add a sconce beside the front door. Another option is to have some late-night curb appeal by adding wire-free solar fixtures.
Cost: $20 to $50, depending on the fixtures you use
7. Decorate with potted plants
Having a green landscape with healthy and colorful flowers are among the easiest ways to have an attractive house. You can also put large pots near the steps or the front door, or hanging plants from the roof of the porch to draw the eye up. You may also spray-paint cheap terra cotta pots, or buy nicer, secondhand pots.
Cost: $20 to $50
8. Plant flower beds
You may dig a new flower bed or two in front of your home. Friends or family members with perennials that are ready to be divided may be a source of free plants. Just remember that it takes perennial beds some years to achieve full growth.
Cost: Possibly free, or a few dollars for compost or other organic soil amendments
