Quick Curb Appeal Projects You Can Do in an Hour

The fast track to curb appeal on a budget 

Curb appeal is as valuable for homes as first impressions are during job interviews. It sets the tone for how guests will feel about the experience to come.

Whether you’re prepping to sell or want to spruce up a new (or well-loved) place, these quick DIY curb appeal ideas are easy and affordable. With an hour and some elbow grease, you can accomplish a budget-friendly project to help your home shine!

Curb appeal ideas to finish in a flash

Try one or more of these projects to enhance the outside of your place with little investment of time or money.

Clean up to make things shine

Pick up fallen limbs, rake the leaves and mow the grass (if needed). Remove outdoor toys or clutter and hide the trash can behind the house.

Grab a power washer or a hose and scrub brush to clean the siding, brick or rock exterior. Next, remove dirt and grime from driveways and entrance steps for a fast and satisfying refresh.

Don’t forget to polish the windows to a sparkle (both inside and out)! 

Spruce up the landscaping

Well-kept greenery can make a home look fabulous with minimal effort. Shape existing shrubbery and give those trees a haircut. Remove weeds and refresh the mulch. Add inexpensive garden fencing or barriers like bricks or rocks to showcase the landscaping.

Depending on the season, add colorful plants in flowerbeds and window boxes for some instant contrast. If you don’t have much room at your entrance, consider adding a few planters with real or artificial florals for a similar effect.

Want the space to pop at night? Install solar landscape lighting in the garden and around the walkway for a stunning glow.

Pretty up flat surfaces with paint

Use paint for a cheap upgrade that packs a lot of bang for your buck. Choose a color you love, and pick up some painting supplies to get started on one of these upgrades:

Front door

If you haven’t already done so, wipe down the front door and give it a light sanding to prepare it for a new color. Last, apply the paint and leave the door open to allow it to dry.

Pro tip: Remove the door hardware before starting and replace or spray paint it for a new look. This is also an ideal time to add a fancy knocker or kickplate.

Porch columns and railings

Updating the color of columns and railings can change the whole feel of a porch or front entrance. Find a color complementary to the house and door to freshen the area.

Shutters, trim and window boxes

If you have shutters or window flower boxes, changing the color can give your place an instant facelift. Paint the window trim a matching color for a cohesive look. 

Want to add these accents to your home? Hardware stores sell premade shutters and window boxes for a quick DIY project. 

Enhance the entrance

Hang a seasonal wreath or flag on the door or railing to give your place a homey vibe. Add patio furniture or some new colorful cushions to your existing pieces. Finish the décor with a new doormat, and you’re all set!

Update fixtures

Refinish or replace light fixtures to highlight the entrance. Consider adding a new mailbox and house numbers (or painting the old ones).

If you have a garage, you can easily elevate its style by adding decals that resemble carriage windows and hinges.

Do-it-yourself curb appeal in a weekend 

If you have more than an hour or two to devote to enhancing your home, try one of these DIY projects over a weekend.

Add a walkway

Create a beautiful walkway to your front door with brick or stone. Line it with solar lights or plants to make it stand out even more.

Create a patio space

If you don’t already have a front seating area, create one with pavers to make an outdoor place to relax. To complete the space, add a pergola or tent for shade and some nice patio furniture. 

Update fencing

If your fence has seen better days, refinish or replace the panels to improve the façade. You can also add a fence or place decorative pieces around flowerbeds. 

Show us your projects!

Which DIY projects are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

We’d love to see your before and after curb appeal photos. Post them on our Facebook page or tag us on Instagram (@upackmoving).