You do not have to spend tens of thousands of dollars in order to add value to your home.  Some very simple and inexpensive changes can make a big difference on your homes overall appearance both outside and inside.

Let’s start with the outside…

First thing you need to do is have it cleaned.  Most homes siding material attracts dirt especially vinyl siding.  A home does not need to always be power washed a simple garden hose, light siding brush and good exterior cleaner should do.  I clean my homes exterior once per year usually early spring.  I especially recommend cleaning the gutters.  The overall appearance of your home will amaze you and your neighbors.  Now if your home’s exterior has been neglected for a few years you made need a one time jump start with a good power wash but usually not.  Also if you have a fence make sure that also has a regular cleaning.  The key here would be maintenance cleaning one time per year is all it takes.

Do you have any exterior details on your home?  One very dramatic thing you can do that is very inexpensive is add shutters and how about some detail moldings around entry door and crown moldings under your soffits.  Exterior detail moldings are a fantastic way to upgrade your home’s exterior.

How is your landscaping?  This summer has been brutal so far but make sure the grass is cut regularly.  In this extremely hot dry weather my landscaper recommends keeping the grass just a ½” higher than normal to help prevent burning.  Make sure you have the edging done a neat and crisp lawn makes a huge difference, and if you do not use mulch in your flower beds make sure you turn the soil weekly keeping the soil loose.  Add some simple inexpensive potted plants to your front yard or a few hanging flower baskets and POW that’s a very inexpensive eye grabber.

Okay let’s go inside. First thing is declutter.  Ever notice how good you feel after a good spring cleaning your home feels refreshed and you feel proud. Whether it is the family room the kitchen or the master bath organization adds a tremendous feeling of pride. You will even feel good when the garage, the basement and even the attic are neat clean and organized. One way to accomplish this is to go into the cluttered area with a laundry basket and drop in all the clutter and then you can organize away.

If a full kitchen or bathroom remodel is not in your current budget you could add a huge change by simply replacing the hardware on your cabinets, windows and doors, or how about changing your faucets and showerheads to a more water conserving model with a sleek new finish.  Fresh new towels and a bath mat might be a good idea too.

There are many great ways to improve the appearance of your home which automatically adds value.  These are just a few simple inexpensive things you can do.  Of course there is an awesome feeling of pride that goes with home ownership and keeping your home up to date doesn’t always have to be a major remodel.