6 Ways to Improve Home Curb Appeal on a Budget

1. Install Vinyl Fence

Have you ever gotten a quote for chain-link fence? Your estimate probably ranged from $10,000 to $30,000 for a good-sized area. Chain-link fencing is indeed sturdy and will last decades, but it's not the only option.

You can buy a durable vinyl fence in various styles for much less money than you'd pay for chain-link. Vinyl fencing is affordable, easy to install, and looks great. For example, you can get a traditional white picket fence for the front yard or solid privacy panels for the back yard.

Vinyl is also great for side yards and dividing garden areas within the main yard. For instance, you can install a low fence to separate your rose garden from the area where kids play on the grass.

2. Call a Trash Removal Service

Nothing ruins a home's curb appeal like piles of trash in the yard. In most cities, it's illegal to have a full yard with visible trash from the street. However, regardless of legality—trash looks unpleasant and will irritate your neighbors.

If you have trash in the yard, such as old tires, old cars, or any kind of outdated equipment and debris, call a trash removal service to clear it all out. Your property's aesthetics will improve immediately; then you can focus on making your home even better with flowers and other additions.

3. Wash Windows and Exterior Walls

When was the last time you cleaned your windows or exterior walls? If you've never done it, or it's been a while, head out to the street at your earliest convenience.

Before washing windows with glass cleaner, use soap, water, and a scraper. Remove as much dirt and grime as possible first. If you want to do it thoroughly, use adhesive towels or a squeegee to wipe the windows clean. You'll remove more dirt than with soap and water alone, but it's a labor-intensive process.

You can get telescopic tools that make cleaning the exterior walls easier if you don't want to climb a ladder. You can also use water pressure. However, do not use high-pressure water on the roof because you could damage the shingles.

If you prefer not to do it yourself, hire a professional. There's always someone willing to take on the dirty work.

4. Repaint Trim

Paint deteriorates over time, sometimes beginning to peel or crack. A little fresh paint on the trim and exterior walls can significantly improve your home's appearance.

If you notice more than a few bad spots, repaint everything. Adding a new coat won't hurt—the entire trim will look more uniform.

5. Repaint Utility Poles

Utility meters look like large blotches but shouldn't if you can paint them. Since meters and related equipment aren't technically part of your property, contact your utility company to see if painting the pole or kiosk is allowed.

Utility companies are strict about what you can do with your meter. For example, some people were penalized for trying to tamper with a meter simply by attaching a small magnet to it.

If you cannot paint the utility pole, try hiding it by painting the outside wall a darker color that helps it blend in instead of standing out.

6. Trim Overgrown Shrubs

Take a look at your shrubs and trim any stems that have grown beyond the main bush. You don't need to do it perfectly, but if you at least trim uneven areas, the whole house will look regularly maintained.

Your yard reflects much of your home's curb appeal. When your yard looks good, the house does too. Trimming costs nothing unless you need to buy shears. Even then, you can get them for under $20.

Now You Know How to Improve Home Curb Appeal on a Budget

These are just some of the easiest ways to improve your home's curb appeal on a budget. If you don't have money, start with these ideas.