12 ways to improve curb appeal that show from the street

You can improve curb appeal over a single weekend with basic tools and a little focus. Small updates to the front of your house make the whole property look well kept from the street. Start with cleaning and basic yard work before you move on to paint and fixtures.

1. Stand across the street and make a list

Your front yard reveals its obvious flaws when you look at it from the opposite sidewalk. Take a pad of paper and a pencil across the street to note what catches your eye. A crooked mailbox or a stained porch step stands out clearly.

Group the work into tasks you can finish in an afternoon. You want a list of jobs you can tackle over a Saturday and Sunday. Cross off anything that requires a permit or heavy machinery, because those jobs belong to a different season.

Do not worry about a full roof replacement or new siding today. Spot the easy fixes that change how the house looks right now.

2. Clean the siding and front steps

Washing the dirt off your exterior makes a tired house look bright again. Start your weekend by scrubbing the areas right around the front door.

Use a soft brush and a bucket of soapy water to scrub the porch floor and the steps. Work a good bristle brush into the corners to clear out dried mud and old spider webs. Rinse the dirt away with a garden hose.

You can use a pressure washer on concrete steps if the stains run deep. Check the siding maker's and the pressure washer maker's instructions before you spray siding.

3. Power wash the front walkway

Blasting away mud and weeds from your paving restores the bright color of the concrete. Sweep the path clean of loose leaves and twigs first. Use a pressure washer to clear away the dark grime that builds up over the winter.

Hold the wand a short distance from the surface and sweep it back and forth. Wear safety glasses to keep flying dirt out of your eyes.

Pull up any stubborn grass growing in the expansion joints. Check for new path designs if your walkway needs a complete replacement later. For this weekend, just get the existing surface completely clean.

4. Paint or refresh the front door

A fresh coat of paint creates a strong focal point that draws the eye away from minor house flaws. Wipe the door down with a wet rag to remove dust and spiderwebs. Sand the surface lightly so the new paint sticks well. Tape off the hinges, the handle and any glass panels with painter tape.

Follow the paint label for the number of coats and drying time. Dark blue, classic red or deep green are safe choices that look sharp from the street. Leave the door open while the paint dries completely. You can explore how to hang a new door if your current slab is damaged beyond repair.

5. Swap the house numbers for larger ones

Clear metal numbers make the house look established and help visitors find your address. Buy solid metal numerals that contrast sharply with your house paint color.

Choose black or dark bronze numbers for light siding. Pick brushed nickel or brass for dark paint. Plain, bold fonts read well from a distance.

Mount them firmly to the wall near the door or on the porch column. Make sure they sit level and line up evenly. Use a pencil and a spirit level to mark the screw holes before you drill into the wood.

6. Update the porch light

Replacing an old rusty fixture with a modern light updates the look of the house. Turn off the power at the breaker box before you touch any wires. Remove the old fixture and check the electrical box for damage. A voltage tester confirms the power is actually off.

Connect the new light according to the package instructions. If anything looks damaged or you are unsure, ask a licensed electrician. Choose a fixture that matches the finish of your new house numbers and door hardware.

7. Add path lights along the walk

Path lights guide visitors safely to your door and highlight your garden beds after dark. Push solar lights into the soil along the edge of your walkway.

Space them evenly so the pools of light overlap slightly. Keep them back from the edge so you do not hit them with a lawn mower. Wipe the top panels clean occasionally so they charge well in the sun.

Low voltage wired lights require more work but offer a brighter glow. Follow the maker's instructions for power and wiring, and ask a licensed electrician if you need a new outlet. Run the thin cable under a layer of mulch to hide it from view.

8. Trim shrubs away from the windows

Cutting back overgrown bushes opens up the front of the house and lets natural light inside. Use sharp bypass pruners to cut back the thickest branches. Cut the tops of the bushes so they sit below the window frames. Step back frequently to check the shape of the plant.

Leave space between the back of the plants and the exterior walls. This can help air circulate around the siding. Rake up the clippings and put them in yard waste bags for the city bulk trash pickup.

9. Edge the beds and add fresh mulch

A crisp trench between the lawn and the soil gives the yard a tailored shape. Use a half moon edger or a sharp spade to cut a clean line around your planting areas. Pull out any grass or weeds inside the bed. Shake the loose topsoil off the roots before you toss the weeds into a bin.

Spread an even layer of shredded bark mulch over the bare soil. Keep the mulch pulled back from the base of trees and shrubs. Dark mulch can make green leaves stand out.

10. Add planters on each side of the door

Matching pots frame the entrance and soften the hard lines of the brick and concrete. Buy heavy planters that match your house style and place them evenly on the porch.

Add good quality soil and plant hardy evergreens or seasonal flowers. Water them well after planting. You can look at ways to expand your garden beds if you enjoy the work. Stick to tough plants that handle direct sun and missed waterings for your porch containers.

11. Replace or repaint the mailbox

Fixing a dented box or rotting post signals that you care about the small details. Scrub a dirty metal box with soapy water and apply fresh spray paint meant for metal. Tape off the flag so it stays bright red.

Replace a wooden post if it wobbles when you push it. Set the new post by following the labels on the post and the concrete mix, and ask a pro if you are unsure.

Check with your local post office for box height and placement rules.

12. Tidy the garage door and driveway edge

Clearing clutter from the driveway forces attention back toward your front door. Put away loose toys, trash cans and garden hoses before you sweep the asphalt clear of dirt. Wash the garage door with a soft sponge and mild soap to remove road salt and grime.

Pull any weeds growing in the cracks of the paving. A clear driveway makes the entire property feel larger. Keep the large door closed when you are not working outside so the house looks secure and private.

Keep up the appearance

A good looking front yard requires regular attention after the initial weekend. You may need to sweep the porch and weed the beds every few weeks. Wash the door and the exterior lights regularly. Walk down to the street occasionally to check your progress.

Fall leaves and spring storms bring new debris to clear away.