DIY Curb Appeal: Easy Ways to Increase Your Curb Appeal on a Budget

Most Americans don't have extra spendable income like they used to. Many home improvements have been put on a back burner until the economy becomes more stable. In the meantime, you don't need to feel gloomy about not being able to improve the exterior appearance of your home- because you can! Follow some of these inexpensive DIY tips to increase your curb appeal. You can get started on some of these now while others may need to wait a few months until spring.

Roof Cleaning

Is your roof looking neglected from moss and fungus growth? Clean it off of your roof by mixing TSP, bleach and water. Combine 1 quart bleach, cup TSP and 1 gallon water. Place in a spray bottle and spray onto the affected areas. Use a pump sprayer for larger roofs or roofs with lots of moss and fungus. Allow it to remain on the spots for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with a garden hose. Follow roof safety guidelines while up on your roof (wear a harness, wear non-slip shoes, use gloves, etc.).

Wood Siding Repair

Repair small, damaged pieces of wood siding. For areas that are rotted, patch with some exterior-grade wood putty. First, remove the damaged area with a scraper or putty knife. If wet, let the area dry, then apply the wood putty. Once the putty dries, sand it smooth. Spot-prime the area with an exterior primer, or paint the entire piece or section of siding. This improvement in appearance will be significant if you had many damaged pieces.

Remove Mold

Mold on the outside of your home can be removed easily by using some great mold- removal products. Try Wet & Forget. Mix it with water, put it into a spray bottle, apply to the moldy area and over time, the mold will go away. It can be used on brick, concrete, canvas and many other exterior surfaces. You can learn more at WetandForget.

Fix Broken Windows

A broken window, even if it's a small break, can be unsightly. You do not necessarily need to call a pro to fix a broken window. Most single-pane glass windows (like basement and garage windows) can be fixed by a beginner DIYer. There are a few steps involved in the process.

1) Carefully remove the broken glass. Also remove any putty or clips that may have held the glass in place.
2) Measure the frame's width and height. Subtract 1/8th of an inch from that measurement.

3) With the measurements in hand, go to your local hardware store and have the staff cut you a piece of glass. The new piece should fit into the frame and be held in place with small metal pushpins.

4) Apply window glaze with a putty knife on an angle away from the frame and against the new glass.

Sweep & Wash Your Porch

A simple sweeping of your porch can make it look much better. After it's been swept, rinse the porch with a garden hose.

Posted by: Marcy Tate

Photo Credits: hotfrog.com, wetandforget.co.nz