Catie Moore
You undoubtedly want to live in a beautiful home, here in the sunny state of Florida; but repairs, renovation, and upgrades cost a lot so there’s a chance you’re settling for an ‘okay’ home. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but if budget wasn’t a factor, would you still refrain from making those upgrades?
Probably not. The good news is, you don’t need to remortgage your house to make a difference. All you need are a few creative tweaks, some good materials, and a bit of positivity because DIY is the way to go when you’re not planning on spending a lot of money. There’s a crazy amount of ways in which you can improve the way your home’s exterior looks, so why settle for what you have now if it doesn’t make you happy?
In this guide, we’ll tell you all about the practical, affordable upgrades you can make that won’t cost you a lot, but they’ll definitely make your house look better and increase its value – even if you live in the Sunshine State.
6 Affordable Upgrades For a Beautiful Florida Home
Revamping the outside of your house can’t be free, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. Here are 6 affordable ways to make it look better and still keep money in your bank account.
1. Refresh the Front Door
The front door is one of the first things people notice and as far as the exterior goes, it’s the focal point. If you like bold colors, you can paint them that way, but if not, a fresh coat of the color you already have will still make a difference.
Apart from painting, you’ll also want to replace the hardware that no longer looks new, like handles and locks. Modern designs look better and they’re a lot safer. Finishes like brushed nickel or matte black will give your door a contemporary touch.
Once you’re done with all of this, all that’s left are the finishing touches. A seasonal wreath is always a good choice, as is a stylish welcome mat. In the coastal part of Florida, you can always consider weather-resistant materials so that you can more easily withstand the stormy winds and the humidity.
2. Update the Lighting
Well-placed lighting makes your home look a lot more beautiful, and it also makes the area around your house safer at night. Take a look at your fixtures, and if they look old and dingy, replace them with LED ones. They’re brighter and use less energy than traditional light bulbs.
Lantern-style lights are very in right now, and for around the front door, minimalist sconces look just perfect. For the walkway and driveway, you can add solar-powered lights along the
paths. They’re low-maintenance, sustainable, and you can adjust how bright they are and when they’ll light up through an app on your phone.
3. Work on Landscaping If your yard isn’t maintained, it will make your entire house look worse, so work on it a little. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can plant low-maintenance shrubs and flowers to add color and texture. They won’t keep you in the garden for hours upon hours but they’ll still look beautiful. Focus on perennials that bloom all year round and mulch the flower beds to prevent weeds from growing.
Another great thing you can do is add borders for some extra decor. For example, container plants can frame walkways and porches. When it comes to greenery as a decoration, native plants to Florida (e.g. hibiscus, palm varieties) can add that extra touch/feel to your home.
4. Clean and Repair Gutters
Even if your house is in the best shape, if the gutters are neglected, your home will look like you haven’t been paying any attention to it. More importantly, this can lead to structural problems. If they’re rusty and old, you’ll need to replace them.
If they’re not, then clear out all debris and see if there’s any damage, mold, or problems with the foundation. Install gutter guards to keep leaves and debris out of the gutters. If you’ve ever been to Florida in the rainy season, then you’re well aware of how much water damage can be caused by blocked gutters. Make sure they’re clean, otherwise you’re compromising its functionality.
5. Siding and Trim
Over time, you’ll notice dirt buildup on your house’s siding, which will make it look very dull and old. Power-wash the exterior and you’ll be shocked how better it will look.
If you see that the paint is peeling or there are some chips, touch up the trim or repaint it to make it look clean and crisp again. Adhesive stone veneers will add texture to it, so if you can spare a couple extra bucks, get them. They look like real stone, but they’re a lot cheaper.
6. Make the Outdoor Space Inviting
Set up a cozy seating area. If you don’t have the furniture, you can get them second-hand, complete with rugs and cushions. String lights or a small fire pit can make the atmosphere warm and welcoming, and if you want some permanent features, you can use steel trusses to build a pergola or an awning.
If you want those movie-perfect Florida evenings in the comfort of your home, then consider adding a tropical-themed outdoor space. It doesn’t have to be sheer opulence in order for it to look amazing. A couple of breezy curtains, or a hammock for relaxing should do the trick.
Conclusion
Making your home’s exterior look new and beautiful doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune, but it will be a project, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and do some serious
work. You’ll love the results, and you’ll appreciate them even more because you’ll know it was you that did all of it.
In Florida, where outdoor living is a normal part of everyday life, all these upgrades will increase your quality of life and the enjoyment of your home year-round.
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