Spring Curb Appeal Checklist: 13 Ways to Refresh Your Home's Exterior

Time to pack away winter coats and pull out the Wellies—spring is here! Use this checklist to help your home burst into spring with a curb appeal makeover. Tackle as few or as many tasks as you like, from porch swings to plantings.

1. Enhance the front door. Make it the exterior focal point: paint a rich hue, update hardware, add a knocker. Seasonal touch: spring wreath or DIY eclectic one with garden tools.

2. Add plantings outside your fence. Curb appeal starts at the curb. Plant perennials and spring bulbs just outside the fence/wall for depth, making the front yard appear larger. No fence? Plant the hell strip between curb and sidewalk.

3. Check house number visibility. View from across the street. Large, clear font, unblocked by trees/railings. Horizontal > vertical for readability. Ideally under porch lamp or landscape light for evening illumination.

4. Group flower pots on the porch. Beautiful and effortless. Cluster three pots of varying sizes on porch/steps; fill with blooming spring flowers.

5. Create front-yard living space. Deep front yard but rarely used? Turn it into a hangout zone. Bench around outdoor fireplace = favorite gathering spot. Even a simple garden bench welcomes.

6. Care for grass and mulch beds. Patchy lawn? Early spring: reseed or sod. Mulch flower beds with natural mulch—retains moisture, finished look.

7. Check roof condition. Spacing/curling shingles, crumbling bits? Pro roofer needed. New roof? Get ≥3 estimates, check references.

8. Clean windows and siding. Power wash or hose with washing attachment: dirt, road salt, cobwebs. Window attachment for sparkle. Clean inside windows too.

9. Plant fragrant flowers. Invisible but impactful. Fragrant roses, lilacs, honeysuckle, jasmine, lavender, herbs (rosemary) make the walk up pleasant.

10. Check garage and driveway. They dominate visual real estate. Repair driveway cracks; freshen garage with paint, sconce lighting, flower boxes.

11. Curve the front walk. Straight sidewalk-to-door path? A slight curve moves the eye through landscape, making yard seem more spacious and thoughtful.

12. Hang a porch swing. Nothing says “home” like a crisp white swing. Renters: glider or rocking chairs for similar effect. Imagine summer evenings swinging with scented blooms on the breeze (see #9).

13. Upgrade night lighting. Well-lit porch: welcoming, fun, looks bigger. Single overhead? Add sconces flanking door. Long path? Add landscape lighting—guests will thank you.

Tell us: What are your spring spruce-up plans?