Spring will be springing later this month, and there’s something about the fresh air and crocuses that make us want to spruce up the house. Many of us will be focusing on spring cleaning this month, but our updating and cleaning up shouldn’t be limited to just the inside of the house. A limited budget isn’t any reason to neglect putting a few special touches on the exterior as well. Come home to a nice welcome by trying some of these budget-friendly tips on sprucing up your home’s exterior.

Give It a Good Washing

You can rent a pressure washer for a moderate price. Depending on what’s available in your area, you might spend $50 to $80 renting an electric or gas-powered pressure washer. If your home’s exterior is in good condition but looks grimy, then a good washing can really make a difference. Make sure that your read the directions on your washer carefully.

If your house was built prior to 1978 and you think it might be painted with lead paint, then do not use a pressure washer; in this case, contact a professional to have the paint tested.

Get Out Your Paint Brushes

It might be overwhelming to paint the entire house, but you can always make things look lighter, brighter and newer by simply painting the wood trim around the windows and doors. You can also paint the door or replace it.

A brightly painted door can give your home an unexpected pop of color. Choose something that complements or contrasts with the house’s color. Remember, even if you decide you don’t like it, it’s easy (and inexpensive) enough to simply paint over it again, so feel free to experiment!

Mow, Trim & Clip

It should go without saying that if the roof is snow- or ice-covered, you should not be up there, but every year, many people visit emergency rooms due to falling off of slippery roofs. Only venture up if the roof is dry and if you are sure that it will support you. Watch out for any soft spots; remember that ice accumulating under shingles can cause soft spots in the wood. You might find this out by climbing on the roof before you detect a leak in your house, so tread carefully.

Decorating for the winter holidays can be an exciting and fun part of your neighborhood or family tradition. Just keep basic safety tips in mind so that you can enjoy the holiday in one piece!

Add Some Charming Touches

If you have a front porch, a couple of rocking chairs and a small table invite someone to stop by and have a glass of iced tea. Some walkway lighting or a small fountain can also boost your home’s curb appeal. Think about what you already have, or scout out some yard sales to find pieces that will complement your home’s exterior.

Making your house look nice doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Basic cleaning up is often necessary after the long winter, and it can make a world of difference. From there, just a few small, inexpensive touches can make you and visitors feel welcome and make a great first impression.