6 Springtime Home Improvement Project Ideas

Planning to tackle some outdoor projects around the house before the weather gets too hot? Our list of recommended exterior spring home maintenance tasks covers needed repairs, and these 6 springtime home improvement project ideas will help beautify your home.

One of the best remodeling projects that will increase your home’s resale value is installing a new front door. It’s relatively inexpensive to do, and the average return on your investment is 101%. You’ll gain a boost in curb appeal and reduce the amount of heat and air conditioning lost around a leaky old door.

If you already have an energy-efficient exterior door that’s in good shape, add a fresh coat of paint and update the hardware for a completely new look. Kickplate, numbers, don’t forget a new doormat.

Time: Plan on a weekend for replacing and painting the door yourself. A professional installer like Precision Windows & Doors can usually do the job in an afternoon.

Cost: Pre-hung steel doors can be found at home improvement centers for under $200. Wood doors can cost significantly more. Cost for professional installation will depend on the complexity of the job.

It’s easy to add curb appeal, security, and ambience with exterior lighting. Changing out your porch light fixture for a brighter, updated version will instantly give the front of your house a boost in safety and appearance. Adding solar landscape lights along walkways and flower beds is an inexpensive way to create a whole new nighttime look for your yard. Just place them where they’ll have access to sunlight and you’re all set.

Time: 3-5 hours

Cost: You can find porch light fixtures for under $50 at home improvement stores. Solar landscape lights are usually sold in packs of 6 or 12, and usually start around $30.

Get ready for summer barbecues with a clean, freshly-stained deck. Start by replacing missing, broken or warped boards, then power wash the whole deck to remove dirt and old stain. Once the wood is dry, apply a new coat of paint or stain. Not only will your deck look better, the wood will be protected to help it last for years to come.

Time: Plan on a weekend, including drying time for the wood and stain.

Cost: Renting a power washer for a day should be about $50. The cost of the stain or paint depends on which kind you choose and how big your deck is.

Replacing or adding mulch, cleaning out leaves and adding flowers to flower beds will give your whole yard a new look. Fertilizing and seeding the lawn will help fill in patchy grass. Adding a ring of flowers around trees and the mailbox will make mowing easier and boost curb appeal.

Time: Could be as little as 3-5 hours or all weekend, depending how complex your landscaping plans are.

Cost: Depends on how much you decide to do.

If your mailbox is at the end of the driveway, it can be easily overlooked by you, but it’s one of the first things guests see when they pull up. Repainting the post and the mailbox itself will set a better tone for the entire yard. Consider using a fun accent color on the mailbox. If it’s broken or dented, install a new one. Don’t forget to put your house number on the sides to make it easy for visitors to find.

Time: About an hour for painting, plus an hour if you need to replace the mailbox.

Cost: If you use paint you already have on hand, this could be a free project. You can replace a basic, post-mounted mailbox for around $30.

If you hate cleaning the gutters on your house, make this the year you put an end to that chore once and for all. Plastic or metal mesh gutter guards prevent clogs from leaves and debris that can cause water to back up under the eaves of your home, leading to roof, siding, and even foundation water damage. Most gutter guards are easy to install and there are options in different price ranges.

Time: An afternoon

Cost: At little as $1 (or less) per linear foot