Don’t let today’s economy curtail a spring home exterior spruce up. There are plenty of budget-friendly and/or skills-suitable projects to choose from that will make a noticeable difference.

Cleaning makes a powerful difference. Power washing won’t break the bank but it can revive the look of a home, especially after the winter. Professional power washer and handyman Robert Saucier said the inexperienced homeowner can handle power washing brick and vinyl exteriors. Wood exteriors are a little tricky.

“I’ve seen folks not only peel away a good paint job, but the wood itself,” he said. “The distance from the surface, the intensity of the pressure and products used matter.”

He advises the use of bleach for vinyl and brick. “For vinyl I use half-bleach and half-water. For brick I use more bleach.”

Saucier charges $125 to pressure wash a manufactured home and around $200 to $225 for a 1,600 to 2,000 square foot home. The best way to clean vinyl siding if you want to do the job without hiring a professional or renting expensive equipment, according to Saucier, is to use a pump-up bottle filled with a half-bleach, half-water mixture. Spray the surface, top to bottom, then rinse with water. Even a water hose will do. Power washing removes dirt and grime steps, sidewalks and driveways, as well.   

A clean front porch is a welcoming front porch. Refresh further by adding chairs or rockers, bright cushions a hanging plant or rug.

Get out the paint and brushes. Consider painting the front door, or simply adding a fresh coat of the existing paint color. Use the same paint for a porch accent furnishing or single furniture piece.

For the front door, or really any exterior door, the type of door, steel or wood, not only determines the type of paint needed, but also the  method used to produce the best outcome.

“Here at Stine, we actually give out a sheet that walks the do-it-yourself homeowner through each step,” said Stephanie Woods.

She’s noticed that darker colors are trending, not only the traditional black but dark teal, dark green and navy.

“When you use a high-gloss exterior paint, we recommend using it outside and in on the door. For one thing, high gloss is super easy to clean.”

Consider replacing hardware and outside lighting. Door knobs, knockers, house numbers, and even the mailbox can appear dated after a while.

Walker Davis, Davis Decorative Hardware, said if you want to replace the front door hardware, remain secure and save money, consider purchasing hardware with only one sturdy lock.

“If installed correctly, a high lock is all you need,” he said. The lock should be high quality from a trustworthy manufacturer, and it must be installed correctly. A simple, traditional deadbolt is an effective lock well-suited to front doors.

Days are longer, but for added security, leave on a new, updated porch light. Lighting is all about form and function. Updates should complement the style of the home and serve its purpose, to illuminate. The right lighting can add character and curb appeal.

A good cleaning, a few inexpensive and colorful cushions, an easy-to-care-for plant, fresh coat of paint on the front door or porch rocker and new hardware and lighting can be affordable and quick refreshes with a profound impact that signals spring.