Adding Curb Appeal on a Budget

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Budget-Friendly DIY Curb Appeal

Bridgett here! Lately, I’ve been hit with a serious case of curb appeal fever — you know, the kind where you suddenly can't stop eyeing your front porch like it’s a DIY reality show challenge. First up on my makeover hit list? The shutters. They’ve been looking more blah than ta-da, and it’s high time they got a glow-up! I’m on a mission to add charm without breaking the bank, because let’s be real — champagne taste, sparkling water budget. Guess what we used…SPRAY PAINT! I was amazed at how a few cans of $6 spray paint could change the entire look of our house!

Here’s everything you'll need:

We started by carefully removing the shutters using a crowbar. They turned out to be a bit more fragile than we expected, so it’s important to take your time and use caution during this step. Most of the old spikes broke off in the process, which is fairly common with older hardware. Once the shutters were down, we cleaned them using Dawn Powerwash. We sprayed it on and allowed it to sit for a few minutes to help break down the dirt and residue. Then we rinsed them thoroughly with a water hose, leaving them clean and ready for the next step.

After letting the shutters dry overnight, we set them out the next day to begin spray painting. We made sure to get up under each slat for full coverage, which can be easy to miss if you're not paying attention. It took about two coats per shutter to achieve a smooth, even finish. In total, we used seven cans of spray paint to complete the project. Taking the time to apply multiple light coats really made a difference in the final look.

The paint dried fairly quickly, which allowed us to reattach the shutters later that same evening. We used a rubber mallet to gently tap the spikes back into place, reusing the existing holes for easy alignment. A couple of the spikes did break during the process, so it’s a good idea to have a few extras on hand just in case. Reinstalling them went smoothly!

Overall, this project was surprisingly simple and absolutely something you can tackle without hiring a professional. We've had so many compliments from neighbors, and it's amazing how much of a difference a little time, effort, and spray paint can make to boost your home's curb appeal.

Cost Breakdown:
We used 7 cans of spray paint at $6.48 each, which came to $45.36. For the hardware, we needed 60 spikes and purchased 6 packs (one extra, just in case) at $9.89 per pack, totaling $59.34. Altogether, we spent $104.73 on materials for the entire project.

To put that in perspective, buying brand-new shutters would have cost us $292.41—so we saved nearly $200 by doing it ourselves! Not only was it budget-friendly, but it was also a rewarding DIY that added serious curb appeal for a fraction of the price.

If you're really into DIY projects, be sure to check out the shiplap wall we installed in our living room! It’s another budget-friendly transformation that added a ton of character to the space—and the best part? It only took a couple of days to complete. Just like the shutter project, it proves that with a little time and effort, you can make a big impact without spending a fortune.