AdditionTraditional Exterior, Houston

Start with simple maintenance. Basic cleanup can go a long way in amping up your home’s exterior and its curb appeal. Give your exterior a good power wash, touch up paint trim, mow your lawn and spread fresh mulch over flower and plant beds. If you’re looking for a one-day fix up, take it down another level. “If it’s an afternoon project someone is looking for, I’d suggest repainting the front door and adding some potted plants or shrubs,” says designer Joe Human. “Small items such as flowers, new bark or edging and a new welcome mat are very quick and inexpensive ways to instantly add curb appeal.”

The Best Paint for BrickKeep in mind that exterior and interior walls should be treated differently, because exterior brick comes into contact with ground elements. The Brick Industry Association also advises using a porous paint for exterior brick walls, so the brick can breathe. “Choosing a high-quality paint is vital for painting brick successfully,” says Watson. Both Watson and Crocker recommend using specific masonry paint products for painting brick, starting out with a conditioner and a primer, and then using a breathable latex exterior or interior paint, like Sherwin-Williams’ SuperPaint Acrylic Latex.Zumeta recommends looking into having your brick professionally stained, rather than painted. Although it can be more expensive, a brick stain penetrates the pores of the brick, unlike paint, which simply sits on the surface. It creates new color without some of the long-term risks that come with paint. More: How to Paint Brick Like a Pro

green siding, white trim and orange pillars