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Transforming the front of your house does not need to be a costly or time-consuming project. Simple improvements like removing clutter, planting and painting can have a dramatic impact.
There are many reasons you might like to makeover your front garden and house exterior. If you are preparing to sell your home, improving the street appeal can help make a great first impression and significantly boost your sale price. A well-maintained exterior is a clear indication the home has been cared for. New home owners can also quickly and easily put their own stamp on their property. And if you have owned a home for a while, you might have an outdated or overgrown front that needs a makeover.
The following guide provides many ways to improve your home’s street appeal. You can also get inspiration from the Top 10 most popular front yard projects by Bunnings Workshop community members. If you feel overwhelmed, follow the advice in the guide How to plan a garden makeover and create a plan that is divided into small, manageable tasks.
Remember before you start work to prioritise safety by wearing personal protective equipment such as eye protection, gloves, boots and hearing protection. Maintain three points of contact on ladders, carry only small items, and avoid over-reaching. We also recommend that if you are unsure about any task, consult a professional.
Clean up and remove clutter
The first step before making any cosmetic upgrades is clearing out overgrowth and clutter making your yard untidy. This is a perfect project to get the whole family involved.
Begin by mowing the lawn, trimming edges, pulling weeds and pruning overgrown trees and shrubs. Get rid of broken outdoor furniture, kids toys and any other unused items cluttering the yard. Repair or replace broken fence palings.
A good tidy-up can instantly make your home look more inviting. You’ll also have a clearer idea of the other tasks you need to tackle.
Clean and repair your home’s exterior
Cleaning can help improve your home’s appearance. A pressure washer can remove dirt and grime from windows, house walls, driveways and paths.
Inspect timber door and window frames, as well as weatherboards, for peeling paint or cracks. Make any necessary repairs.
Clean your gutters, removing weeds, leaf litter and debris. You can easily clean the outside of gutters with soapy water and a soft-bristled broom, rinsing with a garden hose. If any guttering or downpipes are rusted or falling off, engage a licensed plumber for repairs or replacement.
After cleaning and repairing, consider a fresh coat of paint. This is a great time to experiment with new colours and personalise the exterior of your home.
Refresh or replace the roof
If the roof is visible from the road, its condition impacts the home’s street appeal. For tiled roofs, have broken tiles repaired and loose mortar repointed before pressure-washing the roof. Remember to enlist the services of a professional if you are not confident and remember How to use ladders safely.
Consider respraying the roof. If you are on a strict budget, you could get away with only respraying the front rather than the entire roof.
Clean old corrugated roofs and replace any rusted sheets. Consider a colour change: many Colorbond options are available.
Upgrade garden and landscaping
A well-maintained garden with thoughtful planting can significantly boost street appeal. Ensure your lawn is also healthy and tidy. Redefine the edges of lawns, gardens, paths and driveways to simplify maintenance. Trim back overgrown foliage and replace old plants with fewer, more vibrant flowering varieties.
Be sure to allow enough room for future growth. Consider adding some established flowering plants and pots near the entrance. Once all your plants are in place, apply a thick layer of mulch, leaving space around the base of each plant for watering and feeding.
Check out the community's Top 10 most popular garden makeovers for inspiration.
Update the front entrance and door
Your front door is more than just an entry - it can be a key feature of your home’s design and security. For doors that need refreshing, sand them lightly, then re-oil or paint in a bold colour to make them stand out. If the door needs replacing, look at the wide variety of contemporary and modern entrance doors available at Bunnings.
Swap out old door handles for new, easier-to-use lever styles, and consider adding a security deadlock or smart lock for added convenience.
If your porch has decking, it may be time for a fresh coat of oil. Here’s a helpful guide: How to oil your deck.
Add personal touches like a new doormat and potted plants. If space allows, consider a cosy bench seat or chair with colourful cushions.
Improve the garage, driveway and paths
Since a driveway and garage door can take up a large portion of a home’s exterior, it’s essential to give them attention. For loose or compact stone surfaces, define the edges with bricks or steel to enhance durability. Fill low areas and level high points with fresh material, then compact the surface for a cleaner look. If your budget allows, consider resurfacing the driveway with bitumen, coloured concrete, or exposed aggregate to elevate the home’s appearance.
For existing concrete or exposed aggregate surfaces, use an exterior surface cleaner and pressure washer to restore their freshness.
For garage doors, a good clean with a pressure washer or soapy water will make a significant difference. If the door is in poor condition, repaint or replace it for a modern look that complements your home’s exterior.
Enhance outdoor lighting
Good lighting enhances both safety and the welcoming atmosphere of your home. Replace outdated fixtures with modern, energy-efficient LED options. Add solar-powered or low-voltage path and garden lighting, and consider uplighting trees and architectural features to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Some smart home models allow automatic on/off functionality and colour-changing options.
Install a front fence and gates
Installing a front fence can enhance the appearance of your property while providing practical benefits. It helps define the boundaries of your home, improves privacy and increases security.
Fences are also great for reducing street noise and acting as a windbreak. You can choose from various materials and styles to complement your home’s design. Modern options include smart locks and intercom systems for easy access control.
Add personal touches
The final step in your makeover is adding small, personal details that help make your home stand out. For example, consider installing a decorative panel on a blank wall or adding a water feature, garden artwork or ornaments. Updating the letterbox with a personalised design can also make a significant impact.
Need assistance with your makeover project? Don’t hesitate to Ask a question and our helpful community and resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts will be happy to help.
