3 Affordable Ways to Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior
- Staff
- Jun 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people notice—and the way it looks can say a lot. But refreshing your curb appeal doesn’t have to drain your wallet. If you’re looking for impactful updates that are affordable and effective, here are three smart ways to boost your home’s exterior on the cheap: replacing shutters, replacing gutters, and updating trim capping.
Each project can be tailored to your style and budget, and when combined, they can give your home a whole new look without major renovations.
1. Replace Your Shutters
Cost: $
Impact: High
Swapping out old, faded shutters for new ones can dramatically change the look of your home’s facade. Shutters frame your windows and add contrast, color, and architectural interest.
Style Options:
Louvered – classic and clean, often found on Colonial or Cape Cod homes.
Board-and-batten – rustic charm, great for farmhouse or cottage styles.
Raised panel – formal and traditional, adds dimension.
Bahama shutters – tropical vibes and functional shade.
Color Ideas:
Bold: navy blue, forest green, black, barn red
Soft Neutrals: taupe, gray, sage, cream
Pop of Color: teal, mustard yellow, even coral for coastal styles
Material Choices include wood (more traditional but requires upkeep), vinyl (budget-friendly and low-maintenance), and composite (durable with a wood-like appearance).
Why it’s worth it: New shutters give your home definition and style, often costing as little as $90–$120 per window depending on size and material.
2. Replace Gutters
Cost: $–$$$
Impact: Medium
Old, dented, or sagging gutters drag down your home’s curb appeal and may even lead to water damage. Replacing them is both a cosmetic and functional improvement.
Style Options:
K-style – most common, looks like crown molding.
Half-round – more traditional, ideal for historic homes.
Box gutters – hidden and sleek for modern looks.
Color Ideas:
Gutters aren’t just silver anymore. You can get them in:
Neutral shades: white, black, brown, bronze
Custom colors: matched to your siding or trim for a seamless look
Copper: pricier, but ages beautifully with a natural patina
Material Choices include aluminum (most popular and affordable), vinyl (cheap but less durable), steel (stronger, mid-range), and copper (high-end, long-lasting).
Why it’s worth it: New gutters improve both appearance and drainage. Expect to spend $5–$10 per linear foot for aluminum—budget around $800–$1,600 for a typical home (more for copper).
3. Replace or Add Trim Capping
Cost: $–$$$
Impact: Subtle but Transformative
Trim capping is the process of covering existing wood trim (around windows, doors, fascia, and soffits) with low-maintenance materials like aluminum or PVC.
Style Options:
Smooth for a clean modern look
Woodgrain texture for a natural, classic appearance
Custom-bent profiles for unique architectural accents
Color Ideas:
Match your siding for a cohesive, seamless finish
Contrasting trim (white on dark siding or black on white homes) for drama and definition
Why it’s worth it: Capping protects your trim from rot, pests, and the elements—plus, it eliminates the need for painting. It’s often overlooked, but clean, crisp trim makes a big visual difference.
Cost can run around $5–$7 per linear foot, making it one of the more affordable upgrades for long-term value and curb appeal.
Final Thoughts
Improving your home's exterior doesn't require a massive remodel or a massive budget. These three upgrades—new shutters, gutters, and trim capping—are all relatively affordable, customizable, and achievable for the average homeowner or handy DIYer. Together, they create a refreshed, modern, and well-maintained appearance that boosts curb appeal and even resale value.
So grab some inspiration, set a weekend aside, and give your home the facelift it deserves—on the cheap!
Time for a few upgrades? If you live within our service area, call us today at (877) 846-9566 or fill out the form below to get started. Did you recently sustain storm damage to your roof or siding? Schedule your free inspection online.
