Front Porch Makeover - 6 Part Series

Fixer-Upper Transformation: A DIY Journey to Boost Curb Appeal
As many of you know, I moved into a fixer-upper after my divorce in August 2020, and I remodeled the entire inside of my house myself. Then, I launched a company called Entry Envy, focusing on curb appeal. However, I haven’t had the time to work on my own exterior, and I’ve been very self-conscious about it over the past year. After all, I run a company that promotes curb appeal, yet I’ve been embarrassed about the state of my own front yard. But today, we’re going to fix this challenge together!
I’m going to take you through the entire DIY design process and every step involved. I’ll be vlogging all the details on my original remodel website, cheaperthanwine.com, where you can find all the how-to videos if you want to tackle this DIY curb appeal transformation yourself too! But just a heads up—this will be me, raw and real—no fancy clothes, no makeup, just hard work ahead!
Here’s the Plan for the Next Six Weeks of Our DIY Curb Appeal Transformation:
Part 1: DIY Design Process to Boost Curb Appeal
Where do we start? How do we find inspiration for your curb appeal? How do we create a solid plan and put together a budget? And perhaps the most important question—what tasks can I handle myself, and what should I outsource? These questions will be answered, and we’ll walk through the entire DIY design phase together. Here's how we’ll approach it:
- Find inspiration: Look for design trends, Pinterest boards, or local homes for fresh ideas that will improve your curb appeal.
- Create a plan: Sketch out what you want the final look of your front yard to be.
- Set a budget: Outline the costs for each step of the project to stay on track.
- Decide what to do yourself vs. outsourcing: Identify tasks that require professional help and what you can DIY.
Part 2: Ordering Supplies for Your DIY Curb Appeal Project
Once we have a plan in place, we need to gather the materials. We’ll be scoping out discount sites to ensure everything is ready before we start. This step is even more crucial now due to supply chain issues post-COVID. By getting our supplies early, we’ll stay on track and avoid delays. Here's the process for ordering supplies:
- Make a list of needed materials: Write down everything needed for your DIY curb appeal project.
- Research affordable suppliers: Find the best deals online and in local stores for your DIY design.
- Order early: Get your supplies in advance to avoid any unexpected delays.
Part 3: Prep Work and Tear Down to Improve Your Curb Appeal
Next comes the prep work—the part that everyone dreads but is absolutely essential. This is where most of the time and energy will go. It’s going to look worse before it looks better, so you don’t want to jump into this phase without being fully prepared. Once all the supplies are in place, we’ll dive into the work! The prep phase will include:
- Clearing the area: Remove any old décor, plants, or debris.
- Cleaning the surface: Ensure everything is dusted, washed, or scrubbed before starting.
- Preparing materials: Organize all the supplies you’ll need for the DIY design.
Part 4: Getting to Work and Following Through on Your Curb Appeal Design
And then, once we’re ready, the fun begins! After the prep phase, I’ll break down the following weeks of work, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Here's the step-by-step process:
- Start with the most complex tasks: Begin with the more difficult tasks first, like planting, painting, or installing.
- Work through the plan systematically: Follow the design plan and focus on one task at a time to enhance your curb appeal.
- Stay motivated: Keep track of progress and celebrate small wins along the way!
And then, once we’re ready, the fun begins! After the prep phase, I’ll break down the following weeks of work, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Let's do this together and create some curb appeal
P.S. Entry Envy custom home signs welcome guests and help delivery drivers validate they are at the correct house. There are so many styles available! If you haven't ordered yours yet, please SHOP HERE to design your unique sign. Monthly home decor subscription boxes make it easy and convenient to keep your sign in style. You'll never have to think about how to update your front porch for the next season or holiday again!
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