Small Changes … BIG IMPACT

By Sally Moe, Times Total Media Correspondent

Every home needs a bit of a refresh now and then. But that doesn’t mean you have to hand over a month’s salary or work your tail off. There are lots of things you can do in an afternoon or a weekend (or hire someone to do), that make a real impact on your home, inside and out.

Curb appeal…

Start with your mailbox. If you don’t want to replace it, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders. Add new numbers on both sides of the box; but before that, if you’re feeling creative, paint or stencil a design like a colorful mandala or a vintage mermaid. A bold design could incorporate your numbers. Maybe plant some flowers around the base, or a tropical vine you can coax up the stand.

Now to the concrete. Power washing your driveway and sidewalks can make your house feel so much fresher. Whether you DIY, or hire someone, it’s especially nice to do this in the spring.

How does the roof look?

Mildew stains? Pressure cleaning the roof is a job for the professionals, but the freshening impact cannot be overstated.

Do you have a front porch?

A few changes here will make a world of difference. Power washing can get rid of any buggy, cobwebby nastiness (kill wasp nests first to prevent dive-bombing of enraged wasps). Repaint your front door — maybe a bold bright color you love like marigold, scarlet or teal. Now for the doorbell. Is it the standard little glow-inthe-dark push button? You can upgrade that visually with a wall-mounted doorbell

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