Mailbox address numbers are one of the most underrated (but insanely effective) home updates you can make.
Your neighbours will notice — Guaranteed.
Most people dump thousands into home updates inside their house and forget to tackle simple details outside. The things everyone sees when they drive or walk by your home.
Even real estate agents know curb appeal matters. 97% of realtors surveyed by NAR say exterior details are important for attracting buyers.
The best part?
The most underrated home updates are:
- Inexpensive
- Easy
…and can make your home look totally different from the street overnight.
Underrated Home Updates Checklist
- Why Small Exterior Details Make a Huge Difference
- 5 Underrated Home Updates Neighbours Will Notice
- How Mailbox Numbers Make Your Home Stand Out
- Don’t Forget the Wins You Can Get Tonight
Let’s do this!
Why Small Exterior Details Make a Huge Difference
Buyers agree: curb appeal matters.
But most homeowners botch this.
They obsess over big remodel projects like kitchens and bathrooms. Updating floors. New countertops. That stuff is important, sure. But does your neighbour care about your granite counters?
Nope.
They care about what you do outside.
They notice your mailbox. House numbers. Front door. Outdoor lighting. Because that’s what people see when they drive or stroll by your home.
That first impression is everything.
It tells the world — if you take care of your home inside, you probably take care of it outside too.
Just how important is curb appeal? Homes with great curb appeal sell for up to 7% more than other homes in the same neighborhood. In sluggish real estate markets that premium can be even higher.
That’s nothing to sneeze at.
You’ll be happy to hear that curb appeal upgrades don’t have to break the bank. Most exterior upgrades cost next-to-nothing and can be done in a single weekend.
Here are the best underrated home updates…
5 Underrated Home Updates Neighbours Will Notice
Home improvements aren’t created equal.
Some receive all of the attention while others go completely unnoticed. If you want to make changes neighbors will actually notice, check out these underrated updates…
Upgrade Your Mailbox Address Numbers
When it comes to curb appeal, this is one of the most underrated details you can improve.
Here’s the deal: your mailbox is literally the first thing people notice about your home when they pull up to your house. Missing, faded or otherwise difficult to see house numbers tell people you don’t care about details. Neat and modern mailbox address numbers say just the opposite.
Easy-to-read mailbox number stickers are one of the quickest ways to help your home’s exterior look more polished and put together. Pick numbers that are at least 4 inches tall so they’re easy to read from the street and match the finish to your other outdoor hardware.
This is cheap. Like $0-$20 cheap. But it’ll make a difference.
Freshen Up Your Front Door
A fresh coat of paint can go a long way.
If your front door is looking drab, repaint it! You don’t have to go crazy either. Just pick a solid bold color. Even black or navy blue can look amazing.
You should also consider upgrading your door hardware. Everything from handles and knockers to door locks. Add a new welcome mat too. Round things off with some houseplants on either side of the door.
This combo gives your home’s entrance a nice facelift that neighbors won’t be able to ignore. For most people, the total cost will be under $200.
Install Some Outdoor Lighting
Okay, this is one most people overlook…
Outdoor lights aren’t just for security. Done right, outdoor lighting makes a huge difference in your home’s curb appeal when the sun goes down.
Mix and match pathway lights, porch fixtures and accent lighting to brighten up your home’s exterior. There are tons of solar light options that are super easy to install because they require no wiring!
With the right outdoor lighting you can accentuate architectural details, light up your walkways, create a welcoming atmosphere and highlight your landscaping at night.
Hang a Pressure Washer On Everything
It doesn’t get much easier than this.
Spray your driveway, walkways, siding and patio with a power washer and watch the years of built-up dirt, grime and mildew fly off.
Renting a power washer will set you back about fifty to seventy-five bucks for a day. That’s right! A day of magically clean surfaces that have been dirty for years will cost you next to nothing.
Plant Something in Window Boxes or Planters
Window boxes are an easy way to add color and charm to your home.
Seasonal flowers will add some serious curb appeal to pretty much any style of home and they’re cheap. Like, really cheap.
Just make sure you pick plants that will grow in your area. You don’t want dead flowers staring back at you from your window box.
How Mailbox Numbers Make Your Home Stand Out
Ok. Let’s talk mailbox numbers again.
Your mailbox sets the stage for your home. Think of it like your home’s handshake. Is it welcoming? Rusty and beat up with numbers that are faded and falling off?
Or does it look brand new with stylish modern numbers that are easy to read?
You know which one looks better.
When shopping for new mailbox address numbers keep these tips in mind:
- Pick Numbers That Pop: Light-colored numbers on a dark background or visa-versa.
- Size Matters: Numbers should be at least 4 inches tall so they’re easy to see from the street.
- Keep It Consistent: Match the finish to your outdoor door hardware for a cohesive look.
- Buy Once, Cry Once: Get quality numbers that will last. Most are weather resistant and won’t fade over time.
Fire up that grill!
Your neighbours will notice.
Putting It All Together
Remember when we said that most of these projects could be done in a single weekend?
Your driveway and walkways, along with your siding and patio, can be pressure washed in a single day. New mailbox numbers can be painted in less than 10 minutes. Front doors can be painted in a day for those feeling really ambitious.
And don’t forget. Start wherever you’d like. If you hate plants, don’t worry about the window boxes. Want to look awesome from the street at night but hate gardening? Do the mailbox numbers and lighting.
The majority of these updates won’t cost you more than $200. Yet they’ll have your neighbours wondering what you did.
Start small and notice just how big of a difference these curb appeal upgrades can make.