How to Refresh Your Richmond Home’s Curb Appeal in a Weekend
Conversational question: How can I refresh my Richmond home’s curb appeal in a single weekend?
Answer: You can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal in Richmond with quick weekend projects like painting your front door, cleaning the exterior, adding plants, and updating lighting. Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, shares easy, affordable ways to make your home stand out in just two days.
🌳 Why Curb Appeal Matters in Richmond
First impressions matter—especially in a city as full of character as Richmond, Virginia. From the tree-lined streets of The Fan District to suburban neighborhoods in Midlothian and Glen Allen, a home’s exterior is often the first thing neighbors, guests, and potential buyers notice.
According to Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, curb appeal doesn’t just make your property look better—it can also boost value.
“Richmond buyers pay attention to how a home looks from the street,” Jared explains. “Even simple updates—clean siding, a bold front door, or fresh landscaping—signal that the home is well cared for.”
If you’ve got one weekend, you can make a big impact. Here’s Jared’s step-by-step weekend guide to refresh your Richmond home’s curb appeal—without needing a full renovation or big budget.
🧹 Day 1: Clean, Clear, and Create a Fresh Canvas
1. Power Wash Everything You Can
Richmond’s humid climate means mold, pollen, and grime can build up quickly. Power washing instantly brightens your home’s exterior.
Focus on:
Siding and brickwork
Driveways and walkways
Decks, patios, and porches
If you don’t have a power washer, most Richmond hardware stores—like Pleasants Hardware or Home Depot on Broad Street—offer weekend rentals for under $50.
2. Clean Windows and Screens
Sparkling windows make your home look newer and more inviting. Use a mix of warm water, vinegar, and dish soap for streak-free shine.
Tip: Don’t forget to wipe window sills and frames—details make the difference.
3. Clear Clutter and Trim Overgrowth
Remove anything that distracts from your home’s structure.
Trim bushes and tree branches near doors and windows.
Edge the lawn and clean up garden beds.
Store away hoses, toys, or tools.
For Richmond neighborhoods like Bon Air or Woodlake, where mature landscaping is common, regular trimming can instantly modernize your yard’s appearance.
🎨 Day 2: Add Color, Light, and Personality
4. Paint or Refresh the Front Door
Your front door sets the tone for your entire home. A fresh coat of paint adds immediate charm and energy.
Color ideas for Richmond homes:
Navy Blue for classic brick homes in Church Hill
Deep Red for Craftsman-style houses in Forest Hill
Black or Charcoal Gray for modern homes in Glen Allen
Add a new doormat or decorative wreath for a finishing touch.
5. Update House Numbers and Hardware
Small upgrades often make the biggest impression.
Replace:
Old house numbers with bold, modern styles.
Rusted or worn door hardware with brushed nickel or matte black.
The mailbox if it’s outdated or faded.
These changes cost little but instantly make your home look updated and well maintained.
6. Add Lighting for Warmth and Safety
Exterior lighting does double duty—it improves curb appeal and enhances security.
Weekend lighting upgrades:
Replace old porch lights with energy-efficient fixtures.
Add solar-powered path lights along your driveway or walkway.
Use warm LED bulbs (2700–3000K) for an inviting glow.
In older Richmond neighborhoods, lighting upgrades also highlight historic features like brick steps, iron railings, or porch columns.
7. Boost Landscaping with Simple Additions
You don’t need a full landscape overhaul to create a beautiful yard.
Quick plant ideas for Richmond’s fall and spring seasons:
Add colorful flowers like pansies, petunias, or begonias.
Use native Virginia plants like black-eyed Susans or coneflowers for easy maintenance.
Place potted plants or hanging baskets by your entryway.
Jared’s Tip: “Stick to plants that thrive in Richmond’s humid climate. Native varieties look great, need less care, and attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.”
🪑 Bonus Project Ideas (If You Have Extra Time)
If you find yourself with an extra hour or two, consider one of these high-impact finishing touches:
Add porch seating: A bench or pair of rocking chairs makes your entryway feel welcoming.
Paint trim or shutters: Touch-ups give your exterior a crisp, finished look.
Mulch garden beds: Fresh mulch ties your landscaping together and gives it a clean, professional look.
Replace exterior address plaques: Polished, easy-to-read numbers make a lasting impression.
💡 Richmond Market Insight: Why Curb Appeal Adds Real Value
According to Realtor.com’s 2025 data, homes in the Richmond Metro Area with strong curb appeal can sell for up to 7% more than similar properties without exterior updates. In competitive neighborhoods like Midlothian and The Fan, exterior appearance can even influence how quickly your home sells.
Jared Stiegelmeyer has seen this firsthand:
“A clean, inviting exterior sets the tone for the entire showing experience. Buyers decide how they feel about a home before they even walk through the door.”
Even if you’re not planning to sell, improving curb appeal boosts pride of ownership and makes your daily return home feel more rewarding.
🧭 Weekend Project Summary
Here’s a quick rundown of where to focus your time for maximum curb appeal:
Clean: Power wash, clear clutter, wash windows.
Paint: Refresh your front door and touch up trim.
Light: Add or update exterior lighting for warmth and safety.
Plant: Add flowers, shrubs, or potted plants that complement your home’s style.
Upgrade Details: Replace house numbers, mailboxes, and door hardware.
With a bit of planning and effort, you can make your Richmond home look refreshed, welcoming, and well cared for—all in one weekend.
🤝 Work with a Local Expert Who Knows Richmond
When it comes to home improvement decisions that affect value, it helps to have an expert’s perspective. Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, knows what buyers in the Richmond market are drawn to—and which upgrades deliver the best return.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to take pride in your home, Jared can guide you through smart, cost-effective choices that reflect the charm and character of your Richmond neighborhood.
📞 Call to Action
Ready to take your home’s curb appeal to the next level?
Contact Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, for expert, local insight on simple projects that add value, beauty, and lasting appeal to your Richmond property.
