Where I'd Spend $500 to Make My House Look Better (And Where I Wouldn't)

If I was hosting a gathering or putting my house on the market and wanted to make it look as good as possible without spending a fortune, this is where I'd start.

There are certain areas of a home that make a much bigger difference than others, and I certainly wouldn't spend money cleaning things that nobody is likely to notice.

Here's where I'd save a bit of money while still making a noticeable difference.

1. Don't clean every window — concentrate on the ones that matter

If I wanted to save money on window cleaning, I wouldn't necessarily have every window in the house professionally cleaned.

I'd concentrate on the windows around the front entrance and the main living areas.

Why? Because first impressions count, and the living areas are where you'll spend most of your time looking out through the glass.

Clean, sparkling windows around the entrance make the house feel fresher as soon as someone walks in, while clean living area windows make a real difference to the feel of the home.

If the budget is tight, I'd prioritise these areas rather than paying to have every single window cleaned.

2. Make the most of your own pressure cleaner

If you have a domestic pressure cleaner sitting in the garage, put it to good use!

Domestic pressure cleaners generally don't have the same power or cleaning capacity as professional equipment, so getting the same results can take a little more time and effort.

One way to improve your results is to use a suitable cleaning treatment before pressure washing. Products designed for the particular surface can help loosen dirt and deal with things like algae, mould and lichen.

I'd suggest visiting Bunnings and explaining exactly what you're cleaning — whether it's pavers, concrete or decking — so they can recommend a suitable product.

Always follow the product instructions, check that it's safe for your particular surface and take care around nearby plants and gardens.

Don't mix chemicals or put them through your pressure washer unless the product and machine manufacturers specifically say it's suitable.

Apply the treatment as directed, allow it to work for the recommended time, and then use your domestic pressure cleaner where appropriate.

One thing I'd consider, though: if you have a really large area to clean, such as a long driveway, it may be worth getting a professional in. With professional equipment, the job can be completed much faster and often with a much better finish.

You could then consider sealing the surface yourself, provided it's suitable for sealing and properly prepared. This can help protect it and keep it looking better for longer.

3. You don't necessarily need to wash the entire outside of your house

If the outside of your house is looking a little tired, you don't always need to have the whole property professionally washed.

I'd concentrate on the areas that people notice most.

For example, the front entrance, the area around the front door and the back entertaining area are good places to start.

These are the areas that make the biggest impression when people visit or inspect your home.

If I wanted to save even more money, I'd start by removing the cobwebs around the eaves, windows and entrance areas myself.

A gentle rinse with a garden hose can also help remove loose dust and dirt from suitable surfaces.

It might not give you the same result as a full professional house wash, but it can certainly freshen things up without spending a lot of money.

And sometimes, that's all you need.