Classic Starter

Here's how they accomplish it:

• Build new and detailed wooden columns on the front porch to replace an intricate metal railing.
  
• New green paint on the garage and brown on the trim to tone down the smaller elements of the house.
  
• Remove the lawn and bushes and replace them with a slate patio and path, plus a few trees and a lot of plants.
  
• Cover the uninviting chain link fence with prefabricated fence pieces, still fitting in a tight budget.
  
• Laying down a layer of concrete over the cracked driveway and porch, while staining both a lighter, more appealing color.
  
• Adding small details, such as a new porch light, new house numbers, a new mailbox and a new doorbell to dress up the porch.