Your porch or balcony can play many roles: a place to have your morning coffee or tea, to watch your kids play, to have dinner on a beautiful summer’s night, to sit enjoy the sun, to read a book. But it is probably not the first place you think of when considering home repairs and upgrades.

There are several budget-friendly improvements to make your porch or balcony the place you want to be.

Update Small Details 

Do you notice wobbly railings or faded paint on columns and trim? For a cleaner, more stylish space, consider tightening screws, replacing old wood or giving the area a fresh coat of paint. You can also order outdoor decor, like throw rugs and placemats, to cosy up the space. If your front door’s seen better days, you might consider replacing it — or painting it a vibrant, happy colour.

Replace Old Lighting and Electrical Fixtures 

If your porch light is buzzing, humming, flickering and/or dimming, it’s likely time for a replacement. It’s a good idea to call an electrician to evaluate and handle the issue. If your fixtures are dated, replacing them is a simple project with instant results. Hanging string or fairy lights can also add a special, inviting touch to any outdoor space.

Bring Plants into the Picture 

Potted plants are the gold standard when it comes to sprucing up your porch for spring and summer —whether you’re keen to keep things monochromatic or go all-out with a vibrant mix. For a fail-safe design, consider hanging plants on the interior and placing potted plants at either side of the door and along the edge of the porch itself. You can also use potted plants and flowers to line your walkway — and add a few path lights to highlight them at night.

Clean and Maintain Hardscaping 

Porches, pathways, driveways and other hardscaping elements require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Springtime is a good time to do it yourself or have a professional pressure-wash concrete around your home’s exterior — as well as siding and other exterior surfaces. It’s also a good time to inspect for and take note of any cracks or damage. If you notice an issue, call a pro to take a look and get ahead of costly repairs.

Opt for Comfortable Furniture 

Soaking up the sun or settling in for a glass of wine is so much better when you can lean back and relax. Even the smallest porches can usually accommodate a chair or two. When it comes to seating, the sky’s the limit: choose a classic bench swing, a bistro set, rocking chairs, colourful Adirondacks or even trendy hanging basket chairs. When it comes to perking up your porch, it all comes down to what best fits your space, budget and taste.