2026 Guide: Simple Upgrades That Boost Curb Appeal All Year
Your home's exterior is the first impression visitors, neighbors, and potential buyers get: and in the competitive Salt Lake Valley housing market, that impression matters more than ever. Whether you're in Sandy, Herriman, Riverton, or anywhere across Davis, Wasatch, Summit, and Tooele counties, boosting your curb appeal doesn't have to break the bank or consume your entire weekend.
The secret to year-round curb appeal in Utah lies in choosing upgrades that work with our unique climate: from scorching summer heat to heavy winter snow loads. These strategic improvements will keep your home looking sharp whether it's July in West Valley City or January in Bountiful.
Start With the Big Winners (If Your Budget Allows)
If you're ready to make a significant investment, certain upgrades deliver exceptional returns. Garage door replacement and entry door upgrades consistently rank among the highest-ROI curb appeal projects, often returning most or all of their cost in resale value. Stone veneer accents also perform well in Utah markets by improving durability and first impressions—especially in established neighborhoods.
These major projects work especially well in established neighborhoods throughout Sandy, Magna, and Herriman, where home values are climbing and competition for buyer attention is fierce.
Power Washing: The $300 Miracle
Before you paint a single board or plant a single flower, power wash everything. Utah's dust, winter road salt, and summer heat create a film on siding, driveways, and walkways that makes even newer homes look tired.
A professional power washing typically costs around $310 and can make your Riverton home look five years newer in a single afternoon. Focus on:
Siding and trim (especially important after our dusty summer months)
Concrete driveways and walkways (winter salt staining is brutal here)
Deck surfaces and railings
Exterior light fixtures and mailboxes
For DIY enthusiasts in Sandy or West Valley City, rental power washers work great, but be careful with pressure settings on wood siding and delicate surfaces. Always wear eye protection and never use high pressure on wood siding, older mortar, or window seals.
Strategic Paint Touch-Ups
Utah's intense UV exposure and temperature swings take a toll on exterior paint. You don't need to repaint your entire house to make a dramatic difference: strategic touch-ups can work wonders.
Priority areas for Magna and Herriman homeowners include:
Front door (consider a bold, welcoming color)
Window trim (crisp white or coordinating accent colors)
Garage door (especially if it's the dominant feature)
Porch railings and deck surfaces
Choose paint formulated for Utah's climate extremes. Semi-gloss and satin finishes handle our weather better than flat paint on exterior surfaces.
Utah-Friendly Landscaping That Lasts
Landscaping in Salt Lake Valley requires balancing water conservation with visual impact. The most successful curb appeal landscaping works with Utah's climate rather than fighting it.
Low-maintenance champions include:
Ornamental grasses (beautiful in winter snow, drought-tolerant in summer)
Native and drought-tolerant perennials suited to your elevation and soil conditions
Xerophytic plants that thrive in our alkaline soil
Structured evergreens for year-round backbone
For busy Bountiful and Sandy homeowners, consider mulched beds with seasonal color pots that you can swap out. Fresh dark mulch instantly makes any landscape look professionally maintained.
Pro tip: Install drip irrigation in your front beds. It's a small upfront investment that keeps everything looking lush during our hot, dry summers while staying within water restrictions.
Lighting That Works in Every Season
Exterior lighting transforms curb appeal from sundown through those long Utah winter evenings. Strategic lighting also adds security and safety value that Herriman and West Valley City families appreciate.
Essential lighting zones:
Pathway lighting (especially important for icy winter walkways)
Entry lighting (flanking your front door)
Landscape accent lighting (highlighting mature trees or architectural features)
Security lighting (motion-activated for driveways and side yards)
Solar options have improved dramatically and work well in our sunny climate, though hardwired fixtures provide more consistent performance during shorter winter days. Hardwired lighting should always be installed by licensed professionals.
Entry Upgrades That Welcome Visitors
Your front entrance sets the tone for your entire home. Small updates here deliver outsized impact for homeowners throughout Riverton, Magna, and Sandy.
Quick wins include:
Updated house numbers (modern fonts, LED backlighting, or contrasting colors)
Fresh doormat (oversized options look more intentional)
Seasonal planters (swap them out quarterly for year-round interest)
Door hardware (new handles, locks, and kickplates)
Bigger impact projects:
Storm door upgrade (especially valuable for Utah's weather extremes)
Porch lighting fixtures that complement your home's style
Walkway improvements (pavers, stamped concrete, or natural stone)
Seasonal Strategy for Year-Round Appeal
Utah homeowners need curb appeal solutions that work in both July heat and January snow. The most successful approach layers improvements that shine in different seasons.
Spring prep (March-May):
Power wash winter grime
Prune dormant shrubs
Refresh mulch and plant annual color
Touch up paint damaged by winter weather
Summer maintenance (June-August):
Deep water established plants
Deadhead flowers regularly
Clean and seal deck surfaces
Maintain lawn edges and tree pruning
Fall preparation (September-November):
Plant spring bulbs
Add evergreen structure for winter interest
Clean gutters and exterior fixtures
Apply protective finishes to wood surfaces
Winter appeal (December-February):
Add evergreen wreaths and seasonal containers
Ensure walkway lighting and safety
Keep snow cleared from architectural features
Plan next year's major improvements
DIY vs. Professional: Making Smart Choices
Many curb appeal projects work perfectly as weekend DIY adventures for motivated Sandy, Bountiful, and Herriman homeowners. Others require professional expertise to avoid costly mistakes.
Great DIY projects:
Power washing (with proper equipment)
Planting and basic landscaping
Painting trim and doors
Installing solar pathway lighting
Seasonal decorating
Call the professionals for:
Major electrical work (hardwired lighting systems)
Structural repairs (deck railings, porch foundations)
Complex irrigation installation
Siding or major exterior repairs
Projects requiring permits
As licensed B100 general contractors serving the entire Salt Lake Valley, Your Handyman Pros manages projects and coordinates licensed trades as required, covering everything from simple repairs to complete exterior renovations. We understand Utah's unique challenges and building requirements.
Budget-Friendly Timeline
You don't need to tackle everything at once. Strategic timing maximizes impact while spreading costs across the year.
Year 1: Focus on cleaning, maintenance, and quick wins (power washing, paint touch-ups, basic landscaping)
Year 2: Add lighting and upgrade key features (front door, mailbox, house numbers)
Year 3: Tackle bigger projects (deck refresh, major landscaping, siding repairs)
This approach keeps your West Valley City, Riverton, or Magna home looking progressively better while managing cash flow.
The Utah Advantage
Living in the Salt Lake Valley means dealing with unique environmental factors, but it also means access to incredible natural beauty and four distinct seasons that can work in your favor. Homes that embrace our climate rather than fighting it consistently show better curb appeal and require less maintenance.
Consider how your improvements will look against winter snow, spring green-up, summer heat, and fall colors. The most successful projects enhance your home's relationship with Utah's dramatic seasonal changes.
Whether you're planning a simple refresh or a complete exterior makeover, the key is choosing improvements that deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Start with the basics: cleaning and maintenance: then layer on improvements that reflect your style while working with Utah's unique climate.
Your home should be the one neighbors point to as the standard in your Sandy, Herriman, or Salt Lake Valley neighborhood. With strategic planning and smart execution, these upgrades will keep your curb appeal strong all year long.
