Home makeover projects help boost curb appeal

These days, the pressure to stay young and look good extends beyond the body and hits home.

According to a recent survey conducted by Lowe's and Harris Interactive, 41 percent of all American homeowners said they would be willing to do a great deal of work on their home to give it a complete makeover.

"No aspect of American life is immune to the allure of youth and beauty," said Melissa Birdsong, trend and design director for Lowe's, in a news release. "The average American spent more than $4,000 on home improvements last year to make their dwellings more desirable, which is more than the $3,000 most patients spent on plastic surgery procedures."

Lowe's suggests the following ideas for erasing years of wear and tear and de-cluttering the home's appearance:

Check out the roof. Missing or damaged shingles make a home look old beyond its years. Plug in new shingles using roofing cement, butyl caulk, roofing nails and materials that match your current roof .

Clean up. Dirt and grime can build up over time, making a home look old and run down. Give the home's exterior an instant facelift by using a pressure washer to clean off excess dirt.

Repair gutters. Fix sagging gutters to give the exterior of the home crisp, uniform lines and a more youthful and refreshed look. Remove excess dirt and leaves, and add fasteners for additional support. Keep gutters from drooping with regular cleaning and protective gutter guards.

Add some color. Inject color into the home's faade. A new accent color for an existing door or changing to a new style and finish provides a fresh look. Further enhance the look of a door with hardware and accessories in an updated finish.

Shape up. The front porch is one of the most notable features of the home and many leave much to be desired. Adding a new, low-maintenance vinyl rail system to an existing porch or stoop provides a stylish solution that will stay fresh for years to come without painting.

Bring up the rear. Enhance the backside of the home by adding a deck or patio. With the rise of outdoor entertaining, more homeowners are expanding outdoor living areas.

Slim down. Give the garage an instant tummy-tuck by removing excess clutter. To trim down to the necessities, toss or donate items that haven't been used in six months. Tuck extra toys and tools away in storage bins, and thin closets and cabinets with organizers.