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ABOUT RENOVATIONS
Exterior Renovation Overview
Does your house or building need a facelift? Exterior renovations are a great way to update the visual appeal and style of your property. Incorporating the right accents, trim, and materials can make a world of difference.
What is an Exterior Renovation?
Exterior renovation is the process of renovating the exterior of a building. It involves repairing, replacing, and improving design elements the outside of a home. It’s important to know what exterior renovation involves, so that you can make the best decisions for your property. Exterior renovation can include anything from replacing windows and doors to adding a new deck or patio, as well as painting and other aesthetic upgrades. Depending on the scope of the project, you may need to hire contractors to help with the work.
Before starting any exterior renovation project, it’s important to ensure that all necessary permits have been obtained and that you understand any applicable zoning regulations. During your planning phase, consider your budget and the cost of materials you want to use. This will help you make wise choices before investing your time and effort into the exterior renovation project. Researching different options like the type of materials and style of windows or doors helps to ensure that you get the best results for your property. When done correctly, exterior renovations can increase the value of your home and create a living space you love.
Do you need help with planning or starting your exterior renovation? We can help! Find renovation contractors and specialists to spruce up your facade. Our network of professionals has the experience and knowledge to help you start.
What Are Exterior Home Updates?
Updating your home's exterior is a great way to revamp your house. Here are a few of the most common exterior home updates that can make a big difference in your home’s appearance and value. Check these great starting places out whether you’re selling your home or just looking to make improvements. Focus your efforts on updating the windows, doors, trim, paint, gutters, downspouts, and landscaping.
Exterior Paint
Painting the outside of your home is one of the best and easiest ways to improve the way your home looks. Using the right pantones and complementary colors to bring out specific areas of the gables, shutters, and trim creates exterior focal points.
Windows and Doors
Updating windows and doors helps to add modernistic style and an updated look without making major structural updates or needed to significantly remodel the home's design. They can also reduce energy loss, retain heat, and save on your energy bills.
Window and Door Trim
Adding trim around windows and doors is a good way to update the design and house architecture. Changing the trim material, color, and size are all factors to consider during exterior home renovations. Darker trim colors with lighter base paint makes a big difference.
Water Drainage
Installing new gutters and downspouts improves the watershed off of the roof to help mitigate water damage and updates the exterior of your house. You can customize your gutters during a home renovation project to match other elements like the trim.
NEXT STEPS
Find Exterior Renovation Help
Consider the following design elements when you are planning your exterior home renovation. If you are using a general contractor, ask the right questions and get a project estimate ahead of time along with quotes for paint, windows, and doors you plan to use.
Paint the exterior of Your Home
Painting the exterior of your home is a great way to protect it from the elements and give it a fresh, new look. When deciding between painting brick or siding, it's important to consider the type of material of the exterior, the look you want to achieve, and your budget. For example, if you have wooden siding, painting or staining it will provide a natural look and protection from the sun and rain. On the other hand, if you have brick or vinyl siding, painting will give you a wide range of color options and can be more cost effective.
To get started, make sure to gather any necessary supplies including paint brushes, rollers, paint trays, and drop cloths. Make sure to clean any dirt or debris off the surface before applying your paint or stain, and always use quality products with a long-lasting finish. For best results, it's always recommended to hire a professional who will be able to ensure the job is done correctly. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a pro, painting or staining your home's exterior can make a big difference in its curb appeal.
Update Your Windows and Doors
Updating your windows and doors during a renovation is a good way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. With the right updated window technology, materials, and installation, you can reduce energy loss and save on your energy bills. For example, double pane storm windows are an excellent option if your home doesn't current feature them. Remember the money you invest into the window and door updates increases the overall value.
There are a few important steps to consider when updating your windows and doors. During renovation planning, make sure you choose the right material. Vinyl windows with double pane glass are an economical choice which are also durable and energy efficient. Wood or composite windows are also a good choice, but may require more maintenance. The double pane glass contains an insulating gas like argon within the window's construction to help balance the temperature within the rood.
Consider the size, shape and design of the window or door to ensure that it fits the style of your home. Inspect the existing window or door frame to ensure that it is in good condition before installation. During installation, it's important to have the window or door professionally installed so that they are hung and shimmed correctly. Proper installation will help ensure that you get the most out of your new window or door, including better energy efficiency and improved home value. Updating your windows and doors is a great way to benefit from improved energy efficiency, increased home value, and improved aesthetics. By selecting the right window technology, inspecting existing frames, and having a professional install your new windows or doors, you can check the box on this renovation element.
Renovate Your Front Door
Your front door is often the focal point of the front of your house. As an entry way, doors and their accents tend to be noticed more than less frequented areas. Renovating your front door is one of the most cost-effective ways to consistently improve the look and feel of your house. It allows you to craft a specific visual appeal and add an extra layer of security using smart locks and other measures. Whether you're looking for a more traditional or modern style, there are many of door options available to suit your decor taste.
Here are a few ideas to get you started with renovating your front door. First, start by selecting the door's style and material that will best match your existing home decor. You may want to consider a door made out of wood, fiberglass, steel or composite material depending on the level of security and weatherproofing you need. Then, measure the door frame opening and order the door according to the size specifications provided. Once you have the door, it's time to install it. You can either hire a professional contractor to do the job for you or do it yourself. You can usually hang it and install the weather striping with a few basic tools. Lastly, don't forget to add decorative hardware such as handles and knockers to finish off the look. Use these steps to add a new front door into your renovation plan.
Add Trim
Adding trim to your home renovation project is usually well-worth it since it provides an opportunity to add depth and accent your home with complementary colors. You may want to add trim around windows and doors to add a decorative touch. Trim can be used to accentuate the shape of the windows and doors, and it can also be used to hide any uneven edges or gaps. It's also an easy way to add architectural details to the space, making it look more polished and finished.
When you're ready to start your trim project, the first step is to measure the length and width of the window or door that you want to trim. From there, use a miter saw and a miter box to cut the trim pieces at 45 degree angles so that they fit together perfectly. You'll want to use wood glue and nails or screws to secure them in place. Once all of the trim pieces are installed, use sandpaper and wood filler to smooth and finish off the edges. After everything is affixed and sanded, you can paint or stain the trim for a more finished look. All that's left to do is step back and enjoy the fresh new look.
Install New Gutters and Downspouts
Installing new gutters and downspouts is another way to update your home, improve watershed, and protect it from water damage. Properly installed gutters and downspouts can divert rainwater away from the foundation of your home, preventing water from seeping into your basement or other areas. They can also help to prevent soil erosion and can reduce the amount of water flowing into storm drains on the drive or street. Installing new gutters and downspouts may seem like a large task. However, with the right tools, help, and proper instructions, it can be done in a few days.
Here's how you can get started with your gutter update. First, measure the length of the area you will be installing the gutters and downspouts on. Then decide on the type of gutters and downspouts you want to install. For example, aluminum K-style gutters and round or square downspouts are a popular option. Next, you'll need to purchase the proper supplies to install the gutters and downspouts such as fasteners, hangers, sealant, and end caps. Once you have all the necessary supplies, you can begin installing the gutters and downspouts.
Make sure to use fasteners that are suitable for the material of your house's exterior walls and attach hangers in intervals along the length of the gutter. Be sure to attach the downspouts firmly to the gutter system with sealant. Finally, add end caps to the top of each gutter section and at each downspout outlet. Following these steps help you install new gutters and downspouts and will have the water flowing well during the next rain storm!
Have Your Renovation Done by a Professional
Are you considering an exterior renovation for your home? Doing the work yourself could be tempting depending on how much time you have and your skill set, but you could also hire out a contractor for the most challenging parts. Contractors have the expertise and experience to ensure that the renovation job is done right the first time. They can usually complete the work in less time, with fewer mistakes, and they know the best sources for builder grade materials to use for the project.
They are also very familiar with local building codes and regulations and can help you navigate any necessary permits or required inspections. A good contractor will also provide a warranty for their work which provides peace of mind that your exterior renovation is done properly and to the highest standards. Don’t take on this job alone. Think about hiring a contractor to make sure your exterior renovation is done efficiently and safely.
Replace Damaged Siding
When it comes to repairing and replacing damaged siding, the first step is to assess the damage. Siding is most commonly damaged by hail and bad weather. It can also be damaged over time as UV rays and water take their toll. Visual inspection is the easiest way to evaluate the damage. If you suspect water damage, you can also use a moisture meter can help identify any rotted areas or moisture damage. Once you know what needs to be repaired or replaced, it's time to decide which option is best for you.
Repairing a damaged section can be a cost-effective option if it has not been compromised too extensively. Typically, this involves removing the damaged section and replacing it with an identical piece of siding. However, if the damage is extensive, or if the siding is outdated, it may be more cost-effective to replace siding around the entire area or the whole house. In this case of a replacement area, you will need to find a replacement siding material that matches your current siding, and then carefully remove and replace the damaged section. With the whole house, you can select an entirely new siding material or style. During installation, make sure to properly seal and caulk all edges and seams when you are finished. This will help protect your home from further water damage and helps ensure your siding stays in good condition.
Landscaping Renovation
Renovating the exterior of your property can be a great way to add value and enhance the appearance of your home. If you are planning on landscaping your exterior, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. Firstly, choose plants that will thrive in the local climate. Consider the amount of sunlight and rainfall that your garden will receive and select plants accordingly. Secondly, use hardscaping to add definition to your landscape. Hardscaping includes elements such as fences, terracing, and walkways. This will create a more unified look and also provide functionality. Thirdly, plan for maintenance.
Whether you plan on doing it yourself or hiring a professional, make sure you have an idea of the costs involved in maintaining your landscape over time. Finally, don’t forget to use lighting in your exterior renovation. Installing lighting fixtures around your garden or walkway can add a dramatic effect and also increase safety. By following these simple tips, your exterior renovation project will be a success!
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Revonation FAQs
Looking for answers for your exterior renovation questions? Check out the list of the top questions below.
The cost of an exterior home renovation will vary greatly depending on the scope of the project, materials used, and the contractor you hire. You can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or more on an exterior home renovation. When considering your budget, think about which aspects of your exterior you want to update. If you want to upgrade your roof, siding, and windows all at once, you’ll likely end up spending more. You should also factor in any permits or fees that may be associated with your project before budgeting for materials.
Contractors can provide a great service for those looking to update their home's look. They help you design and plan a renovation and also manage the entire project from start to finish. A contractor will have the experience and knowledge to get the job done right, ensuring that you get the best results. They'll be able to get materials at reasonable prices, helping you save money in the long run. With their expertise and workflows, contractors can create a timeline that keeps the project on track.
Exterior home renovations focus on redesigning the outside of a home include anything from replacing windows and doors to adding a new deck or patio, as well as painting and other aesthetic upgrades. Depending on the scope of the project, you may need to hire contractors to help with the work. Before starting any exterior renovation project, it’s important to ensure that all necessary permits have been obtained and that you understand any applicable zoning regulations.
Depending on your location, different building permits and inspections may be required. You'll need to submit plans for the work that you plan to do and provide details about the proposed project. Once approved, you may also need to have specific inspections take place throughout the course of the project. These inspections may include electrical inspections, plumbing inspections, and/or structural inspections to ensure that the work is being done in compliance with local building codes.
Replacing your front door during a home renovation is one of the quickest ways to update your entry area along with some paint and landscaping. The right door can help to improve energy efficiency and reduce the costs associated with heating and cooling. The style and door material come into play with this exterior update. Would a door made out of wood, metal, or a composite mix of materials work best with your home's design? Do you also need a more ornate door with in laid designs and trim or a simple modernistic design? These are all factors to consider.
When it comes to selecting windows for your home, there are a few different types to choose from. One of the most popular types is casement windows, which feature a crank handle that allows you to open them outward instead of sliding like a traditional window. Double-hung windows are another common type, featuring two sashes that slide up and down within the frame. Finally, picture windows are ideal for large open spaces and offer an unobstructed view of the outdoors. Choose the type of window that matches your style and fits your budget.