Preparing for a Home Exterior Makeover
Once you’ve decided what kind of project you’re going to tackle, there are a few key steps you need to take to prepare for your home’s upcoming exterior makeover. Like any project, failing to plan can mean you’re planning to fail, so take the extra time to sort out the details and ensure that your end result will be a job well done!
Plan in Advance and Set a Budget
Exterior home remodel projects can vary significantly in terms of scale, scope, and cost, depending on the project you have in mind. However, whether you’re planning a simpler job like repainting your siding or a more comprehensive project like a roof replacement or new window installations, it’s always a good idea to chart out a plan with a clear vision for the work you have in mind.
Consider variables like the time of year, how long the project is estimated to take, what kind of impact it will have on you and your family while it’s in progress. One of the most critical elements of a good plan is a well-defined and realistic budget. Do some research and get quotes from multiple local contractors to determine if the remodels you have in mind are within your means, and make sure to budget some extra cash in case something goes awry along the way.
What are Some Important Aspects of Remodeling Home Exteriors?
Exterior remodeling projects can range from small repair jobs or a quick coat of fresh paint to projects that can have a big impact, like roof or siding replacements. While your specific project will vary according to your home’s needs, your long-term plans, and your vision for your property, there are a few common aspects of home exterior remodeling that nearly every homeowner deals with – or at least considers – over the years.
Updated Siding
Homeowners looking to completely refresh or modernize the look of their home usually gravitate towards updating their siding – a process that offers several benefits in addition to a new appearance. It’s true that new siding can often have a dramatic impact on a home’s curb appeal, but a siding replacement on an older home can improve the building’s energy efficiency, keep pests and insects out more effectively, and can prevent costly problems like mold and wood rot from developing on the home’s frame. Modern solutions like fiber cement siding are durable, last for decades, are eco-friendly, and offer one of the highest returns for a homeowner’s investment as far as exterior remodeling projects are concerned.
New Exterior Paint Job
Painting the exterior of your home becomes necessary when you have a type of siding that requires paint and you start to notice signs of aging on the existing paint. A fresh coat of paint not only protects the exterior of the home but also enhances its appearance. In certain cases, the only areas that need painting are the wooden sections along the rakes and eaves, which are often overlooked due to their elevated position and being out of the normal line of sight. However, these areas are essential for maintaining the overall condition of the house.
Roofing Repairs or Replacement
Roofing work, like other aspects of exterior home renovations, can range from simple work like minor damage repair all the way up to a complete roof replacement. On the “easier” side of the spectrum, roof repair work is common and relatively inexpensive, depending on the extent of the repairs. Every year, millions of homeowners across the United States find themselves repairing or replacing damaged shingles, tiles, or gutter sections. If, on the other hand, you’re considering a new roof entirely (because your current roof is aged out, damaged beyond simple repair, or you’re looking to upgrade and modernize), you have countless options at your fingertips. A new roof is an opportunity to upgrade your home’s style, energy efficiency, and resale value all at once!
Gutters, Soffit, and Fascia Updates
In addition to projects designed around your roof’s shingles, deck, and framing, exterior remodels are an excellent opportunity to touch on the supporting elements of your roof that help it keep the elements out and away from your home. If your gutters are worn down, rusted, or damaged, consider replacing them to ensure water continues to be carried away from your home’s foundation during the rainy months. It’s also a good idea to get soffits and fascia examined to ensure they’re properly sealed, weather-proofed, and in good condition.
New Window and Door Installation
Like new siding, new windows and doors can immediately impact your home’s overall curb appeal and resale value, but the return on investment doesn’t end there. Older windows and doors are likely to be less energy efficient than newer models, both due to improvements in designs and material and the fact that, as your home ages, the seals around these entrances naturally wear down and become less effective. Upgrading your home with new windows and doors can revitalize its style, increase the natural light that gets into your home, and save you money on your electric bill year after year.