Do you want to transform the exterior of your home? But you aren’t sure what to do first? Or you are looking for concrete ways to visualize where to get the biggest bang for your budget? Well, I want to walk you through 3 ways to get the impact you are looking for. In fact, treated with a careful eye, you can refresh the exterior of your house with minimal work. Plus, these tips will help you achieve a more contemporary and modern look without any serious structural changes.
If you are like millions of homeowners around the United States, the outside of your house just isn’t what you want. Maybe you’ve tried a few ideas but still it just isn’t it. I’ve come to see that there are 3 specific ways to tweak it to deliver the greatest return on your efforts.
1. Siding: the siding you have on your house is a big determinant for its style. Brick is a common theme for colonial. Extra wide boards are a common element for Victorian. Vinyl siding is used a lot too. All of these can make your house look old and stodgy. It’s time to explore wood. There’s a wealth of options on the market today. Sustainably sourced options like tigerwood can give you a new appearance on a budget. Or you can ponder using Ipe…one of the most beautiful selections available. It is also one of the most expensive. Both come in 1x4 or 1x6 boards that can be milled to shiplap or rain screen. For a more modern look, 1x4 always hits the mark. However, done right, the 1x6 sizing is just as effective. Both bring warmth to the exterior. If boards aren’t your thing, consider using cedar shingles. They are a very traditional material, but can be used to create a Dwell-delicious contemporary residence. There’re several types of cedar shingles…Eastern White Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar are just two. The type of shingle greatly influences their coloring after a few years installed.
1. Siding: the siding you have on your house is a big determinant for its style. Brick is a common theme for colonial. Extra wide boards are a common element for Victorian. Vinyl siding is used a lot too. All of these can make your house look old and stodgy. It’s time to explore wood. There’s a wealth of options on the market today. Sustainably sourced options like tigerwood can give you a new appearance on a budget. Or you can ponder using Ipe…one of the most beautiful selections available. It is also one of the most expensive. Both come in 1x4 or 1x6 boards that can be milled to shiplap or rain screen. For a more modern look, 1x4 always hits the mark. However, done right, the 1x6 sizing is just as effective. Both bring warmth to the exterior. If boards aren’t your thing, consider using cedar shingles. They are a very traditional material, but can be used to create a Dwell-delicious contemporary residence. There’re several types of cedar shingles…Eastern White Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar are just two. The type of shingle greatly influences their coloring after a few years installed.
2. Windows: There are 2 big ways to make your windows work for you. First, select windows that have black frames (inside and out). Dark frames help them stand out and lighter colors often look older. Second, use casement windows. Casements are windows that open more like a door than a conventional window. Most conventional windows are double hung that slide up and down. Casements give you a picturesque view while the dark frames really give them a punch of style. Casements close more secure too – so you get less hot and cold air coming into the house, and that saves you money on your power bills.
3. The most overlooked way to update the exterior of your house is choosing the right gutter. Yes, gutters. Boring? They don’t have to be. Every house needs them and yet, there’s very little variety in their style. The typical gutter looks like cheap crown molding and comes in white or brown. Instead of using that standard gutter, consider a flat or nearly flat faced gutter. These are regularly used for commercial projects but have yet to break into the residential market. The flat-faced gutters are cleaner and adds that little “something” that pulls other decisions together.
These three simple tips can give you a house a more contemporary without making major changes to it. They have added benefits too. A new look means more curb appeal. Sustainable woods, better windows and larger gutters will save you money on energy and maintenance costs.
The big challenge is getting the details right. But with the right planning you’ll be able to launch into a renovation with little worry. And with the right details and materials, you’ll be coming home with a smile on your face in no time.
The big challenge is getting the details right. But with the right planning you’ll be able to launch into a renovation with little worry. And with the right details and materials, you’ll be coming home with a smile on your face in no time.
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