Tips for Planning Home Exterior Renovations Dreaming of Curb Appeal?

You know that feeling when you pull into your driveway after a long day and cringe at your home’s tired exterior? The faded paint, overgrown bushes, and cracked walkways make it look like the outside of your house is frowning compared to the happy home inside. Well, it’s time to put a smile on your home’s face! I’m here to share my top tips for planning an exterior renovation to give your home much-needed curb appeal. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps for creating a budget, deciding on a style, hiring contractors, and more. With a little planning and elbow grease, you can have the charming, welcoming exterior you’ve dreamed of in no time. Let’s get started on these tips for planning home exterior renovations.

Start With a Vision: Define Your Exterior Renovation Goals

When planning my home’s exterior renovation, I began defining my goal. Did I want to freshen up the facade with a new coat of paint, or did I want to overhaul the entire exterior for improved curb appeal? I decided on the latter, aiming to modernize the style, maximize outdoor living space, and boost the property value.

Update the architectural style

My house was built in the 70s, with a very dated brick and wood exterior. I wanted to transform it to a more contemporary style. To do this, I replaced the brick veneer with sleek stone and installed vinyl siding on the top level. I also updated the front entryway, replacing the wooden door with stylish glass and metal.

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Create an outdoor oasis

Since I live in a temperate climate, I wanted to maximize my outdoor space. I extended my small front porch into a wrap-around veranda and added a pergola for shade. I put in a stone patio, a fire pit, and an in-ground pool in the backyard. Now, I have the perfect spot for entertaining and relaxation.

With a well-defined vision and set of goals, I was able to turn my outdated exterior into a modern, welcoming space that suited my needs and lifestyle. Defining your own exterior renovation goals is the first step to creating a home you’ll love coming to each day.

Research Local Regulations for Exterior Home Improvements

When planning any exterior renovation, the first thing I do is check with my local regulations. There are rules about everything from permits to zoning, and the last thing you want is a fine or having to tear out work that doesn’t meet the code.

For most areas, you’ll need permits for any major overhaul like re-siding, re-roofing, or adding additions. Permits ensure proper inspections so things are done safely and according to regulations. It’s usually best to work with an experienced contractor who will handle permits for you, but homeowners can also apply directly with the local building department.

Zoning laws determine what you can and can’t do with your property. For example, my town has fence heights, setbacks, and square footage rules. I had to get special approval for my shed since it’s over a certain size. It’s worth checking if you have any doubts before starting a project.

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Following the rules upfront saves headaches later on. Renovating your home’s exterior can be exciting, but take the time to research your local regulations first. Your community likely has resources to guide you through the process, and knowledgeable contractors and building departments can help ensure your dream renovation becomes a reality.

Create a Budget for Your Exterior Renovation Project

Coming up with a realistic budget for your exterior renovation project is key. How much can you spend to get the curb appeal you’re after? As with any home improvement project, exterior renovations can range widely in cost depending on the work you want done.

For me, the first step was deciding which areas I wanted to focus on. Did I want to resurface my driveway? Replace my roof? Landscape my front yard? Paint the exterior? All of the above? I had to determine my priorities and how much I could spend on each item. Don’t forget to budget for the little details, like new house numbers, lighting fixtures, or shutters. Those little touches can add up!

Once I had a scope of the work in mind, I got estimates from contractors to determine rough costs. I also researched DIY options to save money where I could. Setting a total budget and allocating funds to each area of work helped ensure I didn’t go over budget. And of course, building in a 10-15% contingency fund for any surprises is always a good idea.

Creating a realistic budget for your exterior renovation will help turn your home’s curb appeal dreams into a reality. Decide what’s most important, get estimates, determine what you can DIY, and build in a little wiggle room. With some planning, you’ll have neighbors oohing and ahhing over your home’s new and improved exterior in no time!

Pick the Right Materials for Curb Appeal and Durability

When planning my home’s exterior renovation, I knew durable and attractive materials were key for curb appeal and longevity. For siding, I chose vinyl over wood or brick. Vinyl is low-maintenance, won’t rot or warp, and comes in various architectural styles. For the roof, I went with asphalt shingles instead of cedar shakes. Asphalt shingles can last up to 50 years and are more affordable.

For accents like shutters, trim, and fences, I stuck with materials that complement the siding and roof choices. Vinyl or aluminum are great for shutters and trim because they won’t chip or peel like wood. Vinyl, aluminum, or composite materials provide privacy without constant upkeep for fencing.

Choosing the right materials for your home’s exterior renovation may require balancing your budget with aesthetics and durability. But with so many options today like vinyl, asphalt, aluminum, and composites, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result without breaking the bank. The key is researching what you can afford and what will work well for your home’s style and climate.

Hire the Right Contractor for Your Exterior Renovation

Finding Qualified Candidates

When planning my home’s exterior renovation, I knew finding the right contractor was key. I asked friends for referrals and checked sites like HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List. I looked for contractors with experience in projects similar to mine, like siding installation or deck building. I made calls to check references and see photos of previous work. ###

Interviewing Contractors

I narrowed it down to a few candidates and scheduled in-person meetings. I asked lots of questions about their experience, licenses, insurance, and credentials. I also asked for estimates so I could compare. Some things I considered:

• Do I feel comfortable with them working on my home? Our rapport and trust were important.
• Are their prices reasonable and in line with the competition? I didn’t want to overpay or hire someone too cheap to do quality work.
• What’s their availability and timeline for completing the project? I needed it done before winter, but I didn’t want them to rush.

Ultimately, I went with a contractor I felt confident in and who had fair prices. Hiring the right pro for the job gave me peace of mind that my home’s new exterior would be stunning and built to last.

Conclusion

And there you have it – my top tips for planning your home’s curb appeal makeover. I know it can feel overwhelming to think about renovating your home’s exterior. But take it one step at a time, make a plan, and lean on the experts when needed. With some strategic thinking and smart design choices, you’ll have a wowed home exterior. One that makes you proud whenever you pull into the driveway. A facade that delights the neighbors and makes passersby swoon. So dream big for that stunning curb appeal, but be sure to lay the groundwork with a thoughtful renovation plan. Before you know it, you’ll live in the home of your Pinterest dreams!