The way that the exterior of your home looks and functions dictates a large part of its value. Your home’s exterior needs to match its architectural style, look good when viewed from the street, and protect your home from moisture and the elements.
For many homeowners, it also needs to be sustainable and durable as well – a tall order when taking the other factors into consideration as well.
27 Exterior Remodeling Ideas to Inspire Your Next Project
These exterior home remodeling and renovation ideas are designed to help you make the most of your home’s exterior. From siding and accents to smart technology and modern art, keep your home looking its best with these twenty-seven unique exterior remodeling ideas:
1. Install Fiber Cement Siding
One of the ways you can improve your home’s appearance both now and for the future is to replace your existing siding with fiber cement. Fiber cement siding is a versatile material available in multiple styles and colors. It’s exceptionally durable and low maintenance. Fiber cement won’t peel or crack the way that wood or vinyl will, and it’s not susceptible to moisture or insect activity, so you can go longer without maintenance or worry.
2. Add Accent Sections
Many people merely install horizontal lap siding over their exterior’s entirety, but this isn’t the only type of siding available. Shingles, panels, corrugated metal, decorative trim, and board-and-batten siding are all suitable and attractive options to update your home with. Choose one or more different siding styles, and use them to call attention to different areas of your exterior, such as upper stories, eaves, towers, or attached sections like garages or barns to give your entire property a style boost.
3. Use a Fresh Coat of Paint
Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint on your home’s exterior to give the entire property a new lease on life. Even paint that hasn’t begun to peel can begin to look dingy or dull over time, so updating the color of your home to something a little lighter, brighter, or more contemporary could help enhance its style.
Make sure you pair the color of your home with its architectural style to get the best results. For example, use a slightly darkened paint color on Victorians, while using a saturated color palette on an Arts and Crafts home and a natural color palette on a Tudor.
4. Use a Pop of Trim Color
One of the hottest trends in home exteriors right now involves using bold colored accents. This can be on the front door, shutters, trim, or decorative wood work. Look for trim colors that complement the rest of your home’s exterior, while still catching the eye and attention, such as bold red, turquoise, or royal blue. Just be sure to use these colors in small amounts so you don’t overwhelm the rest of your home’s palette.
5. Update Your Roof
Your roof plays a big role in how your home looks and functions. If your roof is getting older, consider replacing it with newer, architectural shingles. Architectural roof shingles have more dimension than traditional asphalt shingles, and are now designed to help reflect UV rays, keeping your home cooler as well.
Other ideas for updating your roof include using a standing seam metal roof on more contemporary properties; look for metal roofs in a light or cool color to get the latest in roofing trends. Or, for older style homes consider opting for a tile roof. Newer roof tiles are made of concrete – much more durable than older clay tiles, but with the many different shapes and styles available, you’ll have no trouble making a statement on your home.
6. Add a Porch
If you want to increase your home’s value and function at the same time, consider adding a front porch. Porches are listed as one of the additions most people would like to see on a home, so make sure not to forget about them during your exterior remodeling.
Not only are they a welcoming look to the façade, but they also provide more outdoor living space. Plus, Porches can be as large or as small as you’d like.
Just make sure that they have enough space to include seating and other functional options, such as fans, fire pits, or storage, to increase their style and versatility.
7. Add Some Texture
Another popular exterior remodeling idea right now involves adding some texture to your home’s exterior. That could mean adding a brick or stone veneer skirt or accent wall, or it could mean adding some cedar or cedar-look shingles to a section of your home. Modern homes can make great use of architectural wall panels, corrugated metal panels, or even stucco to add the texture with a clean and updated look at the same time.
8. Replace Your Shutters
Many homes have generic-style shutters that are not only fixed and non-functional, but unattractive as well. This doesn’t have to be the case, however; there are several stylish exterior shutters available today including country and mid-century modern styles that can enhance your home’s curb appeal. Look for shutter styles that compliment your home’s exterior architecture, and consider a bold color to really make them stand out.
9. Enlarge Your Windows
Windows are often considered the eyes of the home. If you have too few or too small windows on your home’s front, it can detract from its style, while keeping the interior dark as well. Consider enlarging your windows, adding a bay or picture window, or simply changing the size and shape of your existing windows to add dimension to your exterior.
10. Adjust Your Landscaping
Never overlook the importance of landscaping when it comes to your home’s exterior. Adding some well-placed shrubs and plants up against your home can hide a multitude of sins, while at the same time bringing some much-needed color and life to the area. Just take care not to cover windows or light sources as you plant.
11. Update Your Driveway
(Photo courtesy of www.truegridpaver.com)
Your driveway is another important part of your home’s curb appeal, and shouldn’t be overlooked. Add stability to your driveway with permeable driveway pavers or consider creating a more decorative option including stamped concrete ground pavers or bricks that can add a finishing touch to your façade.
12. Add Exterior Lighting
Make sure your façade can be seen no matter what time of day or night by adding some exterior lighting. Sconces, over the door lights, and accent lights can all help illuminate your exterior, making it visible at night, as well as easier to navigate for guests approaching after dark.
If your home has large soffits or overhangs beneath your roof, you can also install some discreet lights in this area as well, which can help to define your roofline after dark.
13. Enlarge the Entryway
For many styles of homes, such as ranches, which have small, undefined entry areas, a new trend is to create a larger, more welcoming front door area. This may include building a “tower” such as those seen on Colonial style homes, or merely widening the front steps and adding some glass inserts on either side of the door. Calling more attention to this section of your home’s façade is a great way to welcome guests and increase curb appeal at the same time.
14. Enhance Your Walkway
Make the area leading up to your front door just as welcoming and attractive as the rest of your home. Widen the walkway itself, and invest in some new material such as stamped concrete pavers to create a more intricate and detailed path.
You can also include built-in seating or conversation areas to increase the versatility of your landscaping and add interest to the area as well. Make sure you include some additional lighting in this area, possibly by including lights low to the ground that can unobtrusively light the path without taking away from its style at night.
15. Replace Your Garage Doors
(Photo Courtesy of www.timberlane.com)
Standard garage doors may be serviceable, but they do nothing for your home’s appearance or curb appeal. If you have been experiencing issues with your garage door lately such as figuring out how to diagnose a noisy garage door, it may be time for an upgrade.
Consider replacing them with something more decorative, such as carriage style doors, carved doors, or contemporary style doors to give a fresh look to this section of your home.
16. Top Your Chimney
If your home has a chimney, is it capped for protection from the elements and small animals? Chimney caps are an important addition to this functional area of your home, but they can also add a lot of interest to your roofline as well. Consider using a decorative cap made of stone or wrought iron to call attention to your chimney and to dress up your roof, while you add function and protection at the same time.
17. Fence Your Property
A fence can be a welcome addition to any property. Fences help keep kids and pets safe, but they do so much more for your curb appeal as well. Fencing can help define your property, while adding style and interest. Look for decorative wood fences that use horizontal slats instead of vertical for a fresh new look, or consider investing in new, low maintenance vinyl fences that will keep your property looking great for many years to come.
18. Install Smart Technology
If you’re looking for a fresh and up-to-date exterior home remodeling idea, why not install the latest smart home technology? This kind of change can go a long way in altering the look and feel of your home’s exterior.
Install smart locks on your doors for enhanced security and convenience, as well as smart lighting for your porch and garden that can be controlled with your smartphone. These tech additions not only increase your home’s functionality, but also its appeal to tech-savvy homebuyers.
19. Create a Sustainable Garden
A sustainable garden featuring native plants, a rain garden, or a green wall can dramatically improve your home’s exterior, especially when combined with other exterior home renovations. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly option that can double as a hobby. Sustainable gardens require less water and maintenance, attract local wildlife, and provide a beautiful and unique landscape that will wow guests and passersby.
20. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are an excellent exterior home renovation investment for reducing energy costs and increasing your home’s value. They can be integrated into the roof or mounted on the ground. With the latest advancements in technology, solar panels now come in more aesthetically pleasing designs to blend seamlessly with your home’s exterior without pulling focus or attention.
21. Add a Deck or Patio
Want to amp up your exterior house renovation? Think about extending your space outdoors with a deck or patio to create a versatile area for relaxation and entertainment. Use materials that complement your home’s exterior, and consider adding features like an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or pergola for added functionality and style.
22. Upgrade Your Mailbox
Mailboxes never get the attention they deserve, so consider that for your next exterior renovation. Upgrading your mailbox can add a charming touch to your home’s curb appeal, especially if you choose a design that matches your home’s style.
It’s important to remember that your mailbox doesn’t need to be simple or boring. The design possibilities are almost endless. You can choose something handmade or completely unique, and once it’s installed, you can create a garden around it to make it stand out.
23. Incorporate Outdoor Art
Are you looking for a home exterior remodel that doesn’t require a contractor or extensive DIY experience? Add some personality to your garden or yard with outdoor sculptures, wind chimes, or a mural on a fence. These types of artistic touches can make your outdoor space feel more personal and inviting.
24. Enhance Your Pool Area
If you have a pool, consider upgrading the surrounding area with new decking, a pool house, or decorative tiles. Adding features like a waterfall, fun lighting, or a hot tub can transform your pool area into a luxurious retreat. Plus, these are functional exterior home improvements that you can actually use.
25. Install Water Features
Want to know how to modernize the exterior of your home? If you install a fountain, koi pond, or stream to your home’s exterior design, you can add an eye-catching tranquil element that could serve as an excellent talking point.
Water features create a serene atmosphere and can be designed to fit any space to enhance the overall aesthetic of your property.
26. Focus on Eco-Friendly Materials
When remodeling, choose eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, or bamboo for decking, fencing, and other outdoor projects. These materials are not only good for the environment, they also add a modern touch to your home’s exterior.
27. Outdoor Entertainment System
Create an ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a weatherproof outdoor TV, projection screen, speakers, and comfortable seating. This setup is perfect for hosting movie nights or watching sports with friends and family by adding a fun and functional element to your backyard.
Achieve New Heights for Your Home Exterior Remodel with Allura
Transforming your home’s exterior enhances its curb appeal, functionality, and sustainability. From the addition of fiber cement siding to the integration of smart home features and sustainable gardens, there are tons of exterior remodeling projects to elevate your home’s exterior.
Ready to take the next step in transforming your home’s exterior? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your next home exterior remodeling project
