Is the outside of your home looking a little tired and worse for wear? Don’t despair! You’re not alone. Many homeowners feel overwhelmed when it comes to exterior home renovations. However, the truth is that it’s not as difficult as it seems. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to transforming your home’s outer shell. We’ll walk you through each step of the process, give suggestions on how and where to start, and give you some helpful tips along the way. If you’re looking to imbue your home with a bit of life, this comprehensive guide is for you.
The first step in any exterior transformation is to decide why you wish to invest in such an endeavour. What are your goals? Are you trying to improve the curb appeal of your home? Do you want to make some necessary repairs? Or are you just looking for a much-needed change? An aesthetic facelift can be a great way to increase your home’s value, no matter your reasons. After all, research shows that first impressions really do count. A 2020 study published in The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics found that a home’s exterior appearance can account for up to 7% of its value when sold. You may be thinking, that’s all fair enough, but where on earth do you start? Let’s look at some critical steps in any exterior transformation.
Understand your home's needs
The first step in any home exterior transformation is to assess what needs to be done. Take a walk around your property and list all the things you would like to change. Do you want to repaint your house? Replace your roof? Landscape your yard? Once you have a good idea of what issues you want to tackle, you can start planning your project. Some of the most important things to pay attention to include the condition of your siding, the state of your gutters, windows, doors, porch, and roof. If any of these areas require repair, they should be your priority.
Consider your budget
One of the most important things to consider when planning a home exterior transformation is your budget. How much time and money are you willing to invest? If you’re working with a limited pool of resources, there are still plenty of ways to transform your home’s exterior. Just remember to be realistic about what you can achieve. Setting out with inflated expectations is a sure way to set yourself up for disappointment.
Start small
Suppose you’re unsure where to start and are hesitant to invest too much money outright. In that case, you can always ease into your exterior transformation by starting small. Pick a few manageable projects that you can wrap up in a weekend or two, and go from there. Once you see how rewarding it is to complete some of the work yourself, we’re sure you’ll be inspired to take on more in the future. We recommend the following projects as excellent starting points in your home transformation journey.
Paint your deck or porch
If your deck or porch is looking a little worse for wear, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. A well-deserved boost of colour is a relatively easy project that can make a big difference in the appearance of your home. Just be sure to use good quality paint and primer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Consider window boxes
Adding some window boxes is a great way to dress up your windows and add a vibrant pop of colour, texture, and life. You can usually find these at most home improvement stores, and they’re not too tricky to install. Creating interesting colour compositions with your plants can add personality to your home and keep it vibrant even during the dreary winter months. For an investment that pays off quickly, we advise the planting of annuals. Although they require seasonal replanting, you don’t have to wait years for bountiful and beautiful blooms, unlike perennials.
Install outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal. You can find all kinds of different fixtures at most home improvement stores. For an elegant look, try hanging some string lights or lanterns. You can’t go wrong with solar-powered LED lights for a refined and modern aesthetic.
Restore your roof
A professional roof painting project can be a big project, but it’s worth it if your roof is in bad shape. Key benefits don’t just include an improved appearance. A roof restoration is also functional and will save you money in the long run by extending the lifespan of your roof and making it more durable. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend reading our article, “10 things you should know before doing a roof restoration”. This will give you a good overview of the process and help you decide if it’s right for your home.
What's the difference between roof restoration and roof painting?
There is a common misconception that there is a difference between roof restoration and roof painting. Such narratives result from high-pressure sales tactics that, unfortunately, pervade the industry. In reality, roof restoration and roof painting are the same. If you’re planning on investing in a roofing project, don’t be fooled by unscrupulous contractors and their manipulative terminology. Both roof restoration and roof painting will “seal” the roof surface and ensure no porous areas exist when applied correctly. For more information, check out our article, ‘Roof restoration vs roof sealing vs roof painting explained’.
Finding the right contractor
If you’ve decided that a roof restoration is the best course of action for your home, it’s essential to find a reputable contractor. This can be a daunting task, as there are many companies to choose from, and an equal number of qualifying factors to consider. From insurance to licensing and the quality of materials, the search for the right roofer can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the Oz-Roof team has created an informative guide on what to look for when choosing a roofing contractor.
Update your home's cladding
Cladding is a critical component of your home’s exterior. It can make or break your property’s overall appearance and aesthetic cohesion. If you’re not happy with your home’s current cladding, you can do a few things to change it. Adding a new coat of paint is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to give your home a fresh boost of colour. Another option is to replace the cladding entirely. This is a more involved process, but it will allow you to completely revamp your home’s look. Common choices for external cladding include vinyl, aluminium, brick, timber, COLORBOND, and natural stone. Whichever route you decide to go, do your research and choose a cladding material to complement your home’s existing features.
Replace your gutters and downspouts
Install a new door
Begin a Landscaping Project
Whether starting from scratch or making minor changes, landscaping can significantly impact your home’s curb appeal. If you’re unsure where to start, we suggest checking out some online resources or hiring a professional landscape designer. They can help you create a plan that fits your budget and goals. Once you have a plan in place, you can start tackling the project one step at a time. If you’re feeling ambitious, you may even want to consider starting a vegetable garden!
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there are many great ways to improve your home’s curb appeal. There’s something for everyone, from simple projects like hanging string lights or window boxes to more involved projects like re-cladding your home or investing in roof restoration. We hope this guide has given you some ideas for how you can get started. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference. So don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!
Wishing you all the best in your renovation journey,
The Oz-Roof Team
