The exterior of a house is often the first thing people notice—it forms a strong impression of your style and taste. Whether you want a modern look, a classic style, or a simple refresh, changing your home’s facade can transform how your property is perceived.
However, upgrading your house’s exterior can be overwhelming if not planned carefully. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making changes to your home’s facade without overspending.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Identify major house issues like outdated materials, colours, or landscaping to upgrade your house’s facade. Focus on creating contrast with textures and modern elements to refresh the look.
Key improvements include cleaning, repainting, updating, and replacing garage doors, as well as adding new landscaping or lighting. For bigger changes, consider cladding, front additions, or a second floor.
If you own a semi-detached home, check local regulations and discuss major changes with your neighbour. Focus on one major upgrade at a time to stay within budget while modernising your home exterior.
Guide In Transforming Home’s Facade
1. Identifying The Major Issues
Before you start, evaluate the current state of your facade to identify what needs improvement. Ask yourself what exactly you dislike. Common issues may include:
- Outdated paint colours
- Damaged or worn-out materials (roof, cladding, doors)
- Landscaping in need of attention
- Poor lighting
- An uninviting entryway or front door
Once you identify the problem areas, you’ll have a clearer idea of where to focus your efforts. You can reuse some materials or update existing features while keeping the classic architecture intact.
Questions To Ask:
- What needs to be replaced, cleaned, or repaired?
- Can you make improvements without replacing everything?
- How can you modernise your home without losing its character?
2. Creating Contrast
Creating contrast is a simple but effective way to make your home’s exterior stand out. Mix different textures, materials, and colours to add visual interest. You can achieve this by:
- Using wood accents
- Mixing light and dark colours
- Combining smooth surfaces with textured materials
For example, adding timber cladding or metal features to an otherwise smooth or brick exterior can enhance the overall appearance. Small changes can go a long way in creating depth and appeal.
3. Aiming For A Modern, Crisp Look
Add modern elements if your home looks outdated without losing its original charm. Consider sleek and clean materials like metal or glass, or add a striking feature to your front door. You don’t need a full render to give your house a fresh, modern touch—sometimes, simple changes make a significant impact.
Simple Ideas To Modernise:
- Replace traditional doors with modern ones.
- Upgrade windows to a more contemporary design.
- Add modern lighting fixtures or sleek pathways.
4. Creating A Focal Point
Every facade needs a focal point that draws the eye and makes the house stand out. In most cases, the front door is this focal point. To make it pop, consider:
- Installing a new, bold-coloured door.
- Adding a feature wall or well-maintained landscaping around the entrance.
- A small roof or overhang is created to frame the entryway.
Drawing attention to the front door makes the entire facade look more welcoming and impressive.
5. Focusing On One Major Change
To stay within budget, focus on one major element that needs the most attention. This could be:
- Adding a new carport or garage
- Rendering or repainting the exterior
- Installing new windows
Once this major change is complete, you can make smaller tweaks to improve the overall impression without breaking the bank. Prioritise updates that offer the most visual and functional improvement.
6. Easy Ways To Update Your Facade
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Clean The Facade
One of the simplest ways to refresh your home’s exterior is by thoroughly cleaning it. You can hire a professional pressure cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and build-up from walls, windows, and roofs. This step alone can brighten the appearance and make your home look newer.
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Update The Entry Door
A new front door can dramatically change the look of your house. Whether you choose a modern timber door or one in a bold, contrasting colour, upgrading the door makes a statement. It’s a relatively low-cost improvement with a high visual impact.
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Replace The Garage Door
If your garage faces the street, its door plays a significant role in the overall look of your facade. Replacing an old or outdated garage door with a modern one can make a huge difference. Make sure it complements your home’s overall style and colour scheme.
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Paint The Facade
A fresh coat of paint can bring new life to your house. Choose bold, minimalist, or layered colours that reflect your desired aesthetic. A professional exterior painter can help you select the best colours to match the architecture and surroundings.
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Landscaping
Well-planned landscaping adds significant curb appeal. Consider adding plants that suit your climate and complement your home’s style. Landscaping can also help disguise less attractive features and direct attention to areas you want to highlight.
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Hardscaping
Hardscaping includes driveways, walkways, and patios. If your driveway or walkway looks tired, consider paving or pressure cleaning to give it a fresh appearance. These elements should work harmoniously with the rest of your facade, guiding the eye towards the focal points.
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Exterior Lighting
Outdoor lighting is an affordable way to modernise your home’s appearance. Install lighting along pathways and around the entrance and highlight landscaping features. This will not only improve your home’s appearance but also add security.
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Fencing
Adding or updating a fence can complete your home’s look. Choose materials and colours that either blend with the house for a seamless look or contrast for added interest.
7. Changing The Cladding
Cladding can offer a fresh look if your house’s exterior needs to be updated. Many cladding options include vinyl, aluminium, timber, and stone veneer. Cladding improves the aesthetics and adds a layer of protection to your home. Choose materials that match your home style and climate.
8. Adding A Second Floor
If your budget allows, a second floor can transform the facade and increase living space. This major renovation will also allow you to completely rethink the external appearance by updating windows, cladding, and roofing. However, make sure this change aligns with local building regulations.
9. Front Additions
Adding a small extension to the front of your home can create a more welcoming entry. A larger foyer, mudroom, or porch enhances both functionality and appearance. This addition offers the chance to introduce new architectural details like windows, columns, or decorative roofing elements.
10. Adding A Garage
An attached garage adds value and can give your home a more finished look. Ensure the garage design complements the existing structure, whether front or side-loading. Consider cladding and doors that match the rest of your house, or even use the opportunity to modernise other aspects of the facade.
11. Designing The Facade Of A Semi-Detached House
If you own a semi-detached house, you may wonder how much freedom you have in designing your facade. In most cases, you are free to change your side of the property unless local rules or development plans specify otherwise.
Things To Keep In Mind:
- Check with local councils for any design statutes or restrictions.
- Consider discussing major changes with your neighbour to maintain a cohesive look.
- You may need approval for significant changes, such as building an extension or altering the roofline.
12. Modernisation And Insulation
As you update the facade, consider adding insulation to improve energy efficiency. This can also provide a smoother, more modern look, especially if you plan to render the exterior. Depending on the improvements, you may qualify for low-interest loans or subsidies.
Conclusion
Changing your house’s facade can be rewarding, significantly enhancing street appeal and reflecting your style. From small updates like new paint or doors to larger projects like extensions or cladding, there are many ways to modernise your home without overspending. Prioritise the most visible elements first, work within your budget, and remember to consult local building codes and regulations when making major changes.
FAQs About Facade
What Is A Facade On A House?
Pronounced ‘fa’saad’ means the appearance of the front of your home. First impressions count, and the first thing people will see when they look at your new home is the façade. It tells people a little about you, your style, your flair – and provides a sense of the home’s style.
Where Is The Facade On A House?
The word facade comes from the Italian word “facciata” and is defined as the outside or all of a building’s external faces. The term frequently refers to a house’s main or front face.
Is Facade And Cladding The Same?
When we talk about a facade, we refer to the external appearance of a building. The term is mostly used for design, style, or colour. Conversely, external cladding is an external protective layer that protects and beautifies a building envelope.
What Is A Facade Panel?
Facade systems comprise the structural elements that provide lateral and vertical resistance to wind and other actions, and the building envelope elements provide weather resistance and thermal, acoustic, and fire-resisting properties.
How Important Is The Facade Of A House?
The word “façade” is a French word meaning “frontage” or “face”. Pronounced “fa’saad”, it’s one of the most important parts of your home design. It creates the first impression of your home – its “street appeal – forming its personality and setting it apart from all the other houses in your neighbourhood.
