The exterior of your home plays a major role in its overall value and appeal. When selling your property, first impressions—commonly referred to as “kerb appeal”—are important. Even if you’re not planning to sell, enhancing the facade can bring personal satisfaction and pride.
Exterior renovation doesn’t have to break the bank. A well-thought-out strategy can yield significant improvements. Here are some practical and budget-friendly ways to modernise your home’s exterior.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Modernising your home’s exterior improves kerb appeal and increases property value. Key renovation ideas include:
- Installing durable fibre cement siding.
- Adding accent sections.
- Upgrading the roof.
- Applying a fresh coat of paint.
- Using bold accent colours.
- Enhancing landscaping.
Simple upgrades like replacing garage doors, shutters, and lighting fixtures can also greatly impact your home. Balance your home’s architecture and neighbourhood, and carefully plan your budget and timeline. Small, cost-effective changes like painting, updating windows, and adding decorative elements can transform your home without overspending.
Exterior Home Renovation Ideas
1. Install Fibre Cement Siding
Fibre cement siding is a durable option that can transform the look of your home. Available in various colours and designs, it offers low maintenance and high resistance to weather elements. Replacing vinyl siding with fibre cement can significantly improve kerb appeal while protecting your home.
2. Add Accent Sections
Rather than sticking with one type of siding from top to bottom, consider adding accent sections to enhance visual appeal. Shingles, corrugated metal, or board-and-batten siding can highlight key areas like the garage, upper stories, or eaves.
3. Apply A Fresh Coat Of Paint
Updating the paint on your home’s exterior is a cost-effective way to refresh its appearance. Choose colours that complement your home’s architectural style. For example, darker tones may suit Victorian homes, while Arts and Crafts homes may benefit from a more saturated palette. A fresh coat can make your home look brighter and more modern.
4. Use Bold Accent Colours
Adding a pop of accent colour is a popular trend in modern design. This can be applied to shutters, the front door, or trim. Colours like red, turquoise, or royal blue can add contrast, making your home stand out without overwhelming the main colour scheme.
5. Upgrade The Roof
Your roof significantly impacts your home’s functionality and appearance. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider upgrading to architectural shingles or a metal roof. These materials are more durable and energy-efficient, offering better UV protection while giving your home a sleek, modern look.
6. Add A Porch
A porch can make your home look more inviting while increasing its usability. Whether large or small, it provides extra outdoor living space. Consider including seating areas, ceiling fans, or fire pits for added functionality.
7. Introduce Texture
Incorporating different textures into your home’s exterior can create visual interest. Options include brick or stone veneer, architectural wall panels, or stucco. This is especially effective for homes with minimalist designs, adding depth without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
8. Replace Shutters
Outdated, non-functional shutters can detract from your home’s appearance. Replace them with modern, functional designs. Choose styles that fit your home’s overall design, from mid-century modern to rustic. Painting them in a bold colour can further enhance their impact.
9. Upgrade Windows
Windows are a house’s “eyes,” and well-placed, properly sized windows can elevate kerb appeal. Consider enlarging existing windows or adding new ones, like bay windows, to create a more open, inviting feel. Energy-efficient double-glazed windows are also a smart choice for improving your home’s insulation.
10. Landscape Adjustment
A well-maintained yard can make all the difference in your home’s exterior appeal. Plant bushes or shrubs strategically to add colour and texture without blocking natural light. Simple landscaping adjustments, such as mowing the lawn, removing weeds, and adding mulch, can dramatically improve your home’s look.
11. Add Exterior Lighting
Good lighting ensures your home is visible and welcoming, day or night. Wall sconces, accent lighting, and soffit lights can highlight architectural features and improve safety. Ensure paths and entryways are well-lit for a more inviting atmosphere.
12. Upgrade The Driveway
Your driveway is a key component of kerb appeal. Replace standard asphalt with stamped concrete or brick pavers for a more sophisticated look. Even simple repairs or pressure washing can make a big difference.
13. Replace Garage Doors
Garage doors take up a large portion of your home’s facade, making them an important element of kerb appeal. Upgrade to modern or carriage-style doors for a fresh, clean look. Choose materials and designs that complement the rest of the house.
14. Expand The Entrance
Expanding your entryway can create a more inviting entrance if it feels small or cramped. Consider widening the porch, adding sidelights around the door, or constructing a decorative “tower” for visual interest. This creates a more welcoming focal point for visitors.
15. Improve The Walkway
Updating the walkway is a simple way to modernise your home’s exterior. Widening it or using more decorative materials like pavers or stone can make a striking first impression. Add built-in benches or landscaping elements to create a functional and attractive space.
16. Top The Chimney
Chimney caps protect your home from the weather and animals while adding a finishing touch to the roofline. Stylish caps of stone or wrought iron can enhance your chimney’s appearance and make the rooftop more visually appealing.
17. Install A Fence
A new fence adds security, defines property boundaries, and improves kerb appeal. Vinyl fencing offers durability and low maintenance, while horizontal slat wooden fences provide a more modern, clean look.
Planning For An Exterior Renovation
Set Clear Goals
Begin by identifying your goals for the exterior renovation. Are you aiming for a modern look or focused on making your home more energy-efficient? Prioritising that will most impact kerb appeal and home value.
Create A Budget
Exterior renovations can range from small updates to larger projects. Typically, exterior updates cost between $5,000 and $15,000. Focus on long-term investments like roofing, siding, and landscaping while keeping cosmetic upgrades within your budget.
Take Your Time
Rushing through a renovation can lead to poor results and potential problems. Plan a timeline that allows for quality work, whether you’re repainting or installing new windows. A well-thought-out renovation will pay off in the long run.
Choose A Reliable Contractor
Finding the right contractor is essential for a successful renovation. Look for someone with experience, good reviews, and the ability to work within your budget. Ask for quotes, timelines, and examples of previous work to ensure you’re making the right choice.
Maintain Balance
Ensure that any updates you make align with your home’s and the neighbourhood’s overall style. Consistency in design is important, as it prevents your home from looking out of place. When on a budget, focus on improvements that will provide the greatest return on investment.
How To Update Your Home’s Exterior On A Budget?
Focus On Visual Appeal
Start with simple tasks that don’t cost much but make a big impact. Clean the yard, mow the lawn, trim bushes, and pressure wash driveways and walkways. Simple maintenance can instantly improve your home’s appearance without needing a major investment.
Paint For A Fresh Look
Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to update your home’s exterior. Whether it’s painting the whole house or just the trim and doors, fresh paint can give your home a new look. Consider painting fences or replacing old gutters to enhance the overall appearance.
Update Small Details
Small details like new lighting fixtures, shutters, or house numbers can improve kerb appeal. These minor upgrades are often inexpensive but can have a big visual impact.
Add Decorative Touches
Incorporating decorative elements like window boxes, pathway lighting, and outdoor furniture can give your home a more welcoming appearance. These touches make the home feel more personal and add charm without requiring a large budget.
Conclusion
Renovating your home’s exterior is a smart investment that can increase property value and kerb appeal. You can create a beautiful, functional exterior without overspending by focusing on long-lasting materials, modern designs, and simple landscaping improvements. Whether you’re planning to sell or want to enjoy your home’s new look, these renovation ideas offer a practical guide to making the most of your space.
FAQs About Facade
How Can I Make My Flat Front House Look Better?
Ways to add visual appeal to a flat-front house:
- Embrace contrast
- Bring in movement with landscaping
- Work miracles with dimension lighting
- Add texture with different types of siding
- Build dimension with a porch or pergola
What Materials Are Used For Facade Design?
Common types of facade materials:
- Metals like steel or aluminium ACP panels.
- Stone.
- Glass.
- Brick.
- Concrete.
- Timber.
What Can I Use For Outside Walls?
Common structural exterior sheathing options include wood-based, gypsum, glass mat, and cement board. Plywood sheathing is made from whole sheets of cross-laminated wood, which gives the board strength and stiffness and helps with expansion and contraction.
What Is Cladding Facade?
Facade cladding can be defined as non-load-bearing panels fixed to the supporting structure. As they are non-load bearing, the facade cladding panels should only have to support their weight, not the weight of other panels or any other elements in the system.
What Is An Example Of A Facade?
A facade is the front of a building facing a public space or an artificial front or appearance by someone. The front of the local mall is an example of a facade, as is the wearing of a smile when feeling quite upset.
