Whether you have plans to sell your house or you simply want to make some improvements, there are ways you can enhance the facade of your house. You can make simple tweaks or big changes; from replacing your windows and cladding to changing the roof. Whether you want to focus on the lighter end of the scale or you want to do something more substantial will depend on your budget and what exactly you have in mind. The following are some of the ways you can enhance the appearance of the front of your house.
1. Change the Exterior’s Proportions
For those who want to go big in as far their home’s transformation is concerned, changing the entire proportions of the house would be worth considering. This would involve extending the building outwards or upwards. That is one of the best ways to achieve better balance and symmetry. If you have a bungalow, you can also add a second story; converting it into a house.
It is important to note however, that the new materials that you will be using for the renovation must not be too different from the original materials. At the very least, opt for a stark contrast, for instance, bands of glazing next to Victorian bricks.
2. Switch the Exterior Finishes
Another way of improving the exterior of your house is by changing the finishes. Maybe you currently have stone cladding, mismatching bricks or pebbledash and you feel that you need a new look. You can simply remove or cover these old materials with new ones.
For example, cladding over pebbledash can work, although it might appear harsh. The cheapest and easiest thing to do would be to just paint the exterior of the house. If there is damage to your original brickwork, repainting and rendering may be the best option for you. For a dramatic difference, cladding will be the better option.
Which Exterior Finish is Ideal for Your House?
In order to determine the perfect finish for your home’s exterior, you can begin by getting a few samples of the cladding that you prefer and then analyzing the samples at various times of the day. You can request aged and new samples from your supplier. That way, you will have an idea of what your property will look like in the next couple of months.
Because some cladding materials are heavier than others, make certain that the cladding or render that you choose will be ideal for your home. Common types of finishes include PVCu cladding, laminate cladding, timber boarding, stone tiles, masonry paint and fiber-cement weatherboarding.
3. Replace the Roof
You could also transform the appearance of your home by replacing the roof. There are certain home designs where the roof is such a dominant feature, for instance, bungalows. Because the roof is such a central feature, any changes you make to the roof will result in a drastic transformation. However, roof replacements are expensive and very labor intensive.
As such, this is something that you should do after careful consideration of all the relevant factors. Should you decide to go on with replacing your roof, it would be a great idea to add more roof lights and to also increase insulation. To change the overall look of your property, you can also change the gutters. Good options include PVCu guttering and galvanized guttering.
4. Replace the Windows
You cannot consider enhancing the facade of your house and not do anything about the windows. After all, they are the eyes of any home. This means by changing the windows, you will be altering the entire personality of your house. When it comes to windows, you can either fit replacement windows or completely change the shape and sizes of the window openings so that you can fit new ones.
So, what exactly is a modern style when it comes to windows? A modern style is basically one that incorporates elements such as simplicity, practicality and minimalism. Put simply, if you want a modern design, go for neutral colors, natural textures and straight lines.
If you want to create that modern feel, you can go for casement windows. They have a side-hinge, and they swing outward. They are made using fiberglass, vinyl or wood, and they bring in a lot of natural light and ventilation. If you want a statement look, you can opt for floor-to-ceiling windows with minimalist frames. They offer maximum natural light and wide-open views.
If you are going for a contemporary update, you can opt for metal windows as replacements. If you want a modern window design, you should go for minimalist features, clean lines and simple colors. Modern windows also tend to be more energy efficient, and they offer more natural light as a result of their modest frames and trim.
At the end of the day, improving the facade of your house will be a great investment. Not only will it enhance the overall appearance of your home. it will also increase its value.