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Drab Exterior? 5 Renovations to Add New Life to an Older Home

Jan 5, 2021 9:34:00 AM

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If you have an older home, you may be yearning for something a little more stylish. Older homes tend to be fairly neutral and sedate. Over time, colors fade. But you might want to update or renovate your home rather than having to purchase a brand new one. Here are some ways you can improve the look of your home without extensive interior renovations — improving your home's "wow" factor and its curbside appeal.

Replacing Your Roof

A roof replacement isn't just a good idea, it's also attractive. If your roof is over 20 years old, it's possible that it's reaching the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Replacing it is also a fast way to change the appearance of your home. A new asphalt shingle roof will look attractive and clean, while a wood shake roof might have more personality. There are even low maintenance, affordable metal roofs that provide great insulation.

If you're thinking about replacing your roof, it's worth it to take the time to explore your options. While asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular, they usually last only around 20 to 30 years. There are options for roofs that can last up to a century, if they are well-maintained. Consider how long you're going to be in your home, as well as the look and feel of your property.

Getting New Exterior Doors

New exterior doors can dramatically change the appearance of your property without a significant investment. You can change out the front door of your property to change the look of your home's front, or even swap out your garage door if you want something even more visible. Exterior doors aren't just cosmetic, but they can also improve the insulation and security of your home. If you're losing a lot of heat through your garage, there are new, insulated garage doors. 

When you're looking at new exterior doors, one of the major things to consider is whether they fit into the look of your home. Consider your windows and your trim. You might want to update them all at the same time.

Installing or Painting Siding

If your siding has become old, you can paint it a vibrant new color. If it's about time for your siding to be replaced, you can instead replace it entirely. There are many types of siding, ranging from traditional wood siding to vinyl. Take a look at your options to determine which is best for you. Every type of siding will have different characteristics, including insulating value, appearance, lifespan, and durability. 

Some types of siding need to be re-painted or re-stained every ten to fifteen years. It's possible that your siding is still in good condition, but it just has to be refinished. An exterior home renovations company can help.

Getting Masonry Work Done

Masonry work can be a great way to drastically change the look of your home. You can get refreshed masonry work around your home like decorative brick, or you can improve areas around your home — such as by installing brick walls or brick paths. Masonry is a long-lasting way to both improve and protect your home, as masonry can protect the exterior of your home from damage. Create an accent wall to make your home more unique without having to make major structural changes.

Putting in New Windows and Trim

New windows and trim will improve the insulation of your home while also changing its look. You can paint the trim of your house to update its appearance or change out the windows depending on your needs. There are many styles of windows today and they're all very well-insulated, especially compared to the relatively simplistic windows in older homes. Because older homes usually have smaller windows or specific window sizes, you may need to get custom windows created. But a professional exterior home renovations company will be able to install brand new windows quickly and affordably.

The above renovations are a great way to add life to your older home. If you have a small budget, new windows and trim can be a fast, cheap method of renovation. If you have a larger budget, doing a big roof replacement or replacing your siding could dramatically change the look and feel of your home while also improving it structurally. Either way, you'll be making changes to give you a home you love.