The Ultimate Guide to Exterior House Remodel in 2024

The outside of your home is what people see first—it’s your home’s hello to the world. If you want to improve how your home looks from the street, make it look more modern, or make it work better for you, exterior house remodel can do wonders. 

Exterior House Remodel Ideas

Exterior Home Design: Remodeling for Specific Styles

Japanese Home Exterior

Embrace simplicity and nature with wood, stone, and bamboo. Water features and Japanese gardens add tranquility, while traditional steep roofs and minimalism foster harmony with the surroundings.

Spanish Home Exterior

Warm earthy tones and materials like terracotta and wrought iron, combined with central courtyards and arches, capture the essence of Spanish architecture.

Mid-century Modern Home Exterior

Clean lines, geometric shapes, and integration of natural elements define this style. Incorporate mid-century modern lighting and decor to complete the look.

Minimalist Home Exterior

Prioritize simplicity and functionality with materials like concrete and wood. Use plants and stones sparingly to emphasize open, tranquil spaces.

Contemporary Home Exterior

This style is characterized by sustainable materials, bold colors, and a blend of stone, concrete, wood, and metal. It emphasizes a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.

French Country Home Exterior

Utilize natural materials and a warm color palette. Rustic accents and vintage details add charm to this timeless style.

Rustic Home Exterior

Earthy tones and materials like wood and stone bring a rustic exterior to life. Add texture with architectural details and ensure proper maintenance to preserve the natural beauty.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Patio Remodel Ideas

A patio remodel offers a fresh look and functionality to your outdoor living space, transforming it from a mere extension of your home into a personal retreat for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment of nature. Key takeaways:

• Patios serve as functional outdoor spaces that can range from simple dining areas to fully-equipped entertainment hubs, with styles varying according to personal preferences.
• Revamping a patio can involve minor updates or major overhauls, depending on its current state and the homeowner’s needs, with options for DIY projects or professional renovation to ensure durability and quality.
• Implementing a remodel requires careful planning, budgeting, and, in some cases, professional assistance to navigate complex tasks and local regulations.

Deck Remodel Ideas

Lattice Deck Skirting

Lattice deck skirting is a decorative element that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your deck while providing functional benefits like hiding unsightly deck components and improving airflow.

Deck Stain

Start by thoroughly cleaning the deck to remove all dirt, debris, and any old stain or paint. Then, choose a stain that suits both your aesthetic preferences and the deck’s needs, taking into account factors like color and durability. Apply the stain evenly across the deck using a brush or sprayer, ensuring all areas are covered for a uniform appearance. For optimal results, test the stain on a small area first, avoid staining in direct sunlight, and apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and re-staining every two to three years, is recommended to prolong the deck’s beauty and durability. 

Fencing Solutions

Adding exterior fencing is a great remodeling idea because it boosts your home’s security and privacy. It also enhances the overall look of your property, making it more appealing.

Farm Fence

A simple, sturdy barrier typically used in rural areas to contain livestock.

Picket Fence

A decorative fencing style, often white, that symbolizes the classic American dream of home ownership.

Corrugated Metal Fence

Offers a modern, industrial look and provides durability and privacy with its metal panels.

Brick Fence

A solid, permanent structure that offers high security and a classic aesthetic.

Ranch Fence

Designed to cover large areas, this fence is used to keep animals within a boundary without obstructing the view.

Horizontal Fence

Features boards placed side by side horizontally for a sleek, contemporary look.

Accentuating Details

Exterior Home Accents

Stone Accent on Home Exterior

Adding stone accents to your home exterior can enhance its appearance, offer durability, and improve energy efficiency. To incorporate stone accents, select the right type of stone to match your home’s style, decide on areas for accentuation such as entryways or foundations, and consider combining stone with other materials for a unique look. Hiring a professional is recommended for proper installation.

Home Exterior Lighting Ideas 

Lighting can highlight your home’s architectural features and landscaping, creating a welcoming ambiance and enhancing curb appeal. Additionally, it improves safety and security by illuminating walkways and entry points.

 

 

 

 

Backyard Remodeling and Landscaping

Backyard Remodeling 

Backyard remodeling is a good idea because it transforms your outdoor space into a functional and enjoyable extension of your home, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and its overall value.

Backyard Landscaping

Revamp your backyard by blending relaxation and entertainment: add a cozy fire pit surrounded by low-maintenance native plants, use vertical gardens to save space, introduce mixed-material pathways for texture, and embed solar-powered lights for nighttime charm. This approach creates a functional, beautiful oasis.

Cost and Materials of Home Exterior Remodel

Home Exterior Remodel Cost

• Minor Updates: Including painting, minor landscaping, and replacing the front door, can range from $3,000 to $8,000.
• Moderate Renovations: Such as adding new siding, upgrading to energy-efficient windows, or enhancing outdoor living spaces with decks or patios, typically cost between $10,000 and $25,000.
• Major Overhauls: Involving comprehensive changes like a new roof, extensive landscaping, installing high-end siding materials, and replacing all windows and doors, can run from $25,000 to over $100,000.

Cost to Build a Deck 

The cost to build a deck in 2024 varies widely depending on size, materials, and complexity, with average costs ranging from $20 to $60 per square foot. For a small to moderately sized deck, homeowners typically spend between $4,400 and $12,000, while building a larger deck starts around $20,000, with deluxe decks reaching up to $40,000 to $50,000.

Material Cost to Build Deck

• Pressure-treated lumber: Approximately $3.50 per square foot
• Cedar: Approximately $5.75 per square foot
• Redwood: Approximately $7.00 per square foot
• Composite: Approximately $7.50 per square foot
• PVC or Vinyl: Approximately $9.00 per square foot

These estimates are for materials only and do not include labor costs, permits, or additional features that may influence the overall cost of the deck project.

Home Exterior Repair and Updates

Home Exterior Repair

Deck Maintenance

Maintaining a deck involves regular inspections for structural soundness, replacing damaged boards, and thorough cleaning at least annually. It’s important to stain or seal the deck to protect it from the elements, and sanding may be necessary for better sealant absorption. Season-specific maintenance includes keeping the deck clear of snow in winter, cleaning and sealing in spring, inspecting for damage in summer, and removing debris in fall to prevent moisture damage.

Updating Your Home’s Exterior

How to Refinish a Deck

Refinishing a deck involves a few key steps: cleaning the deck with a suitable cleaning solution, performing maintenance checks for any issues like cracks or rot, sanding the deck to smooth the surface, applying a wood brightener for aesthetic improvement, and finishing with a sealant to protect the deck. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can minimize the need for more extensive refinishing work.

How to Modernize a Split-Level Home Exterior

To modernize a split-level home exterior, focus on clean lines by removing unnecessary trim, use bold colors for visual interest, choose modern materials like fiber cement siding, enhance with outdoor lighting, and update landscaping for cohesion. Painting, DIY projects, and small changes like new house numbers can refresh the look affordably. 

Planning Your Exterior House Remodel

Budgeting

Begin with getting estimates from contractors to form a budget, including a 10-20% buffer for unexpected expenses. This proactive approach prevents cost overruns and ensures a smooth remodeling process.

Planning and Timing

The best times for an exterior home remodel are spring and fall, due to favorable weather conditions. However, consider contractor availability to potentially reduce costs and ensure focused attention on your project.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Understanding local zoning laws, obtaining necessary permits, and adhering to HOA guidelines are crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure your project complies with all regulations.

Design Fundamentals

Essential Design Principles for Home Exteriors

• Balance and Symmetry: Create stability by evenly distributing visual elements or using asymmetry for a dynamic look. Classical homes often leverage symmetry for a formal appearance.
• Proportion and Scale: Ensure architectural elements are in proper relation to each other and the home fits comfortably within its surroundings, respecting the size of neighboring properties.
• Color and Texture: Select colors to highlight details and set the desired mood. Incorporate textures with materials like brick or wood to add depth and interest.
• Unity and Variety: Achieve a cohesive look with repeating patterns or materials, while introducing variety to avoid monotony, adding unique features for character.

Choosing a Style for Your Exterior Home Remodel

Natural and Architectural Harmony

Consider your home’s current architectural style and its natural surroundings. From rustic themes suitable for wooded landscapes to coastal vibes for beachfront properties, ensuring coherence between your home’s style, its environment, and the neighborhood’s character is essential.

Incorporating Sustainable Practices

A focus on sustainability can be woven through various remodeling styles. Using eco-friendly materials and designs that minimize energy consumption not only contributes to environmental conservation but also offers long-term savings.

DIY Vs. Professional Remodeling

Deciding between a do-it-yourself approach and hiring professionals for your home remodel can be challenging. Understanding the scope of work, assessing your skill level, and knowing when to call in the experts are crucial steps in this decision-making process.

When to DIY

Simple Cosmetic Updates

Tasks like painting, simple landscaping, and minor decorative changes are great DIY projects. They typically require minimal specialized skills and can be done with basic tools.

Cost-Effective Learning

 If you have the time and inclination to learn, DIY can be rewarding for projects where mistakes are not costly. Online tutorials and home improvement workshops can be great resources.

Personal Satisfaction

For those who enjoy hands-on work, the personal satisfaction of completing a project yourself can be significant, turning your home into a testament to your skills and dedication.

When to Hire Professionals

Structural Changes

Any project involving structural changes to your home, such as removing walls or adding extensions, requires professional insight. These projects affect the integrity of your home and must meet local building codes.

Specialized Skills Required

Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work often require specialized knowledge and certifications. Incorrect DIY in these areas can lead to safety hazards and expensive corrections.

High-Stakes Projects

If a mistake could result in significant damage or cost, it’s wise to hire professionals. Their expertise and insurance can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

Time and Efficiency

Professionals can complete the work more quickly due to their skills and experience. If time is a constraint, or if you prefer not to live in a construction zone, hiring experts is the best choice.

Evaluating the Decision

When evaluating whether to DIY or hire professionals, consider the following:

• Complexity of the Project: Assess whether the scope of work is within your ability to learn and execute safely.
• Cost Analysis: Sometimes, DIY can be more expensive if mistakes are made. Compare the cost of materials and tools you’ll need to the quote from a professional.
• Time Investment: Consider how much time the project will take you to complete versus a professional team.
• Safety and Regulations: Understand the safety risks and any regulations or permits required for your project.

FAQs on Exterior Home Remodeling

How do I modernize the exterior of my house?

To modernize your home’s exterior, consider updating the paint color, installing contemporary outdoor lighting, replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones, and adding modern materials like metal or composite siding.

How do you Modernise an old house exterior?

Modernize an old house exterior by restoring or replacing worn-out features, painting with modern color schemes, upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors, and incorporating new materials or design elements that reflect current trends.

How to design the exterior of your home?

Design the exterior of your home by first assessing your house’s current style and structure. Choose a cohesive color palette, select materials that are both stylish and durable, and consider landscaping that complements the overall design. Incorporating lighting and outdoor living spaces can also enhance the design.

Which exterior renovation adds the most value to a house?

Exterior renovations that typically add the most value include updating siding and windows for energy efficiency and curb appeal, adding a deck or patio to enhance outdoor living space, and investing in attractive landscaping. Prioritizing these updates can significantly increase your home’s market value.