Last month we talked about remodeling the exterior of the house by use of trim and mouldings around doors and windows. How different trim details, window and door details can really dress up the exterior of a home. I also discussed the finishes and the approach to the entryway. I also covered how, during the exterior remodel process, we can address other issues with the home such as weatherization and efficiency upgrades. This month I am going to finish up the exterior of the home and how an exterior remodel can dress up a house and give it the curb appeal it needs.
Columns and Accents
We ended last month with the approach of the home and how to dress the front of the house up with an added entryway. Now the new entryway will need a few finishing details to complete a grand entrance to the home. The columns of the new covered entry need a finish. Why would you leave a pressure treated post exposed when you can bulk it up by wrapping it with cedar or a composite material? The pressure treated lumber gives the posts its durability but they don’t need to be left exposed. Add a chunky base up the post 3 or 4 feet. Turn the bast of the 4×4 post into a chunky 12×12 post and wrap the top of the post to about a 6×6. The options are endless so I won’t get into too much detail but if you have the room to dress up your posts to the covered entry or porch, dress them up. The post bases can even be panelized matching the siding but tying into the details of the interior of the home. Small accents like corbels, caps, crowns, and headers will further the curb appeal, as long as it’s not too busy. Even by simply finding some house numbers with a complementing font will draw the eye to the front of the home.
Front Porches and Decks
Front porches are all part of the approach of the home I discussed in the previous article. They can be a major contributor to curb appeal because they add to the focal point of the front door. Decks are not necessarily on the front side of the home, but some are and others are visible from the front. This is an important place to spend our family and friend time at home while relaxing or entertaining. Decks in Southeast Alaska should be sturdy and durable but inviting too. Patios and decks can be covered so they can be enjoyed more in the rainy weather. You can follow some to the same rules as the front entry way, as far as, treating the posts and beams and adding accents. Make the space comfortable for you. A wide variety of composite and pvc decking materials are available in about any color and add new level of style to a home.
Roofs
When looking at a home from the road or the driveway about a quarter of what you see is roof and depending on the pitch of the roof you might be seeing more. With that said don’t forget about updating shingles to an architectural shingle or a hidden fastener standing seam steel roof, there are more colors available to complement any home. Dormers are a great way to change the look of the front of a home while adding additional living space and headroom at the same time.
In all, it’s important to consider many things when trying to make your home have great curb appeal. The exterior of the home including accents, columns, decks, and roofs, windows, doors, trim, the entry into the home, and the siding all tie in together to create a good looking home from the exterior are all important contributors to curb appeal and can make your home feel warmer while adding additional character. So take a look at your home and decide if you think it has the curb appeal you want and if it doesn’t, where you can start with adding the character you want to your home.
Greg Stopher has over 16 years of experience in the construction field and earned a degree in Construction Technologies from the University of Alaska – Southeast. His company, Stopher Construction, LLC, is a general contracting company specializing in remodeling, custom finishes, additions and new home construction projects. He can be reached at 907-321-2350.
