Exterior Remodeling Projects
That Make a Difference
What’s the ROI on exterior remodeling? New curb appeal, resale value, daily enjoyment, greater functionality and – if you do it right – significant savings in energy costs and maintenance as well.
Resale value isn’t the only reason to think about exterior remodeling. Curb appeal also means having an attractive, well-cared-for house that welcomes you home every day of the year. How welcoming is your own home? Exterior remodeling can make all the difference. Best of all, whether you're thinking of a major exterior remodeling project or small improvements, today’s new materials can help you build in lower energy costs and maintenance at the same time you’re enhancing your home’s attractiveness and eventual resale value.
Why invest in exterior remodeling?
1. Exterior remodeling as a part of another remodeling job, such as a home addition. Instead of just having the extra room “stuck” on, the entire exterior of the home is remodeled to integrate the new living space with the existing structure.
2. Resale value prompts homeowners to use exterior remodeling to improve curb appeal and update the look of the home. Adding a new entry door, for example, is a popular upgrade that continues to give homeowners a high ROI in terms of resale.
3. Repairs and replacements often lead to more extensive exterior remodeling. For example, when replacing old windows, homeowners can rethink not only the type of window, but the sizes and shapes – transforming those 1960s picture windows into French doors, Palladian arches or even Craftsman-styled windows and transforming the home’s exterior to match the new style.
4. Enjoyment is also a big factor. Homeowners may like the idea of exterior remodeling as a quick way to give their home a different look, adding a friendly front porch, covered entry or new deck and outdoor living room.
5. Lower maintenance costs and fewer hassles. Many new products and materials are designed to be low-maintenance, reducing or eliminating the need for (and cost of) regular painting, cleaning, or waterproofing.
What types of exterior remodeling projects make the biggest difference?
From adding new shutters and trim, to completely redesigning the façade, all types of exterior remodeling projects make a difference to the look of your home. Some projects can also make a difference to how much you spend on home energy and how much time, money and effort it takes to maintain your home.
  Let's take a look at just a few of these “double duty” home exterior remodeling ideas.
Exterior surface. If you’re tired of painting wood siding or it’s time to replace vinyl siding, stone and brick can dramatically change the look of your home. Exterior remodeling materials like these last a lifetime and require very little maintenance. If you don’t want the look of brick or stone (or the cost), new types of siding offer attractive options. Fiber-cement siding, for instance, is guaranteed for 50 years, insects can't bore into it, and it actually serves as an extra layer of insulation for your home – which can lower your heating and cooling costs.
Windows, Doors and Skylights. In addition to giving your home a fresh “look,” new windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Plus, redesigning the way windows and skylights are placed – and even incorporating products like solar lighting tubes – can help you use natural daylight to significantly reduce your lighting bill. Remember, however, that just buying new windows and doors won't automatically reduce energy costs. If they’re not properly installed as part of a professional exterior remodeling job, you can still find yourself paying to heat or cool the great outdoors.
Roofing. Having a new roof certainly improves curb appeal and pays off during a home inspection if you’re trying to sell your home. Even if you’re not selling anytime soon, a new roof pays off in less worry during storms. While you’re at it, you may want to consider a new exterior, remodeling the roof line to add dormers, extend the roof over a patio, or create a new covered entry way. Plus, even small changes in the roof line can transform the character of your home, giving an ordinary ranch or split level the charm of a country cottage or a sleek modern profile. Roofing materials can include anything from terra cotta tiles and slate, to standard asphalt shingles. But even if you choose shingles, today’s choices include all-new colors. That’s important for energy costs because a hot black roof conducts heat into the home’s interior, running up your air-conditioning bill. In fact, a cool white roof may be able to save you as much as 15% on energy costs.
The bottom line is that even if you’re not thinking about selling your home, exterior remodeling can be well worth the investment – paying you back with daily enjoyment, greater functionality and – if you do it right – significant savings in energy and maintenance as well.
Maintenance Tip: Check Driveways and Walkways for Cracks
Over time, wear and tear can create cracks in your walkways and driveways. Water can leak into cracks, causing further damage. If there are cracks, the area will need to be repaired and resealed soon, before further damage occurs. Sealing an asphalt driveway needs to be done when the temperature will be above 50° with no precipitation for 24-36 hours, so doing it now will avoid the worry about what the overnight temperatures will be once autumn arrives.
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  See you next month!
Terry
Terry Streich, President
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