Home Exterior Renovation

Whether you want a fresh look or to increase the value of your home, renovating its exterior is a good place to start. A good-looking exterior creates a positive first impression for guests, neighbors and potential buyers. Upgrading your home’s windows, siding and landscaping are a few ways you can transform its exterior. Outdoor home renovations also increase a property’s worth. Learn how to plan your outside home renovation, including the key areas to focus on and how much to budget.

Planning Your Exterior Renovation

Before you begin your exterior home renovations, understand your goals. Consider the reason for your planned renovation. Is it to create a home that suits your style or deal with water damage? This consideration will help you set a realistic budget and help you decide what to include in your renovation plans.

If your reasons for renovating are cosmetic, deciding on style and design options are your main focus. Comb through magazines, visit online platforms and take neighborhood tours for inspiration. You could also create a mood board or design portfolio to share with your contractors. If the renovations are due to more severe issues, like a leaky roof, completing any necessary repairs will be your priority when allocating the budget.

Deciding on Areas for Exterior Renovation

Whether you want to modernize an older home, increase curb appeal or fix functional issues, here are the exterior elements you could focus on:

• Front door and entryway: The entryway impacts how guests perceive you and your home. A classic wooden door reflects tradition, while a glass front door gives the impression of openness. Steel front doors have a sense of security and strength, while more rustic doors indicate a love for nature and simplicity. An entryway remodel can also make your home more functional, like adding cover to protect from rain.
• Windows and roofing: Choose from various window styles and roofing materials to complement your home, and ensure your chosen styles are energy-efficient. Energy-efficient materials minimize heat loss in winter and keep you cool in summer, reducing your home’s energy consumption and utility bills.
• Siding and paint: Siding usually takes longer to complete than other exterior projects. If you are first removing old siding before installing new siding, the process could take a couple of weeks or more. If it is an option, painting old siding is much faster. Another factor to consider is the color of your siding. Traditional architecture lends itself to more neutral colors, while a contemporary home benefits from bolder colors.

Hiring Professionals vs. Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

For exterior home renovations, hiring a professional ensures work is completed efficiently and within a set timeline. Professionals have the knowledge and experience to ensure high-quality work. They also know the best materials, techniques and safety practices to save time and money and achieve your desired results.

When it comes to renovation work, mistakes can be costly. It is best to rely on the professionals, who have the skills to do the job correctly from the start. Plus, contractors in the San Francisco Bay Area understand local building codes and can handle any necessary permits to ensure your renovation meets the required standards.

Planning Costs and Budgeting

The cost of your renovation will depend on the extent of work you are getting done. Minor exterior touchups like painting will cost less than a full siding replacement. Costs may also be higher if there are structural concerns, like the foundation needs work.

Whether you use your savings or a home improvement loan to finance your renovations, add a little extra to your budget for unexpected delays and costs. Options available for renovation finance include personal loans, home equity lines of credit and home equity loans.

Contact Us to Transform Your Home Exterior

Exterior renovations are a great way to enhance your home’s aesthetic, boost its value and protect it from the elements. With a little planning and a renovation partner like Valley Home Builders, you can have the home of your dreams. We specialize in home renovation and expansion projects in the South Bay area in California. Request a free consultation today to find our how we can transform your home.