9 Ways to Update The Look of Your Home

Whether you’re tired of looking like every house on the block or done broadcasting 1992 vibes from your split level into the universe, upgrades are in order if your current home exterior is old enough to drink or vote. There is a wide range of options for modernizing your home’s exterior, from small changes you can accomplish in a weekend to major exterior renovations that require professionals.

SmardBuild is the king of elevated curb appeal with world-class exterior remodels in Naperville, Illinois. Updating houses built in the 90s and earlier keeps us busy and brings us joy. We love taking cookie-cutter time capsules into the modern age with character and quality. We’re passionate about creating personalized and stylish homes and are pleased to share the insight we’ve earned with experience.

How Can I Improve the Exterior of my Plain House?

There’s no reason to stay boring. There are simple ways to modernize your house. Here are a few cosmetic upgrades to spruce up your home’s exterior. 

Cosmetic Upgrades

It makes sense to start small and see if a few tweaks satisfy your itch for something new.

1. Power Wash- Give your home a bath. If you have access to a power washer and feel comfortable using it, a pressure washer on a low setting does wonders for your home’s shine. Many house-wash products hook to your hose and deliver targeted results. Be sure to check materials and wash methods against your particular siding. Painted wood, for example, should not be power washed.
2. Upgrades Details-Paint, your shudders, update your trim or add garage door decals. Sometimes small details slingshot a space into the modern age.
3. Paint Your House- Pick a trendy new shade to stand out or select a contemporary classic. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Choose the best colors for family photos and make your next round of memories in front of your masterpiece.
4. Redecorate-  New touches bring your personality forward. Retool your porch decor, or add some planters or solar lights for a brand-new look. Browse your local garden center for inspiration!

Remodeling Your Exterior

If these small touches don’t cut it, or your home’s exterior is damaged and needs to be replaced, then a more extensive project is in order. Renovating your home’s exterior involves selecting from an array of project options.

Elements of an Exterior Remodel

1. Eaves- A house's eaves are the roof area hanging over the exterior walls, forming shade. Eaves and their components are not the most thrilling selection during design, but attention to these details during a remodel pays dividends in protecting your home and the ultimate look of the finished product. 
   • Soffit and fascia- Soffit is the material you choose to cover the underside of your eaves, whereas the fascia is the area that faces forward on the same surface. 
     
     
2. Siding- This product comes in an ever-expanding array of materials and colors. The most popular types of home replacement siding are:
   • Cedar Siding- Classic cedar siding takes maintenance and love but brings a heritage feel to any home.
   • Board and Batten Siding- Board and batten siding is a rustic look that joins large planks (boards) with smaller transition strips (battens). This is more of a style than material, as it was initially done in wood and now appears in both vinyl and fiber cement offerings.
   • Vinyl Siding- Vinyl is the most popular siding medium for a reason. Light, durable and affordable. Vinyl makes an appearance on almost every block. 
   • Fiber Cement Siding- This artificial product looks like wood but performs like a superior modern product. Minimal painting and maintenance needs to balance your up-front investment over time. SmardBuild is a James Hardie Preferred Remodeler in Chicago, which means we’re experts in the top fiber cement product on the market.
   • Engineered Wood- This material is made up of wood strands compressed with a resin binder. It’s more durable and pest-resistant than wood and has significantly less frequent maintenance needs than its classic wood counterpart.
   • Stone Veneer- Consider stone veneer in addition to any of these other options. Stone veneers are a thin product that looks like solid stone. They are relatively easy to install, pack massive curb appeal, and provide an ROI above 90% in many housing markets.
      
3. Doors and Windows- Consider updating your doors and windows while you replace your siding to consolidate fees and the disruption of remodeling. New doors and windows can change your entire look and save you money on your energy bills.
   
   
4. Gutters- New gutters protect your siding, roof, and home from anything mother nature dumps upon it. Modern gutters drain more efficiently and clog less often, which are great reasons to upgrade.
   
   
5. Roof- Sometimes, you just have to raze the roof, especially if your home has outlived its first. Replacing your roof protects your home and provides yet another opportunity to take advantage of advances since the last time a crew climbed onto your rooftop.

What Exterior Home Improvements Add the Most Value?

Not every exterior renovation returns the same amount of your investment at resale. If you’re interested in squeezing a few more items onto your list before your home appraisal, you’re in luck! Sometimes small cosmetic touches, like painting, can bring the most significant return. Other exterior remodeling projects, like vinyl siding or new doors, consistently return over sixty percent on your investment if you select a midrange product.

Let’s Maximize your Curb Appeal in Chicagoland

SmardBuild would love to help your home present a fresh face to the neighborhood. Our Naperville area exterior remodels leave happy customers and beautiful homes throughout our service area. We would love to give your home’s exterior a fresh start. Reach out today to tell us about your project!