5 Tips when considering an exterior renovation

5 Tips when considering an exterior renovation that will help you to stay on budget and stick to your design plan

Renovation’s aren’t for everyone….. but they were for my good pals. Just wait till you see what they have done with their 1980’s  home. It is truly amazing. Like really amazing.

I give my good friends a lot of credit. They tackled the most daunting of DIY projects, completely gutting and renovating their 1980’s home that was desperately dated and in pretty bad shape. Although they could have done most of the work, they realized what their limitations were and decided to use contractors for the most of the exterior renovation.

I’m so proud and inspired by their patience with their renovation journey.  They tackled the inside projects first and then made the exterior changes ….which happened about two years after they moved in. To really appreciate the renovation you must see the before. This was the MLS listing. What you can’t see as clear in this image is the peeling paint, broken windows, roof leaks, missing gutters and rotted fascia.

And this is right before the work began

I told you. Stunning transformation. Here’s what they did. They replaced all the windows. Added a new front door ( isn’t is pretty?). Painted the exterior. Added a metal roof. Installed a new gutter system. Poured a new driveway and walkway. Took out overgrown bushes in the front porch area. Refaced the front porch columns.

5 Tips when considering an exterior renovation

While I was over there taking some pictures  the other day ( I will be sharing the interior in a later post so make sure you sign up for to receive my updates as you won’t want to miss the interior. It’s more amazing then the outside changes) I asked them what tips they would give to someone planning an exterior renovation.

Go with what you love

Try not to involve too many people in your decision making process. It’s your house….go with what you what to see when you pull into that driveway each day. To many opinions, advice and suggestions can get complicated. Besides, you know what you want, what you can afford and what you like.

Do your research

Do you homework and figure out all the available options that are out there. From windows to roofing there are more then one option. Initially my friend wanted black metal windows but was able to find a company that carried dark bronze instead. It saved her big bucks to go that route and it still gave her the look she had envisioned. 

Stick to a budget

Having a plan of exactly what you will do, will help you stick to your budget. Be sure to build in some contingency dollars for the unexpected items that come up along the way. 

Get at least 3 bids

The lowest bid doesn’t always mean that it is the best bid. Get at least 3 bids from qualified contractors. Besides checking references and price, make sure you have a connection with the contractor. Typically if you form a relationship with one trade they will be a good person to give you a referral for another trade.

Work in phases 

They addressed the biggest exterior issues first. Since the house needed new windows, old paint to be scrapped, new paint job and a new roof those items were addressed first. Projects like landscaping  and lighting will be part of phase II.

They say you only have one chance to make a first impression.  Same is true with the exterior of your home. Although my friends have no plans to sell now or in the future, the renovations that they made to the exterior of their home will certainly improve the value of their house….and more smiles when they pull up in the driveway. Click here to see the Entryway reveal.

Do you have any renovation tips to add? Leave the in the comments so we can all learn something.  

Catch up on my latest unfinished project here

Grateful

for happy friends and their beautiful home