Exterior Improvements
Landscaping
Modern vs. Natural
It’s ok if you aren’t into your lawn. If that’s the case, keep it simple with small well spaced plant material. Doesn’t matter as long as it’s clean and green. Make sure the mulch is full and the sod/grass is green, thick, trimmed, and edged. The actual plant material really doesn’t matter too much.
While a natural look is appealing for many people because it adds character, this is a much more difficult look to master. It takes skill and time to manicure correctly. If you are inexperienced or don’t put in the effort, it can often go a poor route that could end up backfiring on the look of the home.
Pergola
Inexpensive way to bring character and shade to any backyard. Not too difficult to find someone to build either. Reach out and we can point you in the right direction as well.
Pavers
Exterior Paint
Exterior Window Trim vs. Shutters
Contrary to popular belief, not every window needs shutters. Shocker. Proper shutters should at least appear large enough to cover the entirety of the window when shut (as that’s, you know, the whole point of shutters). Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows. Can’t afford to replace the shutters? Simply adding shutter hardware is a little detail that goes a long way.
Front Porch Swing
Tongue and Groove Porch Ceiling
Garage Doors
Different Types of Home Siding
Overall
Consider the following factors to ensure that the type of exterior siding you choose for your home matches all your needs and preferences:
Aesthetics: Choose a material and style that not only suits your preferences but also works well with the rest of your landscaping and home architecture.
Water Resistance: Select a highly waterproof material if you live in an area with high humidity or heavy rainfall.
Energy Efficiency: Siding with better insulation reduces the amount of money you need to spend on heating and cooling your home.
Durability: Decide if you’d prefer to pay more upfront for a longer-lasting material or pay less for a material that will need more maintenance and repairs.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is a synthetic home exterior material that has become popular due to its low maintenance, versatility, durability, and low cost. It is available in many colors and in different forms such as shakes, vertical panels, shingles, horizontal panels, fish scales, beaded designs, and lap. It can be made to look like other natural materials such as stone and shingles. The cost ranges from $.65 to $2.00 per sq ft. It is low maintenance and only requires washing every now and then. Vinyl does not require to be installed by a professional, which reduces the cost of installation. It can be customized into different designs and colors. The color does not fade. It has a synthetic look that may be a discouraging factor for people who love rustic and natural styles, and also eco-conscious people. To reduce the plastic effect, homeowners can use vinyl with long siding so that seams do not appear between panels. Vinyl degrades the environment after disposal because it is not biodegradable and ends up in landfills for a very long time unless recycled. It can be damaged by extreme weather conditions such winds and high temperatures causing cracks, rot, and mold. One of the newest options available, vinyl is quickly overtaking wood as the most popular type of siding in the world. Part of what makes it so attractive to consumers is its versatility. Vinyl is available in a vast arrange of styles. It can even be created to mimic other materials like wood.
Like wood, vinyl siding boasts several different installation profiles that help you further tailor its specific look to your personal preferences. The most common profiles for vinyl include:
Horizontal: A series of thin strips are placed horizontally in rows.
Vertical: A series of thin strips are placed vertically in rows. Alternatively, a series of thin strips are broken up by wide strips in a repeating fashion.
Shingles: Thin, lightweight pieces of vinyl slightly overlap with tapered edges.
Each of these profiles can be customized even further with a variety of overlap and arrangement types, including Dutch lap, board n batten, beaded, fish scales, and scallops. Add in the relatively low cost, both for materials and installation, and it’s even easier to see why budget-conscious buyers flock to vinyl as their material of choice. That’s not all to love about vinyl siding. Additional benefits include a mind-blowing 40-year warranty after installation on the best models. Not that you’ll need it – vinyl is extremely durable. It lasts for decades on end with few signs of wear with only a little maintenance. All that it takes to clean is regular power washing. Vinyl is also known and loved for its energy efficiency. Add an insulated version to your home, and you can save loads of money on your utility bills, in both hot and cold climates. Despite all the great benefits, vinyl does have its downsides (although they’re few and far between). Chief among these disadvantages is that vinyl isn’t waterproof. Though it’s water-resistant, poor installation often results in the water working its way behind the vinyl pieces and causing damage to the wood under them. Buying the wrong type of vinyl is another problem. Those living in extremely hot or cold climates must choose their paneling wisely. Otherwise, their vinyl panels might warp. Finally, vinyl is a more permanent addition to the outside of your home than other types of siding. You can’t paint over it as you can with wood. The color of vinyl you choose is the color of home you’ll have for good. At least until you decide to replace the paneling altogether.
Brick
Full brick cost ranges from $6 to $10 per square foot but it can go up to $12 while a brick veneer can range from $4 to $6. The cost of installation is not incorporated which can be high, especially for full brick exterior because it requires specialized skills. A brick exterior does not need a lot of maintenance and can do with occasional washing. The exterior can last even more than 100 years with proper maintenance. The cost of materials and installation are high. One of the cost contributors is the labor-intensive process of installation. In this case, you may consider a brick veneer. People love brick siding for its classic good looks. It’s one of the most traditional building materials used on the exterior of homes. Thanks to brick’s remarkable durability, brick homes, and buildings that were built over a century ago are still standing and in good condition. Though brick isn’t as popular as it once was in new construction, it’s still a viable option, especially for those building new homes. It adds a curious mix of rustic charm with pleasing elegance to any construction. You have two main installation options when it comes to brick. First is the traditional brick masonry method that uses solid brick. The other is a brick veneer that uses thin layers of brick. Not only does brick masonry act as the exterior wall, but it also holds the entire house up. Brick veneer, on the other hand, is applied more like traditional siding, just on the outside of the home (it doesn’t bear any of the home’s weight). As mentioned above, the number one reason to choose brick is durability. It lasts a lifetime with very little maintenance. Just pressure wash it once in a blue moon, and you’re good to go. Brick also holds up well to all sorts of abuse. It’s fire-resistant. Termites and other insects won’t be found inside of it. Extreme hot and cold weather won’t warp it. Better yet, brick doesn’t ever need to be repainted or refinished. The material doesn’t fade or decay with time. In fact, it ages beautifully and looks even better after a few decades. Unfortunately, all of these benefits come with one major con: price. Those looking for an affordable option should look elsewhere. Brick is hands down one of the most expensive materials you’ll find. And not only do the actual bricks themselves cost a lot of money. So does the installation. The weight of bricks means installation costs an arm and a leg more than other materials.
Stucco
Stucco is normally a mixture of cement, lime or sand although it can be made using different recipes. The exterior is created by layering the mixture all over the house. There are also various ways of applying it, and it can be given different shapes and textures which makes it easy to produce different architectural styles. It can be applied on wooden, stone or brick surfaces. The cost is approximately $6 to $9 per sq ft. It is long-lasting if there is proper installation and maintenance. Due to the casing it provides, stucco insulates the home, reducing the need for cooling or heating thereby saving energy costs. It is resistant to fire and so there is no need to add fire retardants. Stucco does not do well in areas with excess moisture and therefore not suitable for use in humid areas. It is expensive to install with a high initial cost. Stucco, the traditional Spanish building material, is a great option for the exterior siding of your home if you prefer a unique style. Very similar to plaster, stucco is created from a mixture of lime, sand, and cement. Additives like fiber and acrylic are sometimes added for even more strength. And that right there is the main benefit of stucco: strength. It lasts upwards of a century with minimal maintenance. Stucco gains its strength from its multi-faceted construction. You start with a wood wall, add wire mesh, and then pour on the stucco mixture. In addition to strength, stucco siding is notable for its versatility. It can be painted in just about any color or pattern you like. It can also be mixed in different ways to create a variety of textures. Unfortunately, stucco has a few cons. Chief among these is that dirt and wear show up more so than on other materials. Also of note is that stucco is best only for warm, dry environments with minimal rainfall. It’s not the best material for areas that receive a lot of rain or that have high humidity.
Wood
Wood is perhaps the most traditional type of exterior siding for homes. It’s extremely versatile and available in many different styles. Every style is beautiful and adds a sense of traditional charm to any home. People love wood siding for its beautiful and natural look. The most commonly used species include cedar, pine, spruce, and redwood. You can either leave the wood in its natural state or paint or stain it to further tailor its look to your desires. In addition to species and color/stain, you can further customize the overall look by choosing the profile in which the wood is applied to your home. Each of these sub-types has its own set of pros and cons. For instance, many people prefer the classic look of shingles, yet they’re the most expensive option. Wood clapboard is the cheapest.
Benefits that all sub-types of wood share - from plywood siding to luxurious hardwood and Ipe – are their impact resistance, natural beauty, and almost infinite customizability (with paint colors and stains).
Wood is also relatively quick and easy to install. It’s one of the best options for DIY projects, though professional installation won’t break the bank either. Unfortunately, wood isn’t without its cons. In addition to the regular maintenance it requires, it’s also susceptible to damage from termites, woodpeckers, and rot. The costs of maintaining the appearance of the wood and protecting it from common threats can quickly add up and cancel out the low cost of installation. Finally, wood isn’t fire-resistant. This can be a major deciding factor if you live in an area with a dry climate where forest fires are common.
The most common profiles for wood include:
Board and Batten: One of the classic exteriors, board and batten or barn siding is comprised of wide boards joined together and a batten, which is a thin piece of wood put at the joint of two boards to cover the gap, creating a vertical design. This exterior allows for creativity as you can use boards of different lengths. Some of the woods used are pine, fir, cedar, and redwood. Although the commonly used material is wood, engineered wood and vinyl can also be used. The average cost is between $2.05 to $2.38 per board. It makes a house seem taller because it is typically installed vertically. You can choose between real wood, vinyl, and engineered wood. Wood is easy to install and maintain. You can be creative and use the size of wood that you prefer. You can also install boards vertically or horizontally. Board and batten made of vinyl does not rot and it is not susceptible to pests. It is also available in many colors. The wood may rot or become infested by pests if they are low grade and not well treated. Vinyl may not last as long as wood, may crack if exposed to the sun, and may cause environmental degradation upon disposal.
Wood Shingles: Also known as shakes, these are thin, lightweight pieces of wood with a tapered shape. Shingles are made using uniform wood blocks that may be cut into different shapes. A machine does the cutting to ensure they are uniform and smooth . They are installed over another surface overlapping one another. Some of the woods used are redwood and red cedar. Shingles are environmentally friendly and they give the home exterior an old rustic look. The average cost is $7,200 per 2000 sq ft. The cost depends on the location and size of the home. Shingles gives a home a natural look that blends well with surroundings such as waterfronts and woodlands. They cost less in comparison to sidings using materials such as bricks and stones, while they can last as long given proper maintenance. They need staining after every 3 years and need to be painted after every 6 years. Mildew repellents should be used if the area has a lot of moisture. Shingles need regular maintenance involving caulking and painting so that they do not get damaged by weather. They are affected by moisture and can grow mold and algae if not properly maintained. Insects and wind can also damage the wood; it can warp, curl, fade and crack. Shingles may loosen with time.
Shake siding: shakes are similar to shingles but there are some differences, most notably in the shape and texture. Taking cedar siding as an example we can achieve two different finishes – one being more rustic; Cedar shake is split off while cedar shingles are sawn smooth on both sides.
Composite siding: Composite wood is wood that has been constructed from pieces of scrap wood, compressed together with resin to form a ‘composite’ siding material
Clapboard: Also known as bevel, lap, or weatherboarding, these are long, thin boards installed horizontally with a slight overlap.
Drop Siding: Similar to clapboards, the top of each horizontally-placed board is fitted into a groove in the lower edge of the board on top of it.
Vertical Boards: A series of wide boards are placed vertically with a series of narrow boards in between them. In this case, the wood strips are placed vertically which can help accentuate the height of the home. Just like the horizontal strips, these are joined together using tongue and groove. Woods used are pine, spruce and cypress. The cost ranges from $5 to $10 per sq ft. It gives the home a classic rustic look and improves the curb appeal. The wood is eco-friendly. The wood can be customized using stain and paint. The exterior requires regular maintenance so that the wood does not crack, rot, warp or split. It needs to be repainted or re-stained after every three to six years. The initial cost is high, especially if using woods such as redwood and cedar, which are considered rot resistant. The wood is prone to water and insect damage if not properly treated.
Horizontal Wood Boarding: The exterior is made using thin wood strips placed horizontally, in some cases using tongue and groove. Wood helps to create a rustic feel to the home. Some of the woods used include cypress, pine, Douglas fir and spruce. The cost ranges from $5 to $10 per sq. ft. It gives the home a classic rustic look and improves the curb appeal. The wood is eco friendly. The wood can be customized using stain and paint. The exterior requires regular maintenance so that the wood does not crack, rot, warp or split. It needs to be repainted or re-stained after every three to six years. The initial cost is high especially if using woods such as redwood and cedar, which are considered rot resistant. The wood is prone to water and insect damage if not properly treated.
Stone
Limestone, granite, slate, and other natural stones are used in creating this home exterior. Although the initial cost may be high, it is long-lasting and it requires less maintenance. What’s more, it features a natural look, with limestone and granite being more suitable to those who want to add texture to their home exterior. Due to the high cost of natural stone, some homeowners opt for stone veneers which are cheaper and easier to install. Natural stone can cost up to $18 per sq ft while stone veneer can cost between $4 to $10 per sq ft. It does not require a lot of maintenance after installation. The exterior bears the natural look of stone. It is not prone to weather. The initial cost is high due to the cost of material and the cost of installation especially if it requires a professional. Stone, like brick, is one of the most expensive types of exterior siding for the home. In fact, depending on the specific type of stone you use, it even edges brick out as the absolute most expensive type. So why is it still such a popular option? That all boils down to the beautiful look of stone siding as well as it’s extreme durability. Many people consider stone, especially natural stone harvested fresh from the earth, the pinnacle of exterior siding options. As the most luxurious option, it has a lot of prestige attached to it. Natural stone isn’t your only option. Though natural stone is loved for its authenticity, you can also choose from manufactured stone, foam panel “stone,” natural stone cladding, and stone veneer panels. All of these additional options are far cheaper than natural stone. They’re also much lighter and easier to work with, greatly lowering installation costs as well. Stone veneer, for example, is roughly half the cost of natural stone. It has almost the same exact look, though it doesn’t last as long. Unfortunately, stone veneer often has trouble with excessive moisture, a problem that natural stone doesn’t deal with. In fact, natural stone is 100% resistant to moisture as well as fire and insects. Even extreme weather conditions won’t cause the stone to bat an eye.
Engineered Wood Siding/Hardie Board
Engineered wood siding looks almost exactly like the real thing, yet it’s made from composite materials (which means it can sometimes also be known as composite siding). Unlike wood-look vinyl or fiber cement, engineered wood actually contains real wood. Various fibers and strands are combined to create an authentic-looking finished product. The main benefit of engineered wood is its low price. It costs much less than natural wood, only around $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot. Engineered wood can also be customized to your personal preferences. It’s available in a wide variety of styles that mimic different species and stains. Not only does it look like real wood, but it’s also created with a convincing texture. Another benefit of this material is its durability. Expect your engineered wood to last for at least 20 to 30 years. In fact, warranties of such lengths are common. Engineered wood holds up well to extreme temperatures, moisture, fire, and insects. It requires little maintenance and suffers very little from normal wear and tear. The only real disadvantage to note, other than the fact that engineered wood is not quite the real thing, is the fact that you can’t repaint or restain it. The finish you initially select is the finish you’re stuck with unless you replace all of the sidings.
Shingles and Shakers
Shingles and shakes are similar in style and creation. Shakes are machine- or hand-sawn from blocks of wood to create thicker and less uniform, but more durable, covering for a house. Shingles are thinner and more uniform and are able to be cut into various shapes for more interest. The most common materials for shingles and shakes are western red cedar and redwood but can come from a variety of woods.
