Often when we think of home improvement and renovation, we concentrate on the inside – perhaps it is time for that ew gourmet kitchen, or that new tile flooring you’ve been dreaming of.
But the outside of your Sarasota home may be in need of a facelift as well. Curb appeal is all about the beauty of your home exterior. Here are some expert tips on how to transform the outside of your home dramatically, whether through small cosmetic changes or grand structural plans.
Stand on your front lawn, or even in the street in front of your home and take a good look. With a critical eye, look at your home’s roof, gutters, siding or paint job, windows – and take note of anything you would like to change. You’ll need to decide if you are going to do the work yourself or call in a local general contractor; if you want to stick to cosmetic improvements or its time for a major overhaul; and what rules or regulations you may need to abide by. Consider the neighbors, the style of the neighborhood, and HOA by-laws. Once you’ve gone through the assessments and determinations and have your list, you are ready to go!
Popular Home Exterior Improvements
- Home Maintenance and Cleaning: Sometimes you can spruce up your home dramatically simply by cleaning. Rent a power washer and remove the dirt and grime from your home, roof, porch or patio, and walkways. Remove dead or dying plants, old and broken pots or containers, and children’s toys. Install a new mailbox, put a coat of paint on weathered furniture, and remove and replace any broken railings or fence posts. Once you tackle these small projects, you will be shocked at how fresh and clean your home looks, without the need to invest too much of your budget.
- Painting: Opinions on how often you should paint your stucco home range wildly, anywhere from 5 years to 20 years. Most agree that every 7-10 years, you should consider re-painting a stucco or concrete home (the most popular home construction choice in the Longboat Key area). Wood or aluminum siding should be painted more often. Your HOA may determine the required frequency. A fresh coat of paint on your walls and shutters is a great way to completely reinvigorate your home exterior.
- Stone or Brick Facing: Adding a faux stone or brick to the front porch or columns provides beautiful natural texture and a whole new aesthetic.
- Considering Details: Window boxes with bright flowers can be installed under front windows, while front and garage doors can be replaced with artistic or unique design elements.
- Adding a Porch: One sure way to transform the look of your home exterior is to add a wrap-around porch. Other exterior construction may include a portico in front of your home for protection from the rain, or an extended roof to add more outdoor living space.
- Roof Installation: A new roof is a great way to refresh the appearance of your home, but it may carry a larger price tag than many of the other suggestions. If a new roof is in your budget, consider innovative colors, textures or materials that will provide a whole new look. A new roof also can provide cost savings, energy efficiency, and raise the value of your home more than most home improvements.
Do You Need a General Contractor?
Whether or not you need to bring in a licensed home renovation professional will depend on the project, but you should know that many structural projects will require proper permitting. If you are considering any type of renovation which affects the structure of your home, call the experts at Lindahl Construction. As one of Sarasota’s most trusted new home builders, you can rely on us for great advice, exceptional workmanship, and quality service.