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Software/resource for picking the exterior siding/colors??

5 years ago

Does anyone know of any (cheap) software that will allow me to try out different siding styles and colors for the exterior of my house? Originally I was going for a farmhouse look--white b&b siding with black windows. However, the black windows were way over budget, so I'm going with white windows. I've gone back and forth w/ white on white and I don't think I'll be happy with that. I'm also debating on using b&b in spots w/ lap siding elsewhere. The builder suggested shingle siding, which I love, but I'm concerned it won't tie into a cohesive look. Do you know of any good resources and software that can help me finalize the exterior? We met with the builder to pick out doors and windows last week, but I had a hard time deciding. I want the exterior and interior to have a cohesive look. I think if we can nail down the exterior look, it will be easier to pick everything else.

Featured Answer

PRO

Virgil Carter Fine Art

5 years ago

Your best resource for this (and other things) is your friendly local architect.

PS: There's absolutely nothing wrong with white b&b and white windows. It's a great opportunity for a stunning front door.

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Comments (6)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years ago
I use paper pencil and crayon.
Holly Stockley
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
You could play around with LP's visualizer. Some of the other siding companies have similar features.

Or you could ask someone to do some renderings. Though there is usually a fee for that service.

ETA link: https://www.upsidetosmartside.com/explore-ideas/visualize-home/samples/
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I assume you and your buddies purchased this house to flip, right? Does the siding need to be replaced or are you looking strictly for a color change? Based on your OP it looks like you are interested in a color change and that the siding itself is in decent shape. I'm a Realtor and based on my experience (in a totally different market from you), the brick would be much more objectionable than the siding. Check with a local, experienced Realtor in your area to see if the brick would be a buyer turn off or not. If it isn't marketable, consider dying (not painting) the brick a color without so much variance. Others here have more experience with dying brick. Remove the shutters entirely. Change out the garage door to something that is more contemporary and that blends with the new brick color you select. Paint your front door an accent color. Change/update your landscaping. Clean up the stone planter area near the garage door. Trim your trees. Clean your siding. Paint the downspouts the same color and your new siding color if you decide to paint the current siding. Change out those stairway railings to something else - more modern/contemporary. Frankly, I probably would leave the cream color siding you have now and update the other things I mentioned above.
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Becky
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I use paper pencil and crayon.

That would take me hours! LOL! Is that really what you do? I thought an architect would at least draw the elevations in CAD. You have given me idea. Maybe I'll draw the elevations in AutoCAD and let my kids color them for me. It will be a great way to involve them in the build and keep them busy for half an hour!

You could play around with LP's visualizer. Some of the other siding companies have similar features.

Thanks. I'll try the link you provided.

Your best resource for this (and other things) is your friendly local architect.

You're right. We paid for someone local to design/draw the plans. Unfortunately, we went through the builder, so technically we aren't the architect's client. The builder doesn't seem overly happy to work with me on this!

PS: There's absolutely nothing wrong with white b&b and white windows. It's a great opportunity for a stunning front door.

I don't completely disagree. I've seen several photos of white on white that I LOVE, but I've seen just as many that are blah! I'm not sure why I love some and not others. If I were certain I'd get the kind I LOVE, I'd do it in a heartbeat! I guess I'll study those photos some more in an attempt to determine what I like/dislike.
PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
5 years ago
Here's a novel idea: pay for an architect's time for half a day, to help you identify several alternatives as "finalists" for you and your spouse to consider. Is it worth $500-$800 dollars to have a pro do this for you...?
Becky
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Here's a novel idea: pay for an architect's time for half a day, to help you identify several alternatives as "finalists" for you and your spouse to consider. Is it worth $500-$800 dollars to have a pro do this for you...?

I assumed the "pros" would cost a lot more than that around here. (I've been shocked at the price of housing here.). I'll call around to see what they charge. If I can get it done for $500-800, it would be worth it. Although, I was hoping the building supply store would offer something similar to the link Holly provided as part of the "sales package" for the windows, doors and siding, but no such luck.

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