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Remodeling Design Dilemma Exterior

Advice for exterior curb appeal

5 years ago

Hi there. In June 2016, after my divorce, I bought a 1979 split level where I live with my two children. The house was impeccably clean and had been owned by the same couple since it was built. They had made several exterior upgrades in the previous few years including: new architectural shingles, replacing masonite siding with vinyl, new windows and doors, new gutters, etc. Although these changes are appreciated they aren't exactly my style and I'd very much like to give the front a makeover. My goal would be that it not look like a split level at all but more of a cozy cottage. I've made some minor interior changes and am currently finishing up the kitchen reno. Everything I've done thus far has been on a pay as I go budget. I realize that the exterior would be a much higher financial investment. Has anyone undertaken a similar project lately who would be willing to share cost? I'd also be most appreciative to ideas, advice and direction on how I could accomplish these changes on a not so lavish budget. Major goal would be to remove the dutch colonial roof on the left front of the house, add dormers for interest on the right and some sort of covering over the front door that would downplay the elevation change. The current landscaping would also be replaced.

Current elevation:

Inspiration: note this is a pic found online that I altered to more closely match my current layout.

Thanks for looking!

Featured Answer

suezbell

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Would not remove the Dutch/Gambrel/Mansard Colonial roof and just replace it w/traditional siding without adding either a porch or other horizontal trim feature or the look will become too close to being a salt box style. Better idea: You could change the roof and have the windows become shed dormers:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/finehomebuilding.s3.tauntoncloud.com/app/uploads/2016/04/09113545/021250092-shed-dormers_xlg.jpg

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Comments (8)

sheloveslayouts
5 years ago
Your home is darling! I think your efforts and budget are better spent toward a cottage landscape and some dark blue-gray shutters.

The cost of removing the dutch colonial roof (adorable, BTW) and adding fake dormers is not worth any perceived benefit you may have. Note that the roof ridge height is consistent across your inspiration house.

Our last house was a trilevel which we spent a lot of money renovating and ultimately moved because you just can't renovate the split level out of a split level. Unfortunately, the ROI in a split level in my area is frustratingly low. Keep that in mind as you do things to your home.
kay kin
5 years ago
you are looking @ a $30k bill. Dormers are a good idea, but removing the mansard-esk roof line would be a priority. the obvious split could be nulled by landscaping somewhat.
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Thank you all so much. I appreciate the input. Celerygirl, seeing the colors imposed on the house is amazing. I like them all. Probably favor the top one. Can I bother you for the paint name? Love the door, would never have picked something like that! Houssaon, The belly board is the the strip that separates the bottom brick from the upper siding? It really does make a difference in the sample house you posted. It would run from the left side of the house, over the garage doors, little porch area, over the first floors windows and then ends at the right side of the house? I really like that idea. Thank yo so much. Ohio, Thank yo for you recommendation. Is there room for taller windows, which I far prefer, and if so, would you install windows with or without mullion? K Laurence and Decoenthusiast, I agree, however, we listed our house, expecting it to sit a while and it sold in 2 days. Our rental has fallen through and our timeframe for remaining in the area lengthened longer than anticipated. We have a trusted contractor who can supposedly do it all in 2 months (fingers crossed!!!!). If this falls through, we have no where to go :( Thank you all so much!! p.s. what do you think about the little porch area? can anything be done to enhance/change the railing.
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Snap a photo on a sunny day then use the Sherwin Williams ColorSnap app to play with the colors. I would select a tone slightly darker than your mortar for the garage door and a color slightly darker than your darkest brick for the front door. I would then on the garage door install magnetic faux hinges and windows; this will add detail to the door, like the below house. I know they can be found on Amazon, not sure where else. Before: After:
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I like your new door. You have a range of colors you could paint it. Is your house all siding or brick? Are the window frames wood that could be painted? I would take down the shutters. Some of the windows are just wrong plus the shutters are so pale you can hardly see them.
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rens7thhome
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you both for looking and for the advice! My siding is more buttercream. I like the idea of blue gray shutters as the red reads fushia in person. I hope to remove the existing landscaping soon, but I have no idea what to replace it with. I found this pic on another houzz thread where a mansard roof was removed and a small portico added. Thoughts regarding something like this?
sheloveslayouts
5 years ago
Definitely start with a landscape designer. I think you'll love your house as-is if you invest in the landscape.

Unless you have a phenomenal location, I just don't think a major roof change will have a good return on investment. However, if ROI is of no concern to you and such a project is purely for your own pleasure you should do it.
grapefruit1_ar
5 years ago
Just to clarify, is that your home in the first pic? Yellowish with red trim? If so, your home is way cuter than any of the others shown! I would probably make some color changes and get a professional landscape plan to implement as the budget allows.
sheloveslayouts
5 years ago
I used the color snap app to try a few different colors. Wish I could help with the landscape, but there are folks who hang out at the https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/landscape-design forum who will have great suggestions if you post there.
rens7thhome
Original Author
5 years ago
grapefruit1-ar, yes the first pic is mine and thank you ... it is cute. Just missing something.

Suezbell, thank you for the link. I like the looks of the shed dormer but that would mean a complete change of the roofline, which is well beyond my budget.

Benjesbride, thank you! The color change makes a huge difference! Why did I never think to try that? I like the darker colors better. I'll be playing around with this most of the day now I'm sure.

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