*Please Help! Renovating for Curb Appeal on an Ugly House with Porch*
K K
4 years ago
Would greatly appreciate any advice on how to fix up our current home. We've already bought white wide board and batten siding so that's set and the "shutters" are getting removed. Eventually we want a metal roof, but that's years down the road. I've included the a mock-up of the current idea, we plan on replacing and lengthening the windows to be all the same height and REALLY need to figure out basically everything about the porch, columns, railing or no, color, etc (needs some sort of gate on the end to keep the dogs in the yard). Maybe grey stone on the foundation. The overgrown trees will be replanted elsewhere. Still debating on the grids, but double hung windows with grids seem to best fit the look of the house/the barn we are redoing as well to match the house. Please don't hold back any ideas, advice, etc. Plus would LOVE to hear from anyone with black windows....fading issues, etc., leaning towards either Andersen 100 or Marvin Wood Ultrex (I know they are very different price points, I want something for the best value that won't fade like vinyl).
Our House · More Info
Our House · More Info
Our House · More Info
Our House · More Info
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (11)
cat_ky
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Ugly House Curb Appeal Advice
Comments (5)I think your house has a ton of potential! I would seriously consider changing the location of the front door to a position of prominence. See the sketch I tried to do - sorry I'm not an artist or an architect. What I tried to show is a front door with a triangle roof over it and transom sidelights. To the left I put back a window - two double hungs together. Personally, I like the traditional look of munton bars and added these to the new window and the window at the far right. A stone path would look nice leading from the driveway up the new stately front door. I would also take back some of the oversized driveway that is encroaching on the front lawn and return it to grass. If you can get rid of the wood that is encasing the grass - also good - just let it slope down naturally. And finally, add some bushes, flowers etc. to the front of the house - left and right of the new front door. Just some ideas...!...See MoreDefinitely not as ugly duplex needs curb appeal help!
Comments (16)Not sure of the color, but both SW and BM can match hardie colors. This one looks to be a gray/green. Edit: Found Hardie board (brown) with red (front door) but it may give you an alternate color scheme if the one posted above named Rehobeth Beach doesn't work. Trying to save you money on a roof change if you don't need one. One more gray with a red roof - a weathered gray...See MoreLandscape/curb appeal: new home, blank slate...and ugly!
Comments (6)Cute house! Capes are one of my favorite styles. Unless you plan on sitting on a porch out front, I'd spend my money on a landscaping plan. If you take a picture of your house to a good nursery, they can help you work up a plan. Some will do it for free if you buy plants from them, some will charge a small fee to come out and help you put together a plan that you can work on over time. You could stain the stairs and railing with a semi-transparent wood stain to something closer to the roof color. I don't care for a storm door since they cover up so much of the front door so I would avoid it if you don't have to have one. If you really want one, do a full lite storm door that's painted the same color as the front door. I tried on some front door colors for you....See MoreHelp us give our ugly investment property some curb appeal
Comments (15)First off, thank you all for the quick and detailed responses. I already have so much to think about and love your suggestions. Here is a little more info on our intentions, budget, etc. This is an upstairs/downstairs set up with 2 beds and 1 bath in each unit. We plan on renting out both units long term after renovating them both. So although this isn't a house we will live in, it is something we will regularly see and want it to stand out as a beautiful property. Since they will be rentals, we are required to provide at least 1 parking spot for each unit off street. My thoughts were to utilized the minimum amount of the front for this and use the rest for grass/land scaping in the shape of a T, across the full front of the house, with a strip in the middle going to the street. Budget wise we are pretty flexible because I am skilled in most trades and can do everything myself or with the help of friends. I love the idea of a porch on the front and will be leveling off the lot as soon as we take possession. I think these two are my best options moving forward. Knowing that I need to keep spaces for two vehicles, can anyone suggest a great layout for the front grass/walkway etc? Thank you!!...See MoreK K
4 years agolast modified: 4 years ago
gigirambles
4 years agoK K
4 years ago
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoilovecomputers
4 years ago
Laurie Radin
4 years ago- PRO
User
4 years ago K K
4 years ago
PROLegacy Pre-Finishing, Inc.
4 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGWraparound Porches Have Curb Appeal Covered
Expansive covered porches add appeal and value to just about any house — and the neighborhood as well
Full Story
EXTERIORSHelp! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?
Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors
Full Story
LANDSCAPE DESIGNGive Curb Appeal a Self-Serving Twist
Suit yourself with a front-yard design that pleases those inside the house as much as viewers from the street
Full Story
CURB APPEAL10 Surefire Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
A designer shares her top 10 tips for sprucing up the front of a house
Full Story
EXTERIORS17 Ways to Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal
The word on the street? Homes with appealing front views can sell faster, lift moods and convey a warm welcome
Full Story
COASTAL STYLENail Your Curb Appeal: Beach Style
Bring home the colors of the sand and sea, and embrace outdoor living with an inviting porch and front lawn
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESDesigner's Touch: Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal
From pavers to plantings, these professional tips can help your home make an instant impact on the street
Full Story
TRANSITIONAL HOMESMy Houzz: Calm, Crisp Neutrals in a Renovated 1887 Chicago House
Dreamy whites, warm wood accents and classic finishes help make this couple’s first home a relaxing retreat
Full Story
FARMHOUSESNail Your Curb Appeal: Farmhouse Style
Farm-fresh colors, classic dark hardware and a wraparound porch contribute to this traditional look
Full StorySponsored
Virginia's Award Winning One Stop Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Resource
The Cook's Kitchen