*Please Help! Renovating for Curb Appeal on an Ugly House with Porch*
K K
5 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).
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Comments (11)
cat_ky
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Ugly Ranch needs Curb appeal ~ Advice Please!
Comments (4)I think that some fairly inexpensive things could make a dramatic difference. First I would replace the iron columns with some more substantial 6x6 supports (with some moldings perhaps) and add some railings. Also, I would not paint the porch, but stain it. I think taking out the concrete porch would be a very big project. I would also add railings and wider wooden steps to the front door. Paint or replace the front door for pop and in your individual taste. The shutters look out of place and out of scale for the picture window. Shutters should look as if they would actually work, these do not. Once this is done the right of your house would be heavy and you would need to balance this out with a nice curved bed on the left with a fairly large tree to add balance. Zone 5 maybe a nice magnolia. Fill in the large bed around the tree with some nice plantings. Towards the road cries out for a small fence with a gate or maybe some hedges with more beds. A flagstone path up to the front steps. A small tree (maybe a Japanese maple) on the right and curved beds along the walkway and driveway. I think this would take your home from plain to fantastic with the least cost and with things that you can probably do on your own. I am sure you can. I do like the idea of shutters, but think you should look at different sizes and styles. I don't like being critical, however I think that by asking for help you are probably looking for honest evaluation....See MoreHelp! Ugly front porch- need help with curb appeal!
Comments (7)Chiflipper is right. Repairs first, then cosmetics. Easy and inexpensive to fix the railing(s). As for the stairs, I would go in this direction for cosmetic changes or really gray treads and white risers....See MorePlease help with landscape design/curb appeal - Double Porches Home
Comments (12)Because it's so symmetrical I think garden layouts will be easier. It looks like, as Yardvark said, you could rip out the overgrown bushes flanking the doorway, replace with something smaller, and trim/shape the rest to see how it looks as a start. There are some healthy ilex or something in the middle which could be attractive. Do you know what is on the left? Oakleaf hydrangea? Your local garden center could suggest plants and shrubs that will do well in your climate. Is there room to add a larger tree as a focal point in the yard off the right corner? Either a full-sized shade tree or a 25-30 foot flowering tree? I know some people hate the idea of painted brick, but this seems like a good candidate for the white brick-black trim look. It's stylish now, but I think it will also stand the test of time. There are some new products for painting brick that don't peel. Here are some similar houses: https://www.architecturaldesigns.com/house-plans/stately-southern-design-with-wrap-around-porch-59463nd https://www.theplancollection.com/house-plans/home-plan-18316 Here is some painted brick: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2019/9/24/how-to-determine-whether-or-not-to-paint-your-brick-house-xwlzh https://www.instagram.com/p/BYhoTcgB3yi/...See MoreHelp us give our ugly investment property some curb appeal
Comments (17)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
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
gigirambles
5 years agoK K
5 years ago
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoilovecomputers
5 years ago
Laurie Radin
5 years ago- PRO
User
5 years ago K K
5 years ago
PROLegacy Pre-Finishing, Inc.
5 years ago
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