What would you do with this exterior?
Mackenzie
2 years ago
Contemporary home located in Northern California. What would you do to bring more life to the exterior? We are planning on adding three smaller windows (near the top) of the wall to the right of the deck.
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houssaon
2 years agoeverdebz
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoRelated Discussions
What Would You Do? Sad Beige Exterior in Minneapolis
Comments (20)So interesting to see the varied comments on different threads. Some would advocate emphasizing or embracing the brick/horizontal line and others for painting it out. Since I have a brick/siding rancher I've been looking at options to "pretty it up." Here is what I have learned: Painting brick comes up as a maintenance issue everywhere I look--it's supposed to be repainted every 3-5 years. It may not be a big deal for your house or mine since we have so little brick, however, for those with larger brick expanses, this can be daunting and pricey. The other option I stumbled upon was a German or Mortar Smear which I like the look of but such an effect would probably be difficult to reverse in the future. And finally, some kind soul posted a link to DyeBrick and I have been ogling ever since. It apparently offers lots of dyeing options, doesn't ruin the brick and lasts for ages. But maybe live in it first to see how your perception of the house's "faults" changes over time. Good luck....See MoreWhat would you do... with this exterior?
Comments (10)"What would you do...with this exterior". First off. Thanks to everyone for replying. All the tips and suggestions have been noted and are much appreciated. I’m going to try to consolidate responses to questions here and add additional context to help: Roof — Yes it must be replaced. Very difficult to match and find. Also, the addition is not concealed to the back. See before and after elevation images below. The upper part of the roof is new. Rough estimate to upgrade from asphalt to light weight S tile is $10-15K because concrete S tile weight would require additional structural upgrades. Color Consultant — hopefully will not need that by leveraging the Houzz community Windows -- will only be new in the back where the addition and remodel impacts the house more. Will replace front windows over time but not necessary and in scope/budget. Finally, with this additional context, I’m going to close how we started. Thanks again in advance! Questions: What color roof shingles? What color exterior paint combinations? What color front door? Keep existing white garage or replace with a wooden? Any other suggestions to improve curb appeal (landscaping?)? Please provide example pictures/links when possible. Much appreciated and please be on the lookout for more "What would you do..."....See Morewhat would you do to this exterior?
Comments (10)Stall on the roof while you do some research IMO. If your home photo is current (as in this week), since you don't have leaves on the trees yet and your lawn is brown, you evidently live in a northern area with snow? In those conditions, standing seam seems to be the way to go.... HOWEVER.... and this is why I say to research first. See how your house is in the blazing sun? Research solar. My roof is purpose-built for solar, neither standing seam nor shingle. I've been getting at least some solar power all winter (except one month), yep, even though we get a lotta snow here. If your state has an agency for energy efficiency—as mine does—get their advice and see if they have grants for solar or incentives dependent on income. Tip: If you're researching solar, also find out if your state has net-metering. That way, you can generate solar in summer to pay the bills in winter. Cost out EVERYTHING for your overall savings, and not just the expense of the solar panels. Cost out utility savings per month, projected increase in value of home, tax reduction, if the roof costs less than a standing seam or shingle because the materials/techniques are different.... Arrive at your long-term savings, not just your short-term expense....See MoreWhat would you do to make the exterior not look like such an L shape?
Comments (30)Sorry about the new paint but when the goal is to deemphasize, dark is never good. The L shape is the garage. If you want to play down the garage and up play the HOUSE then the garage door needs to fade not POP. Same with the shutters on the garage. That is quite a substantial window meant to give the illusion of home vs garage..is it safe? If those bushes grow up it would be a perfect place for a criminal to hide/break the window..... I do think adding a front porch/pergola gives the home a friendly feel. Still then you are all sitting in the driveway given your home configuration and that's not always a favorite place....See More
Rawketgrl
2 years agoarcy_gw
2 years ago
Rachel Lee
2 years ago
Olychick
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoI think the windows are a great idea. Your house already looks like an "after" from many that are posted here! I might paint the porch and steps a dark gray - closer to the color of the driveway, or strip them and match the garage doors.
PRONorwood Architects
2 years agoptreckel
2 years ago
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