Exterior Aesthetics: What to Consider

Craftsman houseAlthough aesthetic appearance isn’t the only thing that you should be thinking about when remodeling your home, it’s still very important. Homeowners should have a house they can be proud of and that includes having an aesthetically pleasing exterior. That can mean different things to different people. After all, appearance always comes down to personal taste. Still, there is definitely a lot to consider when you are deciding on the outward appearance of your home. Here are some things you should keep in mind.

Your Neighborhood

While there are certainly some homeowners who want a house that sticks out and is unique among the other houses in the neighborhood, sometimes it’s best to consider the appearance of the other houses on the block. It’s okay to be unique and go with something that makes your neighborhood look a little more eclectic, but you probably shouldn’t go too extreme. If you’re repainting or re-siding your house, consider a neutral color that fits the other homes on your street in a tasteful way. Of course, “neutral” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” You can have an off-white or earth tone paint job while providing a few touches of your preferred accent color. Just remember not to go overboard with it; accent colors are meant for visual appeal.

Your Choice of Paint

Painting is probably the most cost effective way to change the outward appearance of a house. There are a few things you should consider. Do you want your house to be one solid color, or do you want different colors around your door and window frames? Do you want to create a focal point that is a different color than the rest of your house, or would you prefer something more nondescript? Painting the exterior of your home is a big job and not as easy as you might think.  Consider hiring a professional painting contractor who has experience in house painting.

A Choice of Building Materials

A factor that determines your home’s aesthetic appearance even more than paint is the building materials you plan to use when remodeling. If you want a modern-looking home that would fit in well in any suburban neighborhood, you should opt for siding. Wood siding is about as basic as siding can get and it can be repainted, but it can also be damaged by storms and accidents fairly easily. Vinyl siding has become a very popular option for its durability, ease of installation, and clean, aesthetic look. Aluminum siding also has similar properties.

If you want your home to have a more unique look, opt for materials such as stone, adobe brick, or stucco. These materials have a textural surface and can provide a more old-fashioned look to your home. They tend to give homes a more expensive look making them popular with those who really want their homes to stand out in the best way. Be sure to hire a professional for the job.  Adding stucco or stone to the exterior of your home requires someone with experience and the proper equipment to complete the job.

In the end, aesthetic appearance is a matter of personal taste. Your happiness is the ultimate appraisal and only you know what can make you and your family happy.

This article was contributed by Chase Roberts, home & garden expert with a large imagination for dreaming up the most unique of home remodels, inside and out. If you are looking for affordable new and surplus steel and piping for your own unique home remodel, Chase recommends visiting www.texasironandmetal.com/steel-supply-houston.

For the month of September, Bruzzese Home Improvements is offering 10% off all interior and exterior painting projects.  Call today to take advantage of this great savings! – Gary B.