Don’t Forget The Exterior: 5 Details You Don’t Want To Forget About Outside When Building

Shape, balance, colors and texture make a building distinctive. A visually appealing exterior adds value to a home, and a solidly designed and built one adds life to it. Stroll along the street you are building on to visualize how you want your house to look. Bear in mind the appearance of other buildings and homes, the lot, the landscaping, the direction and natural light, then get down to work.

The Right Siding

Choosing the right siding depends on factors such as personal taste, climate, maintenance, cost and appearance. Wood, for instance, is very attractive and durable but tends to be expensive and requires a higher degree of care and maintenance. It is prone to warping in extreme variations of temperature and to mildew in humidity. Classy stucco is available in genuine mortar and cement mixture as well as synthetic. Brick and brick veneer siding are great options, as well as engineered wood panels, which do not have the look of traditional wood but look more natural than vinyl. Aluminum siding is also a great choice for a clean look that is also energy-efficient.

The Roof Over Your Head

A good quality roof protects your home for years. An aesthetically appealing roof should complement the exterior to enhance the beauty of the house. Roofing options vary in price, maintenance, and durability. Choices include asphalt shingles, which require little upkeep, elegant wood shingles and shakes, which come at a higher price and maintenance, and metal panels and tiles which have gained popularity due to their exceptional durability and potential green benefit, if reflective coating is used.

Adding Depth with Doors and Windows

Entries and windows, properly chosen, are the defining features of the face of a building. Well balanced with the rest of the house, in color schemes and size, they are truly windows to the soul of the house. Choose a accent color to paint the door and trimmings around the windows to create more dimension.

Enhancements

Porches, patios or decks not only enhance the appearance and character of a house, they also serve a functional role. Choose colors and materials that flow with the rest of the building. Furniture on the porch and patio can make the house look better, or much worse, so choose carefully. Don’t clutter the area with too many extras, but add a few simple pieces to bring everything together.

Landscaping

The grand finishing touch comes from the ground upon which your house sits. Careful landscaping adds personality and definition to a property. Start planting trees early to give the area more shade and privacy. Flowers can be changed with each season to keep your house looking fresh and new.

Careful attention to these five details will ensure you achieve the looks and performance you want from your house. Don’t forget these important aspects of your home when building.

Informational credit to Marsh Building Products.