TL;DR:
Exterior remodeling can increase home value by improving curb appeal, energy efficiency, weather protection, and buyer confidence. Roofing, siding, windows, entry doors, gutters, masonry, and porch upgrades provide different functional and visual benefits. Prioritize repairs that prevent water or structural damage before making appearance-focused improvements.
When you think about exterior home remodeling, you might picture a fresh coat of paint or a new roof. But there’s much more to it than that. Additions like new windows and doors, stone and brick façade, or a new porch are the perfect way to increase the value of your home and its curb appeal, especially here in Utah.
As exterior home remodel contractors, we recommend focusing on your home’s exterior as much as you would on the kitchen or bathroom remodel. Whether you’re planning to sell or just want to enjoy a better living space, making improvements to your home’s exterior can offer a great return on your investment.
Let’s dive into some exterior home improvements that can enhance your home’s value.
Quick Answer: Exterior remodeling improves home value by strengthening weather protection, reducing maintenance concerns, improving energy performance, and making the property more attractive to potential buyers.
1. Enhance Your Curb Appeal
First impressions matter.
When someone sees your home for the first time, the exterior sets the tone. A well-maintained and attractive exterior can increase your home’s value significantly. Nearly 76% of top real estate agents report that curb appeal is often the #1 thing that makes a home more marketable.
Fortunately, you can improve the curb appeal of your home with a few simple exterior home improvements as:
- Adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door
- Cleaning your siding and fascia
- Adding new house numbers
- Hardscaping your entryway or porch
Even a basic cleanup can go a long way in improving your home’s overall curb appeal. Simple touches like planting flowers, trimming bushes, and maintaining the lawn can make a few heads turn and boost your home’s value. You can also consider adding a walkway, lighting, or even a small garden to boost your home’s appeal further.
What This Means For You: You do not always need a complete exterior renovation to improve curb appeal. Begin with the areas buyers notice first, including the entryway, front door, siding, lighting, landscaping, and visible maintenance issues.
2. Update the Roof
An old, weathered roof isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a safety risk. A worn-out roof is more prone to leaks and rainwater damage, which puts your family at risk, not to mention deters potential buyers.
Upgrading your roof will:
- Protect your home from the elements
- Lend your home a fresh, clean look
But more importantly, this exterior home improvement will send your home’s resale value through the roof. According to a recent study by Remodeling, asphalt shingles can increase your home’s resale value by $17,807, while a metal roof can boost it by $23,163.
Before You Decide: Address active leaks, damaged flashing, soft roof decking, and widespread shingle deterioration before making cosmetic upgrades. Water damage can spread to insulation, ceilings, walls, and framing when roof problems are delayed.
3. Replace Your Windows and Entry Door
Old, drafty windows and entry doors can be a major turn-off. Replacing them with energy-efficient models can save you money on heating and cooling bills and make your home more comfortable. New windows and doors can give your home a modern look, adding to its curb appeal. Plus, it’s a smart investment. You can recoup 100.9% of your investment by upgrading only your entry door.
Signs To Watch For: Consider replacement when you notice recurring drafts, condensation between glass panes, water damage around frames, difficult operation, or visible gaps that cannot be corrected with basic sealing.
4. Replace Your Old, Damaged Siding
If your siding is in excellent condition, a quick cleanup and maybe a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. However, unkempt, old, or damaged siding can make your home look neglected. In that case, a replacement might be in order.
Upgrading to new, durable siding can improve your home’s appearance and increase its value. There are many options available, including vinyl, wood, and fiber cement, each offering different benefits and looks. While a vinyl siding replacement can help you recover 94.7% of your investment, its fiber cement counterpart can recoup 88.5% of the cost.
Common Mistake: Do not choose siding based on appearance alone. Consider Utah’s temperature changes, moisture exposure, maintenance requirements, installation needs, and how the material fits your home’s architectural style.
5. Install New Rain Gutters
Gutters might not be the first thing you think of when considering exterior home remodeling, but they play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage.
Damaged, old gutters will lead to:
- Ice dam formations and structural roof damage
- Foundation damage
- Peeling paint, mold growth, and wood rot on siding, walls, and attic
- Erode landscaping, wash away soil, and damage plants and grass
- Stagnant water, which attracts pests like mosquitoes, termites, and rodents
Adding new rain gutters will direct the water away from your foundation, preventing costly repairs down the road. If you believe your gutters aren’t working properly or look sagged, it may be time to call a professional exterior home remodeling service in Utah.
How It Works: Gutters collect roof runoff and direct it into downspouts, which should discharge water away from the foundation. When this path is blocked or damaged, water can overflow onto siding, landscaping, walkways, and the soil surrounding the home.
6. Give a Facelift to Your Brick and Stone Exteriors
Upgrading your brick and stone exteriors is another cost-effective exterior home improvement. Over time, your brick-and-stone exteriors can wear down, losing their original charm. Sometimes, a quick wash with a pressure washer can give your brick and stone exteriors a facelift.
You may also consider repointing these exteriors, which involves replacing old, crumbling mortar with fresh mortar. It will not only enhance the aesthetic but also strengthen the structure. But if your brick-and-stone exteriors are old or damaged, you might need to think about a complete replacement.
Watch Out: Before pressure washing masonry, test a small area and use a method suitable for the material’s age and condition. Excessive pressure can damage softer brick, stone, and mortar joints.
7. Get a Porch Makeover
A porch makeover can transform your outdoor space, earning compliments from your neighbors and visitors. Start with a thorough cleaning to make your porch look like new.
While fresh paint or stain can breathe new life into tired wood, updating railings and columns with modern materials like wrought iron or composite wood might offer a sleek look. If you love spending time on your porch, think of adding comfortable furniture, such as a porch swing or cozy chairs.
Bring a touch of nature to your porch with a few planters. Upgrading your light fixtures is also a great way to add charm and security to your front porch. With the right makeover, your front porch will enhance your home’s curb appeal and create a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
Tip: Match new railings, columns, lighting, and finishes to your home’s architectural style. A coordinated porch makeover looks more intentional and can strengthen the property’s overall curb appeal.
Need Help with Your Exterior Home Remodeling?
Even the smallest exterior home improvements can transform your home into a more beautiful, functional living space and greatly improve its value. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your entry door, replacing your windows and doors, and a porch makeover can make your house more attractive. On the other hand, additions like a new roof, rain gutters, and siding will make it safer and last longer.
If you are thinking of exterior home remodeling, don’t hesitate to reach out. BH Exterior and Design is your go-to for all exterior remodeling jobs here in Utah. Contact us to know how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which exterior renovation adds the most value to a home?
The best project depends on your home’s condition and the local market. Entry doors, roofing, siding, windows, and visible curb appeal improvements can all influence buyer interest and perceived value.
What exterior remodeling project should I complete first?
Start with problems that could cause water or structural damage, such as a leaking roof, failing gutters, damaged siding, or deteriorated masonry. Cosmetic work should follow essential repairs.
Should I remodel my home’s exterior before selling?
Exterior remodeling may be worthwhile when visible damage, outdated materials, or poor curb appeal could discourage buyers. Ask a local real estate professional which improvements are most likely to matter in your market.
Can several exterior remodeling projects be completed together?
Yes. Coordinating roofing, siding, gutters, windows, and doors may reduce scheduling conflicts and prevent newly installed materials from being disturbed by later work.
How do I choose an exterior remodeling contractor?
Ask about licensing, insurance, local experience, warranties, project timelines, and recent work. Request a written estimate that clearly explains the scope, materials, payment schedule, and responsibilities.