Exterior Home Remodeling Ideas: Inspiration to Steal & Tips to Save
April 14, 2021
If you’re looking for home remodeling ideas, you know there are two types of projects: interior and exterior. Both range from simple upgrades such as DIY projects and home maintenance to extensive overhauls that likely require a contractor and/or architect. These home remodeling ideas focus primarily on exterior remodeling projects that transform your home.
Why Take On an Exterior Remodel Project?
When it comes to your home’s exterior, remodeling projects range in terms of value for the cost and degree of involvement required for the project.
However, no matter the variables, when done right, an exterior home remodel can truly transform your space, up your curb appeal, and deliver seriously sophisticated aesthetics.
PRO TIP
Be sure to consider any inspiration you collect for interior home remodeling ideas alongside ideas for your exterior.
Thinking “big picture” helps ensure the designs of both complement each other for a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor.
Looking for an Easy Way to Plan Your Home Remodel?
Discover the best home design apps for both interior and exterior spaces.
Factors That Influence Your Exterior Home Remodel
Several factors will affect your exterior home remodel project and are important to consider before starting your project. There are two major categories:
- Factors related to what it will take to achieve the project.
- Factors related to how you want the remodel to look and perform.
What Will It Take to Achieve My Project?
Value for the Cost
Home remodeling project costs should be weighed against the potential for increased resale value of your home, long-term performance benefits, and other factors.
Involvement
Larger, more complex projects will naturally be more involved, which will affect your overall costs. When planning a project, consider how much you hope to do – or avoid doing – yourself.
How Do I Want My Remodel to Look & Perform?
Aesthetics
The aesthetics of your remodel should capture your unique style and work, visually, with the rest of your home. Remember that your home’s exterior is the first thing visitors will see.
Functionality
Some remodeling projects improve your home’s functionality by introducing new ways to use the space or by adding to the total square footage of living space.
Exterior Home Remodeling Ideas by Project
Now that you know what to consider, it’s time to get inspiration from these exterior home remodeling ideas divided by project.
1.) Add Exterior Cladding for a Contemporary Look
Before TimberTech Cladding
After TimberTech Cladding
Cladding is a type of exterior covering that protects a home or building. Popular types of cladding include composite cladding – a category which includes capped polymer boards such as those in our TimberTech Cladding – as well as conventional materials like traditional lumber, brick, and concrete.
Benefits of Cladding
Exterior composite cladding brings high-style texture and a curated, artisanal feel to your home’s exterior.
Planning Factors to Note
Aesthetics
Cladding can add a nature-inspired design element to your home’s exterior that complements or contrasts other features of your home, depending on your home’s style.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want a unique finish for my home?
- Will a nature-inspired aesthetic complement or contrast my home’s style?
Value for the Cost
Cladding often only covers part of the home’s exterior, so if you have additional exterior changes in mind, be sure to budget for all features.
Ask yourself:
- Will my project require a contractor?
- Have I chosen a durable cladding material that will last until I’m ready to sell?
Involvement
The involvement of a cladding project depends on the size of the area being clad and the material used for the cladding, as some materials are more involved to install than others.
Ask yourself:
- What area of my home will the cladding cover?
- What cladding material am I deciding on?
Inspired by Nature, Perfected by Tech.
TimberTech Cladding combines realistic wood grain patterns, sophisticated colors, and protective capping. The result? Nature-inspired beauty that endures.
2.) Elevate Your Curb Appeal With a Porch
Porches are ideal transitional spaces, and their design and décor should complement your home’s interior for a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors. If your exterior home remodeling ideas include a porch, be sure to also keep your interior home remodel in mind so you can tailor each space to complement the other.
Benefits of Adding a Front Porch
Porches are an aesthetic and functional addition to your home. Not only do they add dimension and elevate the design of your home’s exterior, but they also expand your outdoor living space.
Planning Factors to Note
Aesthetics
The porch remodel above captures the inviting feel central to Southern living. Take inspiration and choose a porch that works well with the overall architectural style of your home.
Ask yourself: What kind of impression do I want to make?
Functionality
The functionality of a porch depends on its depth (more overhang = more protection from inclement weather) and width. Size should follow function.
Ask yourself: Do I want my porch to serve as a go-to spot to entertain, escape with a book, or both?
Value for the Cost
The costs for a porch remodel will depend on the size of the porch and any architectural elements added, such as column wraps, or trim and moulding.
Ask yourself: Will my porch have an elaborate design that requires more labor from a contractor?
Involvement
The functionality of a porch depends on its depth (more overhang = more protection from inclement weather) and width. Size should follow function.
Ask yourself: Do I want my porch to serve as a go-to spot to entertain, escape with a book, or both?
NEED MORE PORCH GUIDANCE?
Explore our project guide and get more insight on all these factors — plus some serious design inspiration.
3.) Enhance Your Space With a Covered Outdoor Living Feature
Covered features make for excellent exterior home remodeling ideas thanks to their functionality and often elegant aesthetics. Coverings can either be fully enclosed, such as a screened-in porch, or partially covered, like a pergola.
Benefits of Covered Outdoor Living Features – By Type
Screened-In Porch
A screened-in porch perfectly mingles indoor comforts with the feeling of being outdoors. With its protective roof and bug-stopping screens, a screened-in porch allows you to enjoy the outdoors come rain or shine.
Pergola
A pergola is an elegant structure with a slatted roof that gently mitigates the sun’s rays without completely putting you in shade. For more sun protection, add a shade canopy, but be sure to store it away in inclement weather.
Planning Factors to Note
Aesthetics
Covered deck features add height to your outdoor living space, which can draw the eye upward and make the space feel larger. Consider climate when choosing the degree of covering you prefer.
Ask yourself: Do I want to include indoor amenities in my space, or will I stick to outdoor furniture and décor?
Functionality
Different covered living space features offer partial or full protection from the sun’s rays and inclement weather. Note that, even with a screen, UV rays will still impact furniture and décor.
Ask yourself: Do I want a semi-protected or a fully enclosed area? What level of coverage best fits my needs?
Value for the Cost
The cost for covered features can vary depending on the type of covering and the material used. Other cost-influencing factors include the size of the space and design complexity.
Ask yourself:
- What materials will I use for my covered outdoor living space feature?
- Will the build require a contractor?
Involvement
The involvement of the project will depend on the type and size of covering, as well as any additional elements, like outdoor electronics.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want electrical appliances in my covered outdoor living space?
- Do I want other modern adds, like built-in seating?
4.) Upgrade to a TimberTech® Advanced PVC Deck for Sophisticated Aesthetics
Exterior home remodeling ideas very often include a deck – and for good reason. Adding a deck or renovating an existing deck transforms your backyard by giving you and your family a beautiful and functional place to spend time together.
Benefits of Composite Decking
Choosing composite decking for your exterior home remodel delivers several benefits, including:
✓ A low-maintenance deck you can enjoy spending time on, instead of working on.
✓ Premium durability that lasts decades for future generations.
✓ Sustainable decking that can increase your home’s resale value.
Add Built-in Benches for Lasting Outdoor Seating
Built-in benches add a functional and stylish element to your deck. When made of the same durable decking under your feet, built-in benches don’t need protection from inclement weather and will remain beautiful for years to come.
Planning Factors to Note
Aesthetics
TimberTech decking allows you to express your unique style with its design versatility.
- Do you want a simple, chic deck, or one that’s bold and elaborate?
- How will you unite your home’s exterior style with your deck design?
Functionality
How you plan to use your deck will directly affect its size, shape, and even its color.
- Will your deck be in full sun?
- Will your deck be exposed to a lot of foot traffic from family/friend gatherings?
Value for the Cost
Costs to build a deck vary depending on several factors, such as size and material used.
- What decking materials will you choose?
- What types of deck features do you want?
Involvement
Involvement will heavily depend on your deck’s size and design complexity.
- Do you want to DIY any part of the deck build?
- Does your deck design require working with a contractor
See Real Project Costs Near You
Browse real TimberTech Deck projects from across the country. See what was built in your area, what features were included, and what it actually cost.
Home Remodeling Ideas? Check. Now: Ready, Set – Start
With an arsenal of exterior home remodeling ideas, you’re ready to start planning your remodeling project.
Partnering with a TimberTech-registered contractor gives you an expert on your team who can ensure your home’s exterior remodeling project meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
