Exterior Style

In these tough economic times, many people who want more from their existing homes are opting to expand and remodel rather than buy new. Of course, this is a great option not only from a financial standpoint, but also because you wind up with a home customized to your specific needs. But words of caution as you embark on the major-remodel journey:  keep an eye on the outside.  

The problem is, homeowners are wowed by—and consumed by—the finishes: the things they will touch and feel every day in their “new” home: tile, hardwood floor, countertops, cabinetry… and while it’s important to invest time and thought into these finishes, it’s critical not to lose sight of what’s happening on your home’s exterior.

Why is this so important? I mean, who cares if your windowsills line up across the back of your house? Nobody is going to see them but you, right? And why add those custom sidelights to your front door? After all, they cost $1,500.00 each. Heck, why do you even need clapboard siding on that addition to your Colonial home: stucco is way cheaper. Well, in terms of the front of your house, the answer should be obvious: curb appeal.

Just as we often judge books by their covers (even though we know we shouldn’t), we often judge houses before we even set foot inside them. So why not give your home the sex appeal it deserves? And that goes for the remainder of the exterior as well. While the front lures potential buyers in, the remaining exterior reinforces your commitment to the aesthetic, convincing visitors that the thoughtful architecture they saw from the curb was not just a show; it’s the real thing. Even if you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, every dollar you invest in it must be viewed in terms of pay off or the potential for a return on your investment.  

The tricky thing is, you can’t put a dollar value on architectural appeal like you can the tangible items: the $20,000 worth of appliances, the heated floors in the bathrooms, the antique terracotta tile in the kitchen… There is no way to calculate the actual emotional value of a well-designed home. But we do know that when it’s done right, the architectural appeal of a home can be more valuable than everything else put together.

So how do you do it? How do you create that “je ne sais quoi” appeal that will steal the hearts of family, friends, and potential buyers alike? There is no hard and fast rule that applies across the board, but it helps to keep the following in mind:  

1. If you have a home with a specific style, be thoughtful about how you add onto it. Remember, you want to enhance the house, not ruin it. So don’t slap a flat-roofed addition onto the side of a Tudor; don’t add Tuscan stone arches onto a Federal style home; and don’t detract from aesthetically appealing features that should remain undisrupted, such as a dominant front gable on a Shingle-Styled home.

2. If your house has no style to speak of and you’re undertaking a major remodel, consider including an exterior facelift as part of the project. Have a look at your home with a fresh eye and imagine what it could become. Tired-looking, Ranch-style homes can metamorphose themselves into a number of architectural gems, ranging in style from Contemporary to Italian Renaissance. A stucco box could become a Mediterranean masterpiece. And a dilapidated bungalow could become a charming Victorian. The direction you take should be influenced not only by the structure itself as well as your taste and lifestyle, but also by the context of your neighborhood, and the home’s existing interior, among other factors.  

So if you embark on a significant renovation, don’t forget to keep an eye on the outside. Hire a professional architect who can help you work out a solution that ensures balanced roof lines, a well-proportioned entry, a suitable door style, quality materials and appropriate colors, among other elements. And when you are finished with your project your home’s stunning façade will be there to greet you at the end of your busy days. And only then will you finally be able to put a value on this gratification: priceless.  

Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CGBP and Randy Grange, AIA, LEED AP are Principals at TRG Architects in Burlingame and are a member of National Kitchen & Bath Association. The NKBA is your source for design ideas, expert remodeling tips, and advice. To find a design professional near you please visit www.nkba.org.