Exterior Facelift!

12 years ago

The front of my house is in need of a facelift! There are a few things that drive me crazy! For example: having 2 front doors and 2 separate porches (the "real" front entry isn't clearly defined) and the two windows on the top right not being centered! My ideas and wish list includes: removing the two upstairs windows on right side and putting in one big (or double) window in the center, using rock around the bottom of porch(es) and extending the porch on the left around the side to create a wrap around porch. I really need some creative input and suggestions! I'd love to find someone that can sketch/draw or use a computer generated pic to help me "see" what things would look like! These pics are my house as is. In the comments I can share some of my "ideas" and things I like. Thanks!!!

Featured Answer

decoenthusiaste

12 years ago

You and Fred S had quite lengthy discussions regarding this home last year. Did nothing he suggested work out?

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Comments (12)

Amy Robinson
Original Author
12 years ago
I love these colors--the rock especially!
Amy Robinson
Original Author
12 years ago
I wonder if doing the porch on the right side in the pic similar to this would help define it as the entry? I love the rock with the posts.
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PRO
Red Road Construction Group
12 years ago
Which is the 'real' front door (which one do you want to accentuate?)
Curt D'Onofrio
12 years ago
In the 2nd thumbnail pic take out the steps. Replace them with a deck so it extends across and meets the top of floor of porch #1. Of course, part of white railing on porch #1 needs to be removed so deck is accessible there. The deck will also hide that lattice. From the deck to porch#2 a step may needed...your call
PRO
Red Road Construction Group
12 years ago
If trying to downplay porch on left, you could close the railing in front, and move stairs to side (so opening in railing would not be visible from front.)

Use landscaping to lead people to the proper door, with nice walkway, or structures like arbors or trellises.

Skip stone as it's not in keeping with style (and put money into landscaping).

Off center windows do line up on the inside most likely, so moving them or centering a larger one may prove to be more money than it's worth. Try other changes first and see if you can't get over that issue.
PRO
Thos. Baker
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
If you've got the budget, I would re-frame the roof. It looks like two different buildings. The left side looks like it was once a small store and then somewhere along the way, a house got attached to it. A common roof would not only bring the two disparate parts together, it would give you more space, balance out the upstairs window issue and make the home look more uniform.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker
PRO
Thos. Baker
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
This house was a Gambrel Colonial Revival (like yours) that was attached to a Greek Revival. It was extensively remodeled, but I thought you might find it interesting that they put a single window (or slider) upstairs where you would like to have one and redid the roof line to include the gable or dormer windows, which is something that could be done to your home as well.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker
Amy Robinson
Original Author
12 years ago
Red Road Construction: the door on the right side is the main entry.
Amy Robinson
Original Author
12 years ago
Most of that discussion was related to building onto the back of the house. That is still a work in progress as well!
PRO
PPF.
12 years ago
After reading that entire thread, I'll suggest taking a more integrated approach to changing your home. If you are planning additions/changes to the structure, these need to be considered when making suggestions about the exterior.

Its been a year and nothing has been decided and no work has been done. If you are serious, tell us where you want to go with this project and we will help.

We need to know. for example, which entrance will be the primary one, and that depends on the layout of the interior.

Do you have a realistic budget and time to get this done?
PRO
Cascio Associates - Site Planning - Landscape Arch
11 years ago
Your visitors are being very quiet, perhaps it is because the house is great, as is.

What you need, to my eye, is some definition in the front yard. You have an outdoor room on the left, which appears well used, but needs to be announced as AN OUTDOOR ROOM, not an area of dead grass.

Get some help from your local landscape talent. Pavement and plants, Outdoor lighting, bench storage, fragrant flowers. Bubbling water features only need electricity and a daily drink of water. Bird feeders bring color and movement, and music.

Is that a vehicular arrival area in front of the main entry? Define it!

Looks like you could use a little definition in the back yard, as well. Have each member of the family prepare a "wish list" of what rooms or activities they would like to see developed on the property - all ideas are to be considered. Papa wants horseshoe pits and a trash container for the beer cans. Daughter wants a sandbox with adjacent water, so her infant can make believe she is at the beach. You know - wish lists. And then make their dreams come true, you have the room for a tennis court, if that tops the list.

Define and enjoy!

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