Help, please...would love to improve this on a budget!

marlena1948

14 years ago

Needs new roof (color?), porch posts are rotting (3?), indoor tile used on porch floor (all loose), indoor mosaic tile on wall under T-111 (enhanced by Time-Warner cable install). Additions on left and right...all in all, work is of "what were they thinking" quality. Any ideas appreciated. Thanks!

Featured Answer

Donna

14 years ago

If you are replacing the roof, could you lose the porch? I think a simple portico would give a nice focal point and de-accentuate the large bow window. I'd also remove the shrubs, add a walkway, and put a trellis between the two high center windows. Grow whatever is easy for your climate.
I am bad at selecting roof colors, because the shingles look so different up close than they do on the roof. I found a good roofer and let him decide. His choice wasn't what I thought I'd want, but the finished roof looks great. The siding? I'm lazy and would just put up vertical vinyl siding in white for a simple, classic look. Add some creeping juniper as ground cover under the big window and a few other shrubs. My neighbor just painted her door a beautiful grass green and it looks outstanding. Wish I had thought of it first!
Good luck! I think there is potential here.

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Comments (9)

Sharon Cameron
14 years ago
Hi Marlena, firstly, have you thought about what you would want to gain out of this? Are you wanting big kerb appeal? Or would you prefer to use the porch to sit on and read the paper? Are you are gardener, do you want to plan for a garden space? Would you consider a fence to outline your property? Perhaps rendering the brick portion of the house and painting the panelled sections in one colour would make it look less de-constructed. Then maybe introduce more solid porch posts in a contrasting colour. Remove the shutters. A path way to your front door is needed. This could be a natural extension of a boundary fence. I would remove the existing plants.
marlena1948
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi Sharon, Yes I would love some curb appeal and a unified look. "De-constructed" describes it perfectly! We have a large fenced area in the rear for our rescues and a side deck and back deck, so no front porch sitting. Have to come out of retirement and return to work, so not a lot of time to garden, plus we pay for water. Completely agree about losing the shutters. Any thoughts on roof, siding, front door colors? Thanks much for your thoughts!
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marlena1948
Original Author
14 years ago
Forgot to add, back yard.
PRO
Dytecture
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
Hi marlena1948, if possible I would extend the roof towards the front door a bit, have a smaller covered entry porch, a slightly darker roof color, and with some landscaping to complete the front of the house.
shersig56
14 years ago
I would suggest that you remove the shutters and change the house to a more contemporary look. I suggest you consider planting all around the front of the porch to conceal the tile and soften the overall appearance. I think a black or gray roof would match the red brick better than brown.
Debbie Bledsoe
14 years ago
I have a Behr Exterior collection pamphlet that helps me find colors that complement each other got it FREE from Home Depot. I also stumbled on this website FREE that might be of assistance to you with color choice. https://www.sherwin-williams.com/visualizer/#

LOVE DYTECTURE'S ideas too.
pcmom1
14 years ago
Wish I knew how to add renderings. I would make a large pathway from front door that went around both sides of the palm with the bricks around it, as it looks to be directly in line with the door.

Roof color: keep in mind that different colors and materials can impact the amount of heat absorbed into your home.
marlena1948
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks to all! Roof is a necessity--estate gray. What color siding, trim, door would you suggest?