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Need help with/ideas for exterior remodel of split level

13 years ago
We would like to update the facade of our 1956 split level.

We have thought about:

- bringing the front door out (so it is in line with the rest of the house and not recessed) to add light and space in the foyer
- adding a portico over the front door to add some interest
- changing the roof to the left of the front door (when looking at attached picture) by adding a peak (without adding any interior space)
- changing the ski slope looking roof over the attached garage - ideas here would be greatly appreciated
- skinning and re-shingling the house (with narrower shingles, i.e., 10 inches wide)
- repainting the exterior instead of changing the shingles.

Of course, we are looking for the greatest bang for our buck and we are on a budget. All your thoughts are greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!!

Comments (7)

  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I wouldn't spend budget money on bringing the front door out. I like the alcove. It gives you protection from the rain. I would replace your front door with glass to get the light.

    As for the shed roof, I would imagine your talking a few $'s. Take a look at the side of the garage in this picture and how they have trimmed it out with panels and then your door could be a color.
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  • 13 years ago
    HI --- This is a beautiful house ! Looks like it's from a movie . Yes, to first and second question -not sure on the third and I kind of like the sloped roof . You know that cedar siding that has the wavey edge ,- that's what I see for this house .But if your siding now is in good shape ,then just paint . Amsterdam Blue by Benjamin Moore Paints with white trims and maybe a navy for the shutters and then a jewel green or a deep red for the front door.Garage door should be same color as the siding.
  • 13 years ago
    I agree with judyg that it probably isn't worth it to spend money on the front door. You already have some graceful arches over the front door, and on the extension to the garage, so I'd keep those in place - plus the slope of your yard and walk way are really impressive. If you have the money, the first thing I'd recommend is swapping out those casement windows in the front with double hung mullioned windows, removing your shudders and adding wider trim around the windows. I think that would take the facade from an obviously 50's/60's look to a more classic style. If your budget allows, I'd make the windows on the left the same size as those on the right, which also could bring in more light.

    Not knowing exactly what your style preferences are, these suggestions might take it in a too traditional direction. You could also go totally modern, keep the casements and the other windows, and re-do the exterior with cedar wood siding, or some other contemporary material, add skylights, and make that sloping roof to the garage really work for you. :-) Good luck!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I have attached two examples from Houzz. They both lean to the Craftsman style but it will show you what putting a portico might look like. That is generally one of the recommendations for changing a split level exterior. If you put in split level exteriors in the search bar, there are a few other examples as well. I have also found some on the internet in the past when researching projects. If you would like to do something to the roofline on the left, I would do a shed dormer instead of another gable.

    You have a nice home and beautiful lot.

    [houzz=]

    [houzz=
    Arts and Crafts Clarendon Hills Remodel & Addition · More Info
    ]
  • 13 years ago
    I keep looking at your beautiful home trying to come up with something to "improve" it and i can't. It is what it is, a lovely home on a great lot. If you want a change, painting it would be all I would spend my money on.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I think a portico with a salt box style roof sloping away to the left of the house (so your higher, shorter slope of the portico would tie into the existing gable end) would look nice. Extend the eaves a bit, add brackets and then use similar brackets on the shed slope (ski slope garage roof) to carry the theme through. I'd remove the large bush/tree at the front, trim down the landscaping there.

    Replace the lower level siding with stone, including the corner/side next to the garage. Paint the remaining siding if in good condition. Maybe change out the shutters - leaving them off in some areas such as lower level on garage side and replacing with larger, more contemporary ones in the front.