Help- Front of Mom's House Needs Design Plan!

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

My brother and I have been redoing the interior of my mom's house and we need to start replacing windows. However, we can't purchase windows until we have a plan to make the exterior more cohesive. As you can see, the exterior was done without any regard for design. We have an extremely small $5000 budget (outside of the cost of replacing the windows, front door, garage door, and removing stucco finish and repainting. Finally, my brother is a carpenter, so we will have some wiggle room there. Any hep is appreciated!!!

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Creative Visual Concepts, Kevin Strader

8 years ago

You have a number of different elements which don't all work together (scalloped trim, octagonal window, funky garage door, front door with oval leaded glass). I would:

Replace the front door with a cleaner look and style that works with the house.

2) Remove the scalloped trim and replace with either horizontal siding or shakes.

3) Remove octagonal window.

4) Replace windows with something less busy (the 6 over 6 really doesn't work).

5) If budget would allow replace the garage door. If that's not possible then paint it a color that makes it less noticeable.

6) Replace the coach light by the front door with a simpler style.

If you're interested in seeing some of these changes virtually check out my web site, Creative Visual Concepts. I do virtual makeovers to give you an idea of how changes to your home might look.

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Comments (7)

dbartbell
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks you! We discussed all those that you brought up but hadn't thought of horizontal siding or shakes. so at least I know we're headed in the right direction. I'm going to look at your web site now.
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katinparadise
8 years ago
Will you be moving windows or just replacing existing? What rooms are behind each of the windows?
chiflipper
8 years ago
It's very difficult for most people to visualize (in their head) what changes are going to look like. Companies like Creative Visual are well worth the modest cost. Good luck...your Mom reared very thoughtful and generous children. Bless you both.
dbartbell
Original Author
8 years ago
@Katinparadise. We were thinking of closing off the octagonal window and putting a door with transom(sp?) windows (if we decide against a modified dormer)to make the front door stand out more. My mom's bedroom is behind the window above the garage, and an office/open loft area is behind the three windows above right. Another bedroom is behind teh bottom window on the right. I would love to more that bottom window up so the brick line below it isnt broken, but that;s likely too expensive. We can do the most carpentry on the three windows above right, i.e. making separate windows,

etc.
dbartbell
Original Author
8 years ago
@chiflipper- Thanks for the recommendation...I did contact Creative Visual as that type of service would helpful. And thanks for the compliment- we had two awesome, sacrificing, and loving parents and when my dad and brother passed in 2014 and 2016, , updating my mom's house became our therapy . Very appreciative of commenters and sites like this to hel[p direct us. :)
katinparadise
8 years ago
It's wonderful that you're so willing to do what you can for your mom to make her house the best it can be. If it's possible based on floor plan and budget, I think moving the 3 upper windows so they're balanced over the lower right windows would make a huge difference in the symmetry and aesthetics of the house. Removing the octagon window would also be a big help. I don't know what your mom's financial situation is, but there are so many low cost loans and grants and energy update programs available for seniors that may help mitigate some of the costs. We had someone come in to my parents house who did a full energy audit and they got insulation, a new furnace, new water heater and even a newer, more energy efficient refrigerator at no cost. Their power bill was cut to half and the house was so much more comfortable. They could have gotten windows and doors as well but theirs were already quite energy efficient when tested. It may be worth looking into.