Looking for Curb Appeal

last year

I just bought this house recently and I’m planning to do some upgrades to the exterior. The stonework is falling off of the front of the house and the original wood windows are due for replacement.
I’m open to suggestions on what might work best. I just don’t want to be left with a house that looks the same on all four sides. Maybe a covered deck added to the front? Many of the other houses in the area are a neutral craftsman style, but I also like mid century modern and farmhouse designs.
I’m open to any advice that fits with the existing siding and window sizes.

Featured Answer

decoenthusiaste

last year

Have you considered siding the front to match the rest, removing the stone and salvaging enough of it to cover the bare foundation in front and around to the chimney? Paint the remaining foundation to match the stone color. At any rate, start at the top and work your way down, saving up as needed for the next project. You need a good roof over your head first, then the windows and then the siding. Save the porch for last, but you do need steps at the back door. I don't think your home will ever reach farmhouse or MCM, but you can make it a better ranch than it is.

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Comments (15)

P Banos
last year
last modified: last year
Do you have a budget? Are you replacing all the siding or just the front? All the windows? Roof? Door? Garage door? Steps?
Gregory M
Original Author
last year
Not really! Anything around $20,000-$25,0000.
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P Banos
last year
Are you planning to do any work yourself? You need to prioritize necessary repairs first, then see what would be left of your budget. If you want to make a structural change, that needs to be worked into the plan.
Gregory M
Original Author
last year
We’ll be doing most of the work and repairs ourselves to save on costs. Not much will be changed structurally beyond adding a covered deck to the front. We’ll definitely budget for that.
P Banos
last year
Depending on style, the porch alone could eat up most of your budget.

So could replacing all the windows and doors.

When you say covered deck, do you mean a full front porch or a portico?
Gregory M
Original Author
last year
I would do a full front porch.
Sammie J
last year
Check with local zoning first to see what type of setback you need from the road, before you go to far with planning the porch.
P Banos
last year
Unless you have a larger budget, think you need to begin with essential repairs first. You have no back steps, the roof looks patched, driveway needs repair. You mentioned new windows, and the front cladding.
houssaon
last year
I agree with decoenthusiaste. You need a new roof. I would remove the failing stone front and replace it with the siding that is on the other sides or do a combination of clapboard and board and batten. Paint the foundation so it doesn't stick out.
mskarlam
last year
Agreed. And if you do start with the roof, be sure to have your entire color scheme in mind. The color of the shingles should complement the rest of the house.
Elaine Doremus Resumes Written
last year
The problem with a front covered deck is as follows - 1. the natural light coming into the front of your house will be limited - 2. you need to determine if you will be spending time outside in the front of your home or the back. Typically, decks are put in the back of homes.
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
last year
Here is my rendering for some one else. Hope you get an idea.
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
last year
Or may be this one is closer to yours .So you can left some brick areas.
housegal200
last year
Not sure why you'd want a covered deck in front, which will block light inside. I also can't figure out where you would locate it. How about something like this--sort of Celery's design but with a seating patio as part of a new walkway and great landscaping. Consider
Forever Ranch · More Info

The driveway could use some attention and when that happens, add walkway patio to the front. I do like that pandemic confinement made front yards popular gathering places again, but it seems to me, the back of your house is the place for a covered deck or screened porch down the road.
Patios · More Info