Exterior Renovations Designed to Impress the Neighbours
Curb appeal is a big deal. Here in Vancouver we are deeply house proud, as we should be, it’s an accomplishment to have a home in this city! The desire to have our friends, family and neighbours impressed with our humble (or not so humble) abode begins with first impressions., make it inviting!
When designing the exterior of your home, there are some things to keep in mind; location, look and maintenance are key considerations to the finishes and materials that you choose. The style of your home should flow well with the existing neighbourhood and the materials that you choose, such as stucco, stone and wood, should be complimentary to each other and marry well with the architectural style (contemporary, traditional, modern, etc.) of the building. Maintenance is also an important consideration, you want to choose materials that not only look great, but perform well, and promote longevity in the structure of your home. Considerations to the environment that you live in will somewhat determine or eliminate the products suited to your home; our wet climate in greater Vancouver makes durable materials such as brick, stone, and hardi-board more lasting investment choices.
If it is more of a face-lift that you are looking to achieve, dramatic improvements can be made by updating or replacing your front door and windows. The face of your home is the first thing that people see, so you want it to stand out among your neighbours and be welcoming to your guests. Depending upon the impact of change that you are seeking, the options can be endless; dramatic change can be made by the addition of a covered front porch, providing comfortable outdoor living on our rainy days, or simpler change can be achieved thru adding accents such as columns, glass, and wood detailing. No matter the scope of project you are looking to undertake, as the brighter days of spring allow us to take an inventory of the state of our front yards, the first considerations should be made towards existing conditions and safety. There are simple cost effective things that can be done to make the entry to your home a more inviting one; update the lighting, and repair cracked pavement and uneven stairs. Even the addition of stylized address numbers and colourful planters will add a simple touch of welcoming charm and whimsy.