Choosing Home Exterior Materials and Styles for Your Reno

Home renovation shows tend to focus on dramatic interiors, which makes sense since we spend most of our time inside. But your exterior creates the first impression and sets the tone for your home's whole style. With Georgia's mild seasons, we can enjoy the outdoors nearly year-round, so an attractive, updated exterior should not be overlooked.

Start With a Style That Fits

Choose a design style that suits your taste and fits your neighborhood. If you have an HOA, check its covenants and architectural restrictions first. Even without an HOA, consider neighboring homes. An exterior that stands out in the wrong way can limit your buyer pool later.

Siding

Siding and roofing are the most visible parts of your exterior and make very different statements. Think of a classic brick home compared with a Craftsman or log cabin. Popular siding materials include:

• Fiber cement such as Hardie, or other composites
• Brick
• Stone, natural or manufactured
• Log, real or simulated
• Wood
• Vinyl
• Metal
• Stucco, traditional or synthetic (EIFS)
• Concrete
• Glass

Next, choose the style and colors. Wood, fiber cement and vinyl come in vertical board and batten or panels, horizontal lap siding or shakes. Stone ranges from rustic to modern. The combinations are nearly endless, so pick one that suits your home, neighborhood and taste.

Roofing

Choose the material, such as asphalt or wood shingles, slate, tile or metal, along with the color and roof style, such as gable, gambrel, hip, flat or shed. Your budget and your home's architecture will guide these choices.

Other Exterior Features

Windows

A wall of windows with a view is a stunning feature. Even without lake or mountain views, new windows can give your home a facelift and save energy. Learn more in Pane Points: Let's Talk Windows.

Entryways

Do not forget curb appeal. Something as simple as a new front door style or color makes a big impact, or go bigger with a front porch or new architectural details.

Decks and Patios

Outdoor living spaces are a must for lake living, from a grilling patio to a full outdoor kitchen or wraparound deck. Compare composite and pressure-treated decking.

Lighting

Tasteful, wet-rated outdoor lighting adds ambiance and lets you enjoy your outdoor spaces after dark. Replacing outdated fixtures improves both style and function.

Think Outside the Walls

The options are endless, so work with a professional to find the best choices for your home. Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.

This article originally appeared in the October 2020 edition of Lakeside News.