You’ve heard it all your life—first impressions matter. Let’s talk about the first impression of your home!
Dingy siding, peeling paint around window frames, and an uninviting front door all work against you if you’re trying to create a warm, inviting appearance. Not only that, but unattractive exteriors can also hurt the value of your home.
All is not lost! A new home exterior revives any home, no matter what it looks like today.
Reading our post on exterior remodeling will inspire you to think about how you can drastically improve curb appeal and upgrade your Chicago home’s value. Explore a few of the best 2020 exterior home trends here before you start your projects.
Next time you’re out and about in your neighborhood, take notice of the outside of your neighbor’s homes. Pay special attention to what draws your eyes first. It’s likely the homes’ entryways.
While we like to say the windows are like the soul of a home, it’s the front door that welcomes visitors. If your front door and porch area look worn and overworked, you can make a considerable improvement this weekend!
If the door shows its age with peeling paint, apply a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color. Of course, you could also choose a color that makes your front door pop. Think bold red, sophisticated black, or a playful shade of blue.
Sometimes a door needs more than paint. If the hardware looks dingy and outdated, replace it. If fresh paint and new hardware don’t help, it’s time for a new door. Also consider if the door is operating properly. How pretty a door is wonderful, but if you find yourself with an old door that is letting in air from outside or other nuisances- again- its time for a new door.
You have almost endless options for door materials, styles, and, yes—colors. Working with a door and window contractor means you not only get the door installed by a professional, but you also get their expert help choosing the right door replacement. We suggest Marvin Windows and doors because they have stunning and durable doors that have thoughtful architectural details as well as the tested ability to stand up to harsh Chicago weather elements.
Chicago isn’t only the home to some of the best pizza, beaches, and sports teams, but it’s also known for cold, wet winters and muggy hot summers. The unique weather here often means high heating and cooling bills. Did you know 25%–30% of your energy use for heating and cooling comes from heat gain and loss through your windows?
Old windows can make or break your budget and the curb appeal of your home.
Replacing too-thin glass and worn or cracked window frames with an energy-efficient window system is the starting point. Your window and door professional will go over options with you and explain the significance of U-factor, solar heat gain, and visible transmittance.
As far as style, let the personality of your home help determine whether you choose a simple outside window design or something more decorative.
Marvin Windows puts together some fantastic window systems, and Chicago-area homeowners love them! Their window designers consider design and lifestyle first, but they also do an excellent job creating energy-efficient windows. You’ll get the benefits of aesthetics and energy savings!
New windows impact the appearance of a home in a subtle way, but they shape, the feel, and the way sounds move throughout the place.
While it may sound like a headline from the Chicago Tribune, it’s no surprise to homeowners that climate and geographic location wreak havoc on the outside of a home. It doesn’t matter where you live, you’ll deal with the deterioration of your home’s exterior due to weather.
Here, in the Midwest, it’s the wind, rain, frigid and wet winters, and, in the summer, extreme heat and humidity.
Moisture accumulating under the siding materials leads to water damage and mold development. Then the freeze/thaw phenomenon, which usually happens around February, takes a toll. It’s not uncommon to see cracked, broken, and loose siding on homes after a harsh Illinois winter.
Don’t underestimate the potential damage caused by heat and exposure to UV rays in the summer. Siding is always susceptible to cracking and fading during the warmer months.
You’ll see a wide range of materials used for home exteriors in this part of the country. Homeowners like vinyl, stucco, wood, and stone. Each type of exterior siding material has its merits, but the bottom line for most homeowners is durability.
When it’s time to give the outside of your home a facelift, one of the most impactful things you can do is install new siding. Whether you choose vinyl or an alternative like fiber cement siding, you will increase home value and curb appeal.
If you’ve not heard about this unique product, you’re missing out!
Fiber cement siding, made up of a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, has a reputation for standing up against Chicago weather. Heavy winds, hail, relentless heat, and freezing temperatures are no match! As a bonus, it’s also fire-resistant.
For the aesthetic value, if you love unique home exteriors, fiber cement siding offers a wealth of design options. You have your choice of textures, shapes, and sizes. Beyond that, manufacturers make siding that resembles brick, wood, or stucco.
Some of the best fiber cement siding products come from James Hardie. They’re known for the durability and performance of their exterior siding. To add a little icing to the top of the cake, your siding professional can help customize your siding so that you get the look you’ve been dreaming about for years.
Whether you’re considering updating your front door, replacing windows, or you need to install new siding, exterior remodeling not only makes you feel better about your home, it improves curb appeal and value.
We’ve helped homeowners in the Chicago-area since 1987. We know the value of creating a new home exterior! Our team can help bring your vision and our expertise together to create your new home exterior style.
Contact us today and schedule a consultation!
