One of the real estate industry’s best-kept secrets is the amazing boost in value that new siding can provide—and at a relatively low upfront cost. We all know the importance of curb appeal, but we tend to think of new landscaping and a fresh coat of paint before we consider replacing the exterior material itself. Once you get into it, however, there is a huge range of options and it can all get a bit overwhelming. Vancouver Siding in British Columbia offered to share their expertise, offering a few suggestions to help you get the most out of a new residential exterior.
Use a Weather-Worthy Material
One of the first things that you will want to consider when looking into installing new siding on your home is the typical yearly weather patterns in your area. House siding is something that is constantly exposed to the elements, and you want it to hold up well. There are a variety of materials, and each has its advantages and disadvantages in high heat, freezing cold, and heavy precipitation.
If you’re looking for an all-around safe bet, you may want to consider fiber cement siding. This material, made from a combination of wood fibers and cement, is highly durable and practically impermeable, making it perfect for a wide variety of climates. Fiber cement also offers the remarkable advantage of being non-flammable and is typically offered with a manufacturer’s warranty of up to 25 years.
Do It Halfway
Redoing the siding on your entire house can feel daunting, and it is often quite the project. The process of redoing your exterior is well worth the effort, but if you are on a tight budget and can’t swing the cost, or simply don’t feel like having the house under construction for the time being, you don’t have to do it all in one fell swoop.
Many people opt to update just one aspect of their home at a time, starting with smaller items like trim and overhangs. Even these seemingly unimportant details can, when properly updated, make an enormous difference in the appearance and value of your home. With an incremental approach, you can work your way towards a brand new appearance. One of the best parts of this method is that each step feels complete and your home won’t look half-finished in the meantime.
Give it a Modern Take
Modern siding trends are both fun and functional—mixing up and reworking the classic ideas, as well as introducing entirely new concepts. Many people choose to use opposite, complementary colors, or simply one bright, pop-out hue paired with a quieter neutral.
These high contrast options provide an engaging, two-tone appearance. Other modern homeowners are choosing to put a twist on classic paneling by arranging their boards in perpendicular or geometric patterns. Metal trim, square and rectangular panels, and asymmetrical lines are also popular.
When updating your home, it is important to keep the architectural style of the building in mind. While at least one modern trend is appropriate for any structure, not all options work for all houses. It’s best to consult with a siding contractor to make sure that your plans do not clash with the building’s frame. On the whole, if you are looking to update your home, it is wise to aim for clean lines and minimalistic interest. Modern siding will give your home the appearance of a recently-constructed building, increasing its real estate value.
Go Mixed-Medium
Branching off of the modernization trend is a growing home exterior phenomena of combining multiple siding materials. Many modern houses combine metal or fiber cement siding with wood panels. Others transition from brick to wood, then back again. This is particularly common amongst boxer buildings, though many classically constructed homes have opted for this as well.
A highly experienced contractor is capable of installing just about any combination of exterior products, so you can dream big in terms of mixed materials. In terms of increasing home value, however, it’s best to stick with two or three different materials and keep things somewhat neutral. Regardless of the combination that you choose, you will want to make sure that there are clear and intentional distinctions between the different looks.
An easy way to do this is to run each transition along an already existing line, such as a sharp inner corner leading into a different section of the house, or a neat, horizontal bisection of the whole surface.
Keep it Classic
Coming home is a much-loved daily ritual, and coming home to a warm and familiar sight is a welcome idea for most people. There is a certain romance to traditional exteriors, invoking favorite homes from favorite stories and wonderful childhood memories.
Most of us associate the concept of “home” with a classic look that is similar to what we grew up with. Homes with white, Cape Cod siding or simple, horizontal lap boards in any neutral color tend to appeal to a wide range of people. Brick is another familiar look, as is shingled siding.
When you replace old siding with another classic look, it doesn’t mean that you are sticking with old materials. Traditional siding looks much the same as it did fifty years ago, but the products themselves have seen massive improvements. Today’s lap siding is more durable and longer lasting than its ancestors. If you are hoping to sell your home, going for a traditional look may be the best choice that you can make. Not only will it appeal to a wide range of potential buyers, it will also age extremely well, never becoming dated.
While siding is often forgotten by many homeowners, updating your exterior can make an enormous difference in the appearance and value of your home. With so many wonderful options available, you are sure to find a siding concept that appeals to you—and will appeal to the next set of owners as well.
