Ask The Professionals - Part 2 - Exterior Curb Appeal
Author: Mary Mitchell
Date: 09/17
Tags:
home improvement,
home maintenance,
landscaping,
energy efficiency,
home exterior,
front door
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. Proper design and craftsmanship is your top prioroty. In creating value for your home, curb appeal is essential in that your entryway to your home creates a first impression on any guest. You can attack your home’s curb appeal from many directions. For example, creating a lush landscape will draw attention to the front of your home. Adding a farmers porch and new front door will also support the attraction. After asking our pros, we were able to outline what they thought would create a beautiful exterior…
Our pros recommend a beautiful Welcoming Entrance. The most popular idea was for a farmers porch as well as fully covered entrances. 
Farmers Porch or Covered Entrance – This serves to add character to the exterior of your home and is also practical with most modern designs.
- Low maintenance materials create lasting value. Fiberon Composite decking is one known source. Their horizon decking material provides a stunning look and is made from 74% recycled material. The material consists of plastic milk jugs, water bottles, etc. and is recycled from local landfills.
- Our professionals specifically requested a 5/4 Meranti wood, natural finish deck with solid Meranti posts, and white composite railing post caps for contrast. The use of Azek trim completes the picture. Azek can and should be used for all exterior trims.
- Beautiful front doors are one of the first things people notice in assessing the value of your home. All windows and doors are important in creating curb appeal and adding to the sustainability of your home. The use of low-e glass cuts your UV light exposure down to 17% protecting furniture and wood floors on the interior from fading. Anderson Casement windows are a nice addition to your home offering unobstructed views and opening fully to provide a guided breeze into your home.
- Adding furniture to your front porch makes it look inviting as a welcoming veranda.
Our experts also agree that at least a 2-car garage is necessary, 2 ½ preferably. A desire for organization and low maintenance living makes the extra storage space desirable. Closet storage concepts can be used for high organization, keeping that clutter out…
The long term energy efficiency of the overall building shell is equally important. Our pros offer two specific ideas for siding the home using sustainable products including cement siding, growing in popularity, and a traditional vinyl siding.
- Cedar clap boards and some stonework for the front siding, with a high quality heavy gauge insulated vinyl product for the balance of the house - Vinyl with the look of stained clapboard and front claps stained to match.
- HardiePlank Lap Siding clapboards consist of a combination of wood and cement. They provide protective services relative to the climate you are in, as well as an extended warranty.
- Forty year or better roof shingles.
- Solar panels are another way to reduce energy consumption. There is ongoing research being done to make the upfront cost more affordable, which will in turn create a quicker return on your investment.
Your back yard is your oasis. For your own personal enjoyment there are many things to consider depending on your own style and taste.
- Screened in porch including space for an eating area within for dining out during the summer.
- A BBQ pit can be built into your patio overlooking your pool. Other stone work can also be crafted including pool side bars, fire pits, etc.
- Andersen French Patio Doors with craftsman style grid on glass and an overhang roof with nice support brackets is an example of a beautiful back door entrance.
- Landscaping and walk-ways can complete the picture of an ideal setting for your home.