Home Exterior Renovation Experts
Home exterior renovation is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It’s an investment in your
property’s value and curb appeal. The number one thing to consider when working on a
multi-trade home exterior renovation is, “does the contractor I’m interviewing for the job
have the experience?”
• How do you know when it’s time for a renovation?
• What should you consider when planning your project?
This guide will help you navigate these questions. It will provide you with the knowledge
you need to make informed decisions about your home remodeling projects. Take it from
us, Northern Lights Exteriors has been assisting with home exterior renovations since
2001.
We’ll explore the benefits of custom exterior home remodels, and how they can enhance
your property’s aesthetic appeal. We’ll also delve into the planning process, budgeting,
and the latest trends in home exterior renovations. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or
practical advice, this guide is designed to assist you. Let’s embark on this journey to
transform your home’s exterior into a stunning reflection of your personal style.
The Importance of Curb Appeal and Home Value
Curb appeal is crucial for any home, providing the first impression to visitors and potential
buyers. A well-maintained exterior boosts your home’s attractiveness instantly. When
people are looking to buy a new house, they want to move into a property that doesn’t
require a lot of work.
Visual appeal can greatly impact your property’s market value. An aesthetically pleasing
exterior suggests a well-cared-for home, increasing desirability among buyers. Increased curb appeal often translates to higher offers when selling. Buyers are more likely
to pay premium prices for homes that impress at first glance. When you decide to put on
materials that hold up in Colorado and are considered low maintenance, you should be
able to have a nice return on your investment.
Moreover, exterior renovations offer more than just aesthetic benefits. They can also
enhance the functionality and efficiency of your home, increasing its value further.
Investing in a quality home exterior renovation can be a wise financial decision. So,
prioritizing curb appeal not only for aesthetic reasons but to boost your property’s worth as
well, should be top of mind considerations.
Recognizing the Need for Exterior Renovation
Recognizing when your home exterior requires renovation can save you time and money in
the long run. There will be signs that indicate it’s time to update or repair. Do you know
when the siding was last replaced? What about the windows and doors?
Here is what you should be looking for:
Cracks in the siding, rotten soffit, or peeling paint are red flags. They can signal deeper
issues like moisture damage which could escalate quickly if left unaddressed.
Another key indicator is increased energy bills. This could mean your home lacks proper
insulation or sealing, affecting temperature regulation.
Check for these common exterior issues that can prompt a renovation:
• Warped or missing siding
• Drafty windows and doors
• Roof has been hit by hail but not replaced
• You’ve got a deck, but you don’t like relaxing on it
Paying close attention to these signs helps in planning timely home remodeling projects.
Addressing problems early prevents further damage and can improve your home’s
efficiency and appearance. Bonus, your home will be a cozy and a less stressful place to
be before you might be ready to sell.
Planning Your Home Exterior Renovation
A well-thought-out plan is crucial for a successful home exterior renovation. It can help
minimize disruptions and ensure that you stay on budget.
Start by defining your goals for the project. Are you looking to boost curb appeal, increase
energy efficiency, or address safety concerns? Maybe…all of the above.
Once you’ve set your objectives, develop a realistic timeline. Consider seasonal factors
that might influence your project schedule, like weather conditions. Most exterior
renovations can take place year-round in Colorado. Your contractor will look at
temperature, weather (snow or rain), and the logical way in which the trades should be
replaced. Working with someone that can handle all the home exterior renovations will
save you lots of headaches and will ensure a systematic approach to the project vs. feeling
pieced together with multiple contractors.
Creating a detailed checklist is essential for staying organized. This list should include:
• Setting your project goals – how quickly do you want to have your project completed
• Having a trusted contractor conduct a thorough exterior home inspection
• Get an estimate for cost of project
• Sign a contract and work on production dates
Researching local contractors with proven expertise can save you a lot of time and
frustration. Review project portfolios (work the contractor has actually completed not
pictures taken from the internet), and ensure they are licensed and insured. You shouldn’t
have to ask for these items either…. An elite contractor will be up front with this
information, but always ask if you are not sure.
Don’t forget to include a contingency budget for unexpected expenses. Renovation
projects can uncover hidden issues, so preparing for additional costs is wise. A contractor
with experience should be laying out costs for common unforeseen’s. Getting an idea of
additional costs up front in a bid should help with unexpected change orders. When
evaluating bids, is one clearly showing all the possibilities, or is a company trying to “lowball”
a bid upfront only to change order you once you’ve signed and are committed? This
stuff matters.
Stay in close contact with your chosen professional. Regular communication ensures that
your vision aligns with the result and smooths out the renovation process overall. Does
your contractor have an easy way to communicate? Northern Lights Exteriors can email,
text, schedule appointments directly from our site with no back and forth. Communication
on a multi-trade exterior project will be key! Multi-trade exterior renovation experts should
be able to detail out how communication will be happening as the project goes from a
vision to a production reality.
Budgeting for Your Exterior Remodel
Establishing a solid budget is vital for a successful home exterior renovation. It helps
prevent financial strain and ensures a detailed project flow both you and your contractor
are aligning with.
Potential costs associated with your custom exterior home remodel should include
materials, labor, permits, and potential unexpected expenses. The easiest way to get the
details below is meeting with a highly reviewed and highly regarded local exterior
contractor with lots of experience in the trades you are looking to complete.
• Materials: Choose between standard or premium materials based on your goals.
• Alert the company bidding that you’d like to see several options up-front if
you are not 100% decided on a material or brand. This will eliminate back
and forth on estimate details you are looking for.
• Labor: Compare quotes from different contractors to find the best value.
• Higher labor costs are often associated with the experience of a crew. Don’t
be fooled by low labor costs, this is not the area you want to skimp on.
• Permits: Factor in the cost of zoning permits and necessary paperwork.
• Contingency: Allocate 10-20% of your budget for unforeseen issues.
Next, prioritize your remodeling needs and wishes. Determine what aspects of your
renovation are non-negotiable and where you might be willing to compromise. This
ensures your budget reflects your most critical needs.
Regularly reviewing your budget as the project progresses is key. This practice helps keep
finances in line and allows for timely adjustments as needed. Northern Lights Exteriors
has built a proprietary system where all costs are transparent and available on-demand in
a project portal.
Current Trends in Home Exterior Renovations
Keeping up with trends can significantly impact the appeal and value of your home. As
design preferences evolve, staying informed can be beneficial.
A popular trend is the use of sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Homeowners are opting
for materials that are both environmentally friendly and durable. This aligns with the
growing emphasis on sustainability in home remodeling projects. The materials that
Northern Lights Exteriors will recommend for installation projects are made to withstand
and resist damage from hail, fire, wind, snow, etc.
Smart technology integration is another rising trend. From energy-efficient lighting to solar
panels, technology is transforming how homes interact with the environment. These
features not only enhance energy efficiency but can also add significant long-term value.
Outdoor living spaces are also gaining popularity. These additions extend living spaces
outdoors and create a seamless flow between interior and exterior areas. Embracing these
trends can help your renovation project stand out and increase both comfort and
enjoyment.
Choosing Materials: Durability Meets Aesthetics
Selecting the right materials is crucial in ensuring your home exterior looks good and lasts
long. The choice of materials influences both the durability and aesthetic appeal of your
renovation project.
Durable materials like brick, stone, and James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding provide
strength and longevity. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and require minimal
maintenance, making them popular among homeowners in Colorado. Aesthetics play a
significant role in material selection as well. “Look”, value, maintenance requirements, and durability are the most discussed topics in our exterior remodel project appointments.
Balancing these factors helps create a pleasing and resilient exterior that stands the test of
time and will be something you can brag about when it is time to sell and start listing all the
property enhancements you’ve completed under your ownership.
Navigating Zoning Laws and Permits
Before starting a home exterior renovation, understanding local zoning laws is crucial.
These laws dictate what renovations you can undertake and sometimes enforce style
guidelines or height restrictions.
YOUR CONTRACTOR should obtain permits..PERIOD. These costs can be anywhere from
$100-$1000 per trade and should be factored into your home exterior project. Having your
contractor pull the permits PROVES they can work inside your municipality and have the
correct contractor licensing to complete the trades. Permits ensure that your renovation
complies with safety and structural regulations, protecting you from future legal issues.
The Value of Professional Expertise in Custom Exterior Remodels
Hiring experts for custom exterior home remodels will significantly enhance the quality of
the outcome. Professionals bring experience, ensuring that the renovations are not only
aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound.
Expert renovators help navigate complex design decisions. They understand which
materials and techniques best suit your home’s architecture and local climate, which
minimizes costly mistakes and change orders. Moreover, professionals can access highquality
materials at competitive prices. Their established relationships with suppliers
ensure that you receive the best value for your investment, enhancing both durability and
appearance.
Finally, professional renovation experts manage timelines effectively. They coordinate
various aspects of the project, ensuring timely completion without compromising on
quality. This management reduces stress for homeowners and ensures that your custom
remodel aligns with your vision and expectations. If something does come up, and it
can….weather pushes a project back, materials from a distributor didn’t arrive when
expected, a beam comes broken; an experienced contractor can mitigate the issue with
partnerships built in the area as quickly as possible.
Maintaining Your Home’s Exterior Post-Renovation
Maintaining your newly renovated exterior is crucial for preserving its beauty and function.
Regular upkeep ensures that your investment continues to enhance your home’s curb
appeal and value. Some contractors will do an annual check for a small fee, let a
contractor know if this is something you may be interested in.
Start with periodic inspections for any signs of wear or damage. Catching small issues
early, such as chipped paint or loose siding, can prevent larger problems and save money.
Implement a routine cleaning schedule for surfaces like siding, windows, and gutters.Keeping these elements clean enhances the overall appearance and can prevent damage
from debris buildup. This maintenance preserves the integrity of your renovation for years
to come.
Conclusion: Enhancing Your Home’s Exterior for the Long Term
Investing in a home exterior renovation is a wise decision. It boosts curb appeal and offers
long-term property value gains. Thoughtful planning ensures your project is both beautiful
and functional.
By prioritizing quality materials and professional expertise, your renovation can withstand
the test of time. Tailor your design to fit your style while respecting your home’s overall
architecture. This approach adds a personal touch without compromising neighborhood
harmony.
Ongoing maintenance is key to preserving your renovation. A well-maintained exterior
remains an asset to your home and a source of pride for years to come.
