Since the house was a boring blob of beige (say that 5 times fast!), it needed some changes. Some of those included:
- Replaced steel front door with stained wood and replaced all exterior lights. Tip: A wood door (without storm door) may not hold up as well when exposed directly to the elements. Tip: Ask the salesperson at the big box stores if they have any clearance or returned items, etc. at a discount. I went to order my front door at full price and the sales person told me that they had a returned door – in perfect condition – and I was able to get it with sidelights for less than the single door I was originally going to buy.
- Replaced small beige vinyl trim/J-channel around windows & doors with painted wood or larger white vinyl J-channel /trim to give the house more architectural detail. Tip: On some windows I was able to use SNAP-ON VINYL LINEALS/TRIM - which means that the existing vinyl siding did not have to be removed in order to install the new door/window trim. This is a fantastic (and much easier & cheaper) way to change the look of a house by changing the trim color on a vinyl sided house – and fairly simple for a handy person.
- The vinyl siding in the most visible gables was replaced with architectural shake-look vinyl siding for dimension and interest.
- The wood porch floors and steps all around the house were stained.
- I redesigned the posts and railings on the front porch to give it more presence and added charm. Posts were doubled in areas to give the porch more architectural interest. I tried to use Azek/pvc trim where possible to reduce the need for painting. The finishing details and some trim still need to be completed. Tip: For ideas and inspiration, drive around and look at other homes that interest you - take pictures.
"After" Porch
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