How to Prepare For a Home Exterior Renovation: An Expert Guide
Your house is how you represent yourself to your neighbors. A dilapidated and rotting house, or even one with just chipped paint and an unmowed lawn might give the people around you the wrong idea. Sure, we all get busy and let things slip through our fingers, but that is a fact that people don’t often consider when they look at your home. A damaged exterior doesn’t just present a negative cosmetic effect on your home, but can also be the source of other bad things such as leaks (water or energy), pests, and falling property value. It is for these reasons, or perhaps others, that you might have found yourself seriously considering an exterior renovation to your property, whether it be just new siding and paint, or an entire exterior home makeover. Regardless of what type of project you’re planning, be sure to approach it in a practical manner by following some of the following tips:
Evaluate Your Neighborhood Style and Aesthetic
Make sure that you understand the neighborhood that you live in. You can create an eyesore for years to come by making a number of mistakes- from overbuilding to picking the wrong paint color or siding style that was once trendy but now is outdated. While you always want your house to stand out, it should be because it looks exceptional, not because it looks out of place. If you live in a neighborhood that was primarily built with a modern aesthetic, don’t turn your house into a Victorian mansion or Southern plantation (Unless of course you really do not care about neighborhood aesthetics or others' opinions)
Aside from matching the neighborhood style, keep in mind that people who would want to buy a house that is considerably bigger or fancier than what’s typically found in your neighborhood most likely aren’t shopping for houses in your neighborhood. A house that looks out of place can affect the home's resale value. This is also something that you should remember for interior renovations, as well. If you are unsure about the direction you are going with your renovation or remodel, don’t hesitate to talk to your neighbors, or a realtor, or just take a drive around the neighborhood for ideas. Your contractor should be able to help you out with any decisions you’re unsure of as they’ve probably installed siding or redone a roof in your neighborhood (or at least a similar one) in the past. Don’t be afraid to listen to other’s input for your choices, especially if they work in the field.
How to Plan Your Exterior Remodeling Budget
Nothing can be worse than embarking on a cruise that only gets you halfway to your destination. To prevent an unfinished or shoddy remodel, be sure you can afford what it is that you want. While you can certainly juggle estimates and mix-and-match paints and parts, don’t end up with something that looks bad or unfinished. If you cannot afford the renovation that you want, give it some time. As long as your structure is not failing or costing you an absurd amount of money that a quick fix wouldn’t take care of, there’s no need to rush into something that won’t benefit your family in the long term. It is also important that you have clear quotes on all parts and labor from your contractors before you let any work begin.
If for some reason you cannot afford the work being performed, you could damage your credit or end up with an angry contractor on your hands. Remember, a contractor has to go buy materials and find laborers for the job he is performing- both of which costs a lot of time and money. Not only is it bad for your credit to start a job you cannot afford, it’s bad karma as well. Also, don’t think that the job will necessarily end up being cheaper if you do it yourself. The price you’ll pay for the correct tools, materials, and possible code violations may surprise you (not to mention if you have to pay a contractor to come out and fix some of the mistakes you made).
Verify Your Exterior Remodeling Projects are Up to Code
The one thing you don't want to run into during your exterior remodeling project is a problem. Especially one where a code compliance officer shows up to let you know that your home remodeling project was not up to code and that you do not have any of the permits that the city requires for the type of remodel you are doing. Not only would you have to scramble to get these permits to prevent receiving a large fine, but there is also the chance you may need to re-do the installation.
Perhaps the worst part of this predicament is that it could have been easily prevented by talking to a home inspector about how to stay in code and by doing some basic research about what work the city requires a permit for. Always know what you are getting into with home exterior renovation, especially when it comes to code and permit issues. Nothing is worse than having to redo some of your hard work and face a fine from code compliance. Obviously, the easiest way to avoid code compliance problems during a home renovation project is by hiring a professional exterior remodeling company that has local experience and an understanding of municipal building regulations.
Choose an Experienced Exterior Remodeling Company in Florida
If you are using a professional for your exterior remodeling project, which is almost always recommended, be sure you are using someone who is qualified. While it can be tempting to hire someone off of Craigslist for $50, for large or intricate projects I would definitely recommend a home remodeling contractor that has real credentials. Be sure you ask about their history and if they can provide you with referrals. It's also important to make sure that they are licensed to do the work you are asking them to do (if applicable). Understand that not every exterior remodeling contractor is out to take all of your money in exchange for a poor job done, but there are exterior remodeling companies out there that prey on ill-informed clients.
Typically the best way to find a good home remodeling contractor for your home remodel is by asking your friends who they used and how happy they were with the job. There are also resources, such as the BBB and Angie’s List that can assist you in finding out more about potential home contractors. Don’t be afraid to ask the contractor as many questions as you feel you need the answer to, as exterior remodeling can be a pricey affair and it would be shameful if you had a job completed in a way you were not happy with because you didn’t want to “bug” the contractor. You are their boss when they are working for you, so don’t be afraid to ask them as many questions about the job they are doing or their work history as you feel necessary.
Morgan Exteriors: An Experienced and Trusted Home Remodeling Contractor in Florida
Choosing the right Florida home remodeling contractor for your exterior or interior remodeling project is essential to ensuring high-quality results that enhance your home’s value, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. At Morgan Exteriors, we have built a reputation for excellence in Florida, offering top-tier home renovation services backed by decades of experience, proper licensing, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Aside from our industry-leading window, siding, and door installations, we also provide expert kitchen cabinet replacement and resurfacing through Morgan Kitchens, as well as professional bath remodeling services through Morgan Bath and Shower. Whether you're looking to update your home’s exterior for better energy efficiency and curb appeal or transform your kitchen and bathroom into stylish, modern spaces, our team delivers superior craftsmanship and personalized solutions.
Our home improvement team is always available to answer your questions, provide expert guidance, and offer references so you can feel confident in your investment. Whether you’re upgrading your home’s siding, windows, or doors, trust Morgan Exteriors to provide exceptional results that enhance both the beauty and durability of your home. Contact us today to learn more about our home remodeling services and schedule a consultation.
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