Exterior upgrades go beyond the structure of your home. This summer, consider investing in some various exterior projects that will bring you a good ROI. Here are some ideas.

Outdoor entertaining areas – Create a fun space for all your entertaining needs. A fire pit for roasting marshmallows, a covered cooking space with a high-end grill and some countertops, or a pool area with loungers are all great ways to bring excitement to your home.
Add some outdoor lighting – Outdoor lighting can really spruce up a home. You can add lighting on the actual structure of your home and/or opt for landscape lighting. Be mindful of what you want to highlight and where the lights will go best to accentuate those areas. Plus, a well-lit home deters burglars all while creating a lovely ambience.
Replace garage door and/or front door – You may be surprised to know just how different a new garage door and/or front door will make your home look. With the many styles and colors today, new doors on your home can pack a big punch. Remodeling Magazine came out with a cost versus value report and said that garage door replacements recoup almost 98% of the upfront cost, and front doors recoup about 76%. Instantly boost your curb appeal by upgrading your doors.
Lawn care maintenance – Last year, many Utahns had to forego watering due to our extreme drought. Even if we have similar restrictions this year (not likely), implementing a good yard care regimen can improve the value of your home. Even if you have some brown grass, you can still keep the yard tidy and clean.
Plant trees and update landscaping – If your yard needs a little more than just better maintenance, it may be time to bring in a landscape professional to help you map out a better look. Planting trees that look nice with your home and offer shady spots will create a more comfortable and put together yard.
Sprinkling systems – Hand watering is not something many of us have time for. If your property doesn’t have a sprinkling system, installing one is a great way to bring convenience to your schedule and is a good return on investment. If you have one, it’s a good idea to check it out each year to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Update the façade – Replacing siding may sound extensive and expensive, but it’s actually one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the value of your home. Updating your stucco, whether it needs repairing or a new color, is also a great way to improve the look of your home while also building value.
Add a deck or patio – Consider adding a deck or patio to add value and character to your home. A functional outdoor space creates an extra spot to entertain or relax, and homes with these added spaces typically see about a 76% return on investment.

For professional exterior projects, trust the work to the experts at RAM Builders Stucco & Exteriors.

Building your dream home or remodeling should be a positive experience. The contractor you choose will be one of the most important decisions you make on this journey. Your contractor should be excited to assist you in making your dream a reality. When you’re assessing contracting companies, here are some red flags to look out for:

Contract issues – A good contractor will have you sign a contract that is clear and fair. This protects them, which shows they care about their employees, but it also protects you, which shows they care about your relationship. The contract shouldn’t be confusing or rushed, and if you have questions, they should answer them honestly.
A very low estimate – Some contactors give estimates that sound too good to be true just to get work. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go with a lower bid, it just means to ask about the quality of their products and workmanship, to read their credentials and references, and to make sure they know your expectations.
They ask you to handle the permits – Getting the permits for your project is their responsibility. They should get all the permitting handled before they start the project.
No proof of insurance – A good contractor should be insured to protect their employees and their clients. If they can’t prove they have insurance or they expect you to be liable in any accidents, this is not good practice.
Cutting corners – Make sure your contactor doesn’t take shortcuts or buy inferior materials. Ensure they follow codes and the guidelines necessary for your project. We know no one likes to be stuck in construction mode for too long, but a rushed job is much worse.
Their homes haven’t lasted – If you’ve seen their work and it hasn’t held up, chances are they aren’t providing quality work with quality products.
Poor communication – Your contractor should be reasonably available to you and your calls. If you’re brushed aside or feeling like a constant bother to your contractor, they’re not treating your job as a priority. Be sure they’re communication is honest, clear, and open.
Large upfront payments – Most contractors require an upfront payment, but if it’s more than about 20% of the job, that’s a bad sign. Also, if they only deal in cash, that may be a red flag.
Their job site is not maintained – If they’re working in a mess and it’s looking hazardous, that’s a sign of sloppiness, but more seriously it means they may not be following OSHA guidelines for safe practices.
Poor reviews and complaints – Check online reviews and make sure the good reviews far outweigh the bad. If they don’t have any reviews to show, ask them. If they won’t provide any, be wary. You can also check the BBB to see if there are unresolved complaints against the contractor.

At RAM Builders Stucco and Exteriors, we take pride in our ethical practices and always strive to achieve exactly what our clients have envisioned. For quality work, reach out to us today.

When it comes to investments into your home, you typically need to balance three main factors: budget, function, and style. At the end of an ideal project, you have stayed close to your budget, the new project is functional for your needs, and you’re happy with how it looks. When all three priorities are met, you will be happy with your investment. But another consideration to keep in mind is if the project will add value to your home. Even if you plan to live in the home forever, you likely don’t want to spend a large chunk of money on something that won’t add value to it. Some exterior remodels or renovations may be necessary for safety or code requirements, and that’s a great time to consider upgrading rather than just replacing. If you’re looking at some ways to invest in your home to update, upgrade, make more functional, or to maximize ROI, here are some great ways to do that.

Exterior Paint – painting your property can be enormously impactful. Whether you have brick, siding, or stucco, a clean coat of paint brings a freshness to your home. Consider color schemes that coordinate with the style of the rest of your neighborhood, but don’t be afraid to try something that is eye catching. It’s a balance so take some time before you decide and be sure to look at plenty of idea pictures or spend a couple weekends driving around to see it in person.
Landscaping – You don’t have to compete for a spot in Better Homes and Gardens to have a lovely, landscaped yard. Sometimes people get intimidated about gardening, lawn maintenance, and yard care, and it can be tricky if you aren’t prepared for the work. It’s still possible to have a beautiful yard that doesn’t require too much effort. If you’re looking to boost your home’s value, spend a little time in that yard.
Front Doors – Because your front door is the entrance into your home, it should be welcoming and in good condition. Painting your front door a fun color is an easy way to update your home and isn’t too costly. You can also upgrade it to a high-end focal piece to really level up your curb appeal. If you have the space, consider making the entrance bigger and adding some windows to encase the door.
Garage Doors – Although this can be of a spendy option, it always pays off. Garage doors are large so they are a big portion of the entire home’s exterior. Today there are lots of options for garage doors—you’ll want to pay attention to ones that blend in with the aesthetic of the rest of your home and will last a long time.
Outdoor Entertaining Spaces – Grilling areas, outdoor kitchen, firepits, and patios set up for entertaining are in high demand in today’s home. Creating a fun space to gather with family or friends is a great investment for your needs today and when it comes time to sell.

For the best in exterior updates and upgrades, RAM has got your back.

The summer months call us to spend time outside enjoying the lovely weather and soaking up some Vitamin D. As you’re enjoying your outdoor time, maybe you’ve noticed a few issues with the exterior of your home that need to be addressed. Here are seven signs that your home could use an exterior renovation:

You feel like your home is looking dated – If you continually pull up to your house feeling out of place from the rest of your updated neighborhood, it may be time to give it a refresh. To keep your house feeling current and well loved, some exterior renovations may be necessary. It doesn’t always have to be a huge project, even adding some shutters or updating the address numbers is all it takes.
The paint is starting to chip or flake – If you’re noticing paint chipping or flaking, or maybe faded sections, this is a sign that your home is asking for some TLC. Often this is just a cosmetic issue and is relatively simple to fix. Before issues get worse, consider getting a quick coat of fresh paint on there.
The landscaping doesn’t match the home – If you’ve spent a lot of time and money on a beautifully landscaped yard, you’ll feel even more satisfied with the project if your home matches that look. If you’re home looks run down but your yard looks immaculate, it’s going to feel unbalanced.
You plan on selling the home sometime soon – The first impression of your home is the exterior. Realtors and buyers may not remove a home from their list because of an unattractive exterior, but they’ll definitely think twice about it. Even if you don’t plan to sell right away, if you know it’s in the cards sometime in the future, start with little renovations now and keep up on it so you can enjoy the upgrades before you put the for sale sign up.
The inside doesn’t match the outside – Many of us are guilty of spending a lot of time and money on interior updates while forgetting about the outside. If you’ve upgraded several areas of your home but have neglected the outside, now’s the time to remedy that. Curb appeal matters, so avoid putting the exterior on the backburner.
Pests or insects are getting in – Bugs do find a way to get into homes regardless of exterior quality; however, if you start to notice a shift and you’re seeing more pests or bugs than normal, it may be time to consider an assessment on the openings of your home like doorways, windows, or chimney crowns.
Your roof is leaking – Homeowners should never ignore a leaking roof, and it won’t simply go away or get better with time. We know that roof repair or replacement is intimidating but ignoring the problem will only create bigger issues.

Renovating the exterior of a home doesn’t have to be a dreaded project. Make it a rewarding and positive experience by using the experts at RAM Builders Stucco and Exteriors.

Love it or hate it, the painted exterior brick trend is here to stay. And it’s not just common with freshening up older homes. We have seen many people build brand-new, custom homes with a basic brick solely with the intention to paint it. Painted exterior brick can make a home look fresh, clean, and unique, sometimes even transforming the entire look of the home. We know it’s not for everyone, but if you’re interested in doing it but nervous about the commitment, here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision:

Pros of painting your brick

Painted brick can boost your curb appeal. If you have a brick home and you just don’t love the color of it or the brick is very outdated, there are numerous options for changing the color and giving it a fresh look. Greys and whites are very common right now, but you shouldn’t feel limited to those choices. Be creative, but purposeful and intentional, in the color choice and stand out from the other cookie-cutter homes.
Protects and makes it easier to clean. A high-quality paint can protect your brick from weather conditions and fading because it adds a layer of coating that helps prevent water from getting into the brick. It’s also a smooth finish, which makes cleaning a breeze and helps to keep dirt and debris from sticking to your home.
It covers cosmetic issues. If you’re in an older home with some cosmetic blemishes (or exterior damages you have repaired properly and now want to cover up), painting can give it a fresh, clean slate. You don’t want to attempt to cover major problems that need to be repaired, of course, instead use it for cosmetic issues and to liven up the home overall.

Cons of painting your brick

There is no going back. If you decide to paint your brick, be prepared that you won’t be able to take it off. This is not a decision to take lightly, so you must be absolute in your decision before you paint. You can, however, change the color any time you want.
You will need to repaint. Even if you love the color, you’ll need to repaint it every few years to keep it looking amazing. The paint will flake and fade over time with typical wear, and to keep your home as beautiful as it was painted on day one, you’ll want to freshen it up as needed. Keep the same color or use it as a chance to change again if you want. A professional job with high-quality paint will ensure the longest lasting project.
You may need to clean your exterior more often. Depending on the color, it may be easier to see dirt and debris. However, cleaning isn’t difficult with a nice pressure washer, so if you decide to paint, add one of those on your shopping list.

With most home projects, the key is doing it right. If you decide to paint your home, hiring our team of professionals ensures you will have a great outcome on your project.

Spring has sprung, and it’s the season of rebirth and regrowth. Continue the feeling by bringing the new to the exterior of your home, too. The exterior of your home is the first impression everyone gets, and you want to spend some time working on the curb appeal. Here are some suggestions for some spring updates for your home:

Architectural Accents

Adding some architectural accents can be as budget-friendly or extensive as you want. With durable foam options, you can choose any design and style you want. Create an appealing style upgrade around your windows, add some decorative columns along a porch or patio, or bring a customized casting design to explore a variety of creative options. Accents can bring a whole new level of sophistication to a home’s exterior.

Updating Paint Colors

Painting portions, or all, of your home can dramatically change the look of your home. Painting brick has been popular for a while, and we don’t see it going out of style ever. Brick homes are beautiful, but if you hate the color, it’s not as big of a project to change as you might think. Painting old brick can freshen up a home in a big way. Stucco is very easy to repaint and looks amazing. Whatever the exterior of your home is, if you want a color switch, it’s doable. And spring is just the time to do it.

Repair and Patch Stucco

Stucco is a popular material in Utah, and it’s a great product. When taken care of, it can look beautiful for a very long time. Take some time to assess your stucco and see if there are any problems arising. Patchwork is relatively easy and doing it before anything major happens will prevent you from having to spend a lot of money later for problems that eventually lead inside, too.

Replace Wood Siding with Stucco

If your home has old wood siding, consider replacing it with stucco, which is easy to maintain. Wood siding is lovely, but it requires quite a bit of care and maintenance. If you’ve had enough of that, replacing it with stucco can update your home while also making it easier to maintain for throughout the future.

Waterproof Decks and Make Repairs

You’ll soon be gathering outside now that warmer weather is upon us. Wooden decks require some annual maintenance to keep them looking great and lasting a long time. With Utah’s weather patterns, you want to stay up on the maintenance for your wood decking. Keep up on repairs and you’ll have a useable deck for years to enjoy.

Consider Your Concrete

If you currently have concrete areas of your home, check them out and see if they need any overlays, lifting, or repairs. If you’d like to add some concrete space in your yard, now is a great time to get your project on the books. RAM Builders is happy to address concrete projects large and small. This spring don’t forget the exterior of your home when you start the spring cleaning process.

Trends may come and go, but you can still be “trendy” while also staying timeless and classic. This year, a lot of the great trends we’re seeing around the country are just that—timeless. Some trends are better left undone, and the “go big or go home” mentality is not always the best when it comes to such an expensive and large item as a home. You can still pack a beautiful and current punch with an exterior remodel while also feeling secure that you won’t want to redo everything in just a few years.

Let’s talk colors. The color of your home is a huge deal, whether it’s brick, stucco, siding, or a combination of materials. White has been huge for a while; you’ve seen it everywhere – maybe you even live in it! White is going stay, but this year it’s going a bit softer. Think warmer whites and light creams (not beige or tan though) this year instead of the stark whitest of whites. The contrast with a dark or even black is also looking like it’ll stay. It’s a classic look that is pretty on basically every style from farmhouse to contemporary and French country to colonial designs. If you love the contrast but are worried to get in too deep, go for a color blocking method, which allows you to experiment with your contrasting desires without going too much. Other color options that will likely remain popular include neutrals that are soft and blend into nature, such as subtle greens and blues. If you’re in an older home, simply painting the brick, siding, or stucco will completely transform your home. Bring your ideas to us—we have lots of experience and can provide great advice.

How about textures? Adding some texture to your exterior is a great way to bring a classy and expensive look to your home. Wood trims, stone sections, or brick accents are great options. This year we’re seeing a love for copper which is beautiful on the eyes but not so much on the pocketbook. There are many options even if you’re on a tight budget. Faux accents are readily available and when applied correctly, they can look just a gorgeous as the real thing. If you want to mix textures, this is a great year to do it. You’ll want a builder you can bounce ideas off of to make sure you don’t get too much going and to help you find materials that go well together. Adding cosmetic textures is a relatively inexpensive way to update your home.

The modern minimalist. Minimalist design has been a popular interior design trend for a while. We’re seeing a desire for a similar look on homes’ exteriors. We know this design can get very bold very quick, but don’t be afraid to add in elements somewhere on your home’s exterior. Think monochrome lighting, more windows, simple and clear geometric lines, and simple yet elegant features.

Redesigning or remodeling the exterior of your home is a big project that can change the whole look of your home. Our professionals can deliver whatever new look you want for 2022.

Here at RAM Builders, we do a lot of exterior work. From stucco to brick, roofs to windows, and everything in between, we handle it all. Utah has some intense weather patterns, and these patterns can wreak havoc on a home’s exterior. Water in unwanted places in and around your home is not a good thing. Sometimes these liquid issues seep inside the home, but don’t worry. We can repair damage inside your home as well as outside. Whether you left sprinklers on for too long or mother nature took her toll, RAM Builders can help.

Dry Rot Damage

We see a lot of homes along the Wasatch Front with dry rot damages. Dry rot is when the wood inside or outside your home has decayed, generally by a fungus, which diminishes the strength of the wood. Repairing the dry rot is only part of the solution process. Afterward, repair of the drywall must take place. Drywall repairs may seem like an easy DIY project, but there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind before tackling this task. Experienced drywall repair specialists know how to repair and install drywall so that you can’t see the seams or the heads of the drywall screws popping out. They can see the big picture from start to finish. For a seamless and smooth look, trust a pro.

Stucco Leaks

Utah is fairly dry overall, but we do see heavy rainfall occasionally and very heavy, wet snow in the winter months. Stucco leaks are common, especially if it was installed poorly. (To prevent poor installation, call RAM Builders to make sure it’s done right!) When water gets underneath stucco, it softens the stucco and creates bubbles or cracks. Stay on top of the health of your stucco by getting it assessed annually and paying attention to any signs of wear throughout the year. If you didn’t notice water leaks in your stucco outside, you’re sure to notice the issue once it gets inside your home. It’s common to see drywall damage especially around the head of windows if the exterior stucco has failed. You’ll need to get the leaking areas repaired outside as soon as possible then have an expert make sure the fixed drywall inside is faultless and durable. To tackle the entire project with ease and proficiency, give us a call.

When fixing drywall, it’s important to ensure paint colors and wall textures match and that all seams are flawless. RAM Builders is meticulous, and our crew is clean and respectful of your property. An experienced team like ours will get the job done quickly and efficiently without any stress of the “what ifs” or the worry of if the job is done right. If you notice any leaking or rotting issues on the outside or inside of your home, get in touch with us today. The longer these issues are put off, the bigger the repair project will be. Check out our client testimonials to see all the great things Utahns have to say about us.

There are numerous ways to improve your home, and two areas that provide a great return on investment are upgrading windows and upgrading exterior doors. These enhancements are beneficial for anyone looking to improve the aesthetic of their home as well as efficiency. It’s easy to paint your front door, and that can be an appealing and quick update, but if your door is old, it may be letting out a lot of air from your home. A common dad line is: “I’m not paying to cool down (or heat up) the entire neighborhood!” but that’s what a lot of homes are doing without us realizing it.

Benefits of Door Upgrades

Leaking doors don’t always need to be replaced. Sometimes they can be fixed with the proper application of tools and professional installation. For example, a metal or vinyl door pan can be added below a door threshold to reduce drafting or water infiltration possibilities. After the appropriate fixes, RAM Builders can paint or stain the door to make it look beautiful as well as function efficiently. Installing a new door may be needed for many reasons ranging from security needs to design desires. Three-point locking systems are common on newer doors, providing peace of mind to your family.

Over time, sliding doors can become stiff, making them hard to open and close. Large sliding glass doors that are single pane let out a lot of air from the inside of your home, making them very inefficient. Upgrading to a high-quality sliding door will reduce frustrations and will save you money immediately. Mother Nature will thank you, too. Your doors get a lot of wear and tear, making it one area that you don’t want to cut corners.

Benefits of Window Upgrades

Windows are a valuable upgrade for any home of any age. Older homes with original windows likely have resources constantly flowing out of the glass wasting your hard-earned money. Additionally, your home may sound louder with the inefficient windows letting in outside noises. New windows have a lot of benefits that go beyond efficiency and looks. They improve the comfort in your home by preventing drafts and excess dust to seep in and they can be easier to clean with a number of upgraded design options. Plus, they also make it a more pleasant experience for you to look outside while watching the weather roll by or the kids play in the yard. Many older homes have small windows, making the inside of the home feel dark. We can expand those windows creating much-desired light and openness for your home.

Window companies are common around Utah, but don’t get taken advantage of. You want to pick a reputable and experienced company to ensure your windows are installed correctly and in a timely fashion. Often, it’s not the cheapest or fastest option you want, especially when it comes to an important upgrade like this. RAM Builders can update and upgrade anything the outside of your home needs. No matter the size of the job, call us today for a free assessment and quote.

Listing your home? Curb appeal is in the top five priorities for most buyers in Utah. We know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but it’s a tendency of humans to get a little stuck on first impressions. The exterior of your home is the first things buyers see. In their minds, if the outside doesn’t look well maintained and taken care of, the inside probably looks the same. Often this isn’t the case but keeping up on the exterior of your home will do nothing but add value and charm to it, and it will draw wanted attention when it comes time to put it on the market. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do a full exterior remodel to get showings. Sometimes all it takes is solid yard upkeep, power washing your porch and driveway, and cleaning out the gutters. But if your house is indeed in need of some repairs, it’s better to get on it right away before bigger problems arise. Plus, if you’re selling your home, the buyers will likely add necessary repairs into their offer, which means you may need to fix it before close or take it off the sell price anyway.

What to Look Out For

If you have stucco on your home, it’s natural for some wear and tear to happen due to Utah’s varied climate. Cracks let in moisture and can cause extensive damage if not remedied. Even if your stucco looks good, it’s imperative that you get an independent stucco inspection in case something is lurking below that surface that you may notice. Before listing a home, get your exterior checked out if you have any concerns at all.

Another spot to check is your chimney area. This area often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. What we often see is a failure with the caulking on chimney caps, which allows water come in. Water is never your friend when it comes to the structure of your house, and rotting is an expensive yet necessary fix. Assess your chimneys yearly to see if everything is sealed off and secure.

Roof repairs are common amendment items on home purchasing contracts. Roof repairs can be localized to just the problem area, but sometimes repairs are extensive enough to require a full roof replacement. Make sure you get an honest company that won’t cover up problems but will take the time to fix projects with the right materials to ensure the job is done correctly.

When it comes to your deck or patios, if it’s made of wood, it must be protected properly. Water finds its way through any flat surface, and we all know standing water and wood decks do not mix. With proper protectants and durable sealing, decks can stay beautiful and problem free for many years.

Final Touches

Before you pull together some pretty décor outside, make sure your major structural aspects are in good condition first. Covering up problems never work out, so be sure to tackle any concerns you have before you put your home on the market.