Many exterior remodeling upgrades can get you a 100% return on investment. So not only will you get the benefit of curb appeal, it’s also financially beneficial. Older homes often require upgrades to keep looking nice and structurally sound. Sometimes these can be minor, but you may eventually need to do something significant. Here are some ideas for major exterior upgrades that will turn your home from meh to yes!

Focus on Efficiency

Updates to make your home more efficient are great ways to boost your initial financial investment. Consider upgrading your insulation throughout the home. Maybe it’s time to jump in on a solar power system, which can save you money on your electricity bills and often adds value to your home’s worth. Doors also are an eye-catching upgrade that will improve the efficiency of your home, too. Replace your old windows with high-grade windows, which improves both looks and efficiency. A lot of older homes were built without the openness of today’s designs, but adding windows to a home is not as complicated as you may think and drastically changes an outdated home.

Siding, Stucco, and Brick

Old siding can show its age. Consider installing new, higher quality siding that has a better record for longevity. If your stucco is starting to crack or discolor, you can often remedy it with a new paint job. But if there are other issues, you’ll want to fix them before repainting. Brick homes are a bit tougher to change, but consider painting the brick, which is a popular option. If you’re not ready for that leap, the windows and doors mentioned above will likely bring you that change you crave while also keeping the brick untouched.

Add (or remove) a Deck or Porch

Adding a charming deck or porch can do wonders for curb appeal, plus you’re sure to enjoy evenings relaxing outside on your new space. On the flipside, maybe you have a deck or porch already that is run down and not getting used. These often become collection spaces for debris or toys and can be an eyesore. Either fix them up and make them usable again or get rid of it and plant some maintenance-free landscaping instead.

An Inviting Entryway

Whether you love to entertain or not, having an inviting entryway is key to curb appeal. If your home doesn’t have an adequate entryway feel and you’ve always wanted that, there are probably options that you haven’t thought of. Get a professional to come out and give you ideas—you might be surprised about what can be done.

Don’t Forget the Landscape

Your yard doesn’t need to be expertly landscaped to be beautiful. If you have time to get your yard Better Homes and Gardens worthy, we applaud you! But if you don’t, make sure you’re planting low-maintenance plants and that your sprinkling system works well so you don’t have to hand water what’s dying.

If you’re ready to make some amazing exterior changes to your home, put your trust in the experts at RAM Builders Stucco & Exteriors.

Many people get worried when they are considering a home renovation project, and that’s usually because they’ve heard some horror stories from friends of family. But, with a good general contractor, the issues should be minimal, and the process will end up being enjoyable. Here are some common renovation frustrations and how to avoid them:

1. Going way over budget. This one happens way too often, and it’s really the result of poor communication and planning. Defining your budget with the contractor is imperative to the entire project. There are cases where contractors will get into a job and there is a major issue lurking below that wasn’t known before, which may require additional funds to correctly address. But, if you’re open with the contractor with what you expect, what you need done, and how much money you have for it, they will be able to estimate the costs and let you know if it’s feasible. Every project needs a little wiggle room, but it shouldn’t come out thousands of dollars more than initially discussed.
2. Discovering your renovation isn’t up to code. It’s frustrating to finish a huge project just to find out it isn’t compliant with city regulations. Minor projects don’t generally need a permit to complete or an inspection when it’s done, but if for major projects, you must make sure you check off all the boxes before, during, and after it’s completed. A reputable, licensed general contractor will know the importance of this and will make sure to plan for approvals and verifications.
3. Living in a construction zone for months. Some extensive projects may require you to relocate for a while, and if this is the case, you’ll need to be prepared before starting the job. However, we’ve heard stories of smaller to mid-sized projects taking over the entire house because the crew was inefficient and messy. This is understandably frustrating and not good practice. Discuss with your contractor beforehand your expectations for living within the project mess and make sure you feel good with their approach. You can check reviews, too, to see what others say about their work area.
4. Not being able to track down the contractor and crew. Many crews are likely working on more than one project at a time, but that doesn’t give them the excuse to start demoing then not show up for several day while you’re in a mess. You need a contractor that is reliable and will put your project on top of their priority list. Communication needs to be easy, the workers need to show up as expected, and the project needs to be completed in an appropriate time. You’ll know right away if the contractor is responsive and easy to communicate with, but you’ll want to take some time vetting their work before hiring them.

We know house projects are important, both financially and emotionally, and you want to ensure you feel good about a contractor before committing. Contact RAM Builders Stucco & Exteriors with any questions or concerns.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.