Colonial homes are steeped in history, but their traditional exteriors can sometimes feel outdated in modern times. With a few simple updates, you can transform your colonial home’s exterior and make it look fresh and current. Here’s how to modernize a colonial home exterior.
1. Update the Roofing
The first step in modernizing a colonial home exterior is to update the roofing. A new roof can make a significant impact on the overall look of the home. Look for roofing supplies that are both durable and visually appealing. A modern trend in roofing is the solar roof, which is not only eco-friendly but also visually sleek.
When choosing the right roofing material for your colonial home, consider factors such as insulation and energy efficiency. Proper insulation helps regulate the temperature inside your home and reduce energy costs, which is especially important for homeowners who are environmentally conscious. Solar roofs are a popular option for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.
When selecting a roofing color, keep in mind the color of your home’s exterior and any neighborhood regulations or homeowner association guidelines. Light-colored roofs reflect heat and are ideal for areas with warmer climates, while darker roofs absorb heat, making them better suited for colder climates.
When selecting a roofing material, consider the cost of the project. While eco-friendly roofing options may come with a higher price tag upfront, they can pay for themselves over time in energy savings. Be sure to weigh the long-term costs and benefits of each roofing option before making a final decision.
Updating the roofing of your colonial home is an important part of modernizing its exterior. Choose a durable and visually appealing material that complements your home’s architectural style, and consider insulation, energy efficiency, and cost when making your selection. Working with an experienced roofing contractor can help ensure a successful project and provide guidance on the best roofing options for your home.
Consider hiring local roofing contractors to help with the installation. They can help you choose the best roofing materials for your climate and your home’s style.
2. Repair the Masonry
Over time, the masonry on a colonial home can start to deteriorate. Cracks and chips in the brick or stone can make the home look old and worn down. A masonry repair specialist can help to fix any damage to the exterior of your home and make it look like new again.
When repairing the masonry of your colonial home, it’s important to address any underlying issues that may be causing the deterioration. This may include addressing moisture issues or fixing any structural damage that is contributing to the deterioration of the masonry.
It’s also essential to choose the right type of mortar when repairing the masonry of your colonial home. Traditional lime mortar is the best option for older homes as it’s more breathable and flexible, allowing for natural expansion and contraction of the masonry. On the other hand, modern cement mortars are often too rigid and can cause damage to older brick and stone.
When selecting a masonry repair specialist, look for someone who has experience working on historic homes and can provide references and examples of their past work. They can help identify the underlying issues contributing to the deterioration of your masonry and provide recommendations on the best approach to repair it.
Repairing the masonry of your colonial home is an essential part of modernizing its exterior. Choose a masonry repair specialist who has experience working on historic homes and can identify underlying issues that may be contributing to the deterioration of the masonry. Select the right type of mortar to ensure the longevity of the repair work and restore your colonial home’s exterior to its former glory.
3. Freshen up the Paint
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a colonial home exterior. Consider hiring a house painting company to update the color scheme and give your home a fresh look. Modern color schemes for colonial homes include neutral shades like gray and beige, or bold pops of color like navy blue or deep red.
When choosing a new color scheme for your colonial home’s exterior, consider the architectural style of the home and the surrounding environment. Neutral shades are a safe option that complements a range of architectural styles and landscapes. Bold pops of color, on the other hand, can add personality and make a statement. When selecting colors, be sure to consider any neighborhood regulations or homeowner association guidelines.
In addition to choosing the right color scheme, it’s important to properly prepare the exterior of your home before painting. This may include pressure washing to remove dirt and grime, repairing any damaged areas of the home, and applying a primer before painting. Hiring a professional house painting company can ensure that the job is done correctly and with minimal hassle.
Be sure to choose a high-quality paint that is designed to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection. A reputable house painting company can provide recommendations on the best paint options for your colonial home’s exterior and ensure a beautiful and long-lasting result.
Freshening up the paint is a cost-effective way to modernize your colonial home’s exterior. Choose a color scheme that complements your home’s architecture and surrounding environment, properly prepare the exterior before painting, and select a high-quality paint for long-lasting protection. Hiring a professional house painting company can ensure a hassle-free and beautiful result.
4. Pressure Wash the Exterior
Before painting or making any other updates, it’s essential to pressure wash the exterior of your colonial home. Over time, dirt, grime, and other debris can build up, making the home look dingy and uninviting. A pressure washing service can quickly and effectively clean the exterior of your home, making it look like new again.
Before updating the exterior of your colonial home, it’s crucial to start with a clean slate. Over time, dirt, grime, and other debris can build up, making the home look uninviting and dingy. That’s where a pressure washing service comes in – it can quickly and effectively clean the exterior of your home, making it look like new again.
Pressure washing is an excellent way to remove dirt, mold, and other stains from the exterior of your home. It’s also a great way to prepare the surface for painting or other updates. Plus, it’s an environmentally friendly way to clean your home since it doesn’t require the use of harsh chemicals.
When selecting a pressure washing service, look for a company that has experience working on colonial homes and can provide references and examples of their past work. They can also provide guidance on the best approach to pressure washing your home’s exterior without causing damage to the siding or other materials.
5. Remove Overgrown Trees
Trees can add to the charm of a colonial home, but overgrown or poorly placed trees can also be a hazard. They can damage the roof, gutters, and siding and make the home look cluttered and unkempt. Consider hiring a tree removal business to remove any trees that are too close to the home or have grown too large.
When removing overgrown trees, it’s important to work with a reputable tree removal business that has the necessary equipment and expertise to do the job safely and efficiently. They can also provide guidance on which trees should be removed and which can be pruned to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing landscape.
After removing the overgrown trees, consider updating your landscape design to complement the new look of your home’s exterior. This may include planting new trees, adding flower beds or hedges, or installing walkways or other hardscaping elements. A landscape design professional can help you create a cohesive and visually appealing landscape that complements your colonial home’s architectural style.
6. Upgrade the Landscape Design
A beautiful landscape can enhance the curb appeal of a colonial home. Consider working with a landscape design professional to update the look of your front yard. They can recommend plants and flowers that are both visually appealing and low-maintenance.
In addition to choosing the right plants and flowers, a landscape design professional can help you create a cohesive and visually pleasing landscape that complements your colonial home’s architectural style. This may include adding walkways, hardscaping elements like stone or brick, and other outdoor features that enhance the overall curb appeal of your home.
When selecting a landscape design professional, look for someone who has experience working with colonial homes and can provide references and examples of their past work. They can help you create a landscape design that reflects your personal style and enhances the overall look of your home’s exterior.
7. Add an Asphalt Paver
An asphalt paver can give your home a modern look and provide a stable surface for parking or outdoor entertaining. A paving contractor service can help you choose the right size and style of paver for your home and budget.
Modernizing a colonial home exterior is an exciting project that can help breathe new life into an old home. Updating the roofing, repairing the masonry, painting, pressure washing, removing overgrown trees, upgrading the landscape design, and adding an asphalt paver are all great ways to give your colonial home a fresh and modern look.
By following these tips, you can create a home that’s both visually stunning and practical for modern living. If you’re not sure where to start, consider working with a home improvement professional who can guide you through the process and ensure that your colonial home looks its best.
When it comes to updating the exterior of your colonial home, be sure to choose materials and colors that complement the architecture of the home. While modernizing the home, you don’t want to lose the character and charm that comes with a colonial style home.
In addition, be sure to follow any local regulations or guidelines when making updates to your home’s exterior. Depending on where you live, there may be rules regarding the type of roofing materials or paint colors that can be used on your home.
Choosing the Right Professionals for the Job
When undertaking a project to modernize a colonial home exterior, it’s essential to work with the right professionals. Choosing the right contractors and service providers can make a big difference in the success of the project.
When hiring a local roofing contractor or masonry repair specialist, be sure to check their references and look at their past work. You want to choose someone who has experience working on colonial homes and who can help guide you through the process.
Similarly, when hiring a pressure washing service, tree removal business, or landscape design professional, be sure to do your research and choose someone who has a proven track record of delivering quality work.
Final Thoughts
Modernizing a colonial home exterior is a great way to breathe new life into an old home. With the right updates and renovations, you can make your home look stylish, modern, and welcoming.
Whether you’re updating the roofing, repairing the masonry, painting, pressure washing, removing overgrown trees, upgrading the landscape design, or adding an asphalt paver, be sure to choose materials and colors that complement the architecture of the home.
And remember, when undertaking any home improvement project, it’s essential to work with the right professionals. By doing your research and choosing the right contractors and service providers, you can ensure that your project is a success.
So, if you’re wondering how to modernize a colonial home exterior, start by making a plan and choosing the right professionals for the job. With the right updates and renovations, your colonial home can be transformed into a modern and welcoming place that you’ll love coming home to.
