Preparing Your Home’s Exterior

This article is part of our ongoing home construction specification plan series.

Assembling a Home Construction Specification Plan — Spec Plan K: Exterior Home

The most difficult part of your home building project is now behind you. The roof is on your home, plumbing and wiring is in place, and you just had insulation added right after the HVAC system was put in place.

Turning your attention to the outside of the home, your next decision involves the home’s exterior. Will you go with brick face or vinyl siding? Or, do you prefer aluminum siding? What about wood siding? Maybe you like to periodically change the color of your home, something that only wood will allow you to do. Concrete, stucco and stone are some other options for you to consider.

Vinyl is, however, the clear choice for many homeowners today. Our busy lifestyles mean that most people seek maintenance-free solutions in order to free up leisure time. Vinyl siding provides years of exterior protection with limited maintenance — the occasional power wash will handle any excess dirt and keep your siding looking new for many years.

Some Things You Should Know About Vinyl Siding

• Vinyl siding comes in strips that are pre-colored and bent into shape during the manufacturing process. Although just 2mm thick, each twelve foot long and approximately one foot high strip is durable and able to endure the harshest weather conditions.

• Each piece interlocks and expands and contracts according to temperature and sunlight, with channels at the corners and around windows and doors holding the siding in place.

• Vinyl can also be used for the soffits and fascia board located in the vicinity of the roof area. Perforations in the soffit allow air to travel into the attic through the ridge vents to provide ventilation.

Other Exterior Touches To Consider

When designing your home’s exterior consider the following touches to customize your home’s look:

• Shutters to enhance the windows on the front of your home.

• Gutters and downspouts to move water away from your home’s foundation.

• Railings, columns and trim can be designed to give your home a unique look, particularly if your home has a porch or other screened in living area.

• Consider adding a weather vane or a cupola to your home and/or garage.

• Lightning protection devices such as a lightning rod and surge protectors can protect your home and sensitive electronic equipment.

• Don’t forget door chimes, knockers and other specials touches (including your mailbox) to make your house truly a home.

Now that your home’s exterior is done, please check back in next week as return inside to put the finishing touches on home’s interior decor.

end of post idea for home improvement

view and analyze home improvement ideas at our LetsRenovate center