Looking to update your home’s exterior but concerned about the budget? Take it one step at a time by dividing the task into annual projects.
That’s the advice of leading roofing and building material company BP Canada in response to consumer feedback nationally.
“In today’s challenging housing market, we’re seeing a trend towards homeowners investing in renovations rather than buying new properties, and exterior upgrades are at the top of their list to both enhance and add value to their homes,” said Nathalie Lambert, Marketing Director of BP Canada. She pointed to a report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showing that when the time comes to sell a house, 75% of real estate agents say curb appeal is very important to attract buyers.
“Still, the effort and expense of tackling an exterior makeover can seem daunting,” Lambert emphasized. That’s why BP Canada has come up with a multi-year plan that breaks down an exterior facelift into affordable phases, all with a final project in mind. The plan ensures that a home still looks good throughout the extended renovation period and allows for flexibility to adapt to new trends as they evolve, she said.
Year 1: Start at the top
A roof makes up one third of a home’s exterior and is a long-term investment, so it’s wise to choose shingles that have a lasting aesthetic in addition to strong protection.
“It’s no longer just about having a functional roof overhead, but rather, the trend is to combine durability with design and infuse roofing with colour and texture to significantly enhance the overall curb appeal and value of a home,” Lambert said.
She recommends using multi-toned shingles for maximum beauty and to allow for flexibility to colour coordinate with other elements of a home’s facade over the course of the makeover. For example, a brown roof with hints of copper and beige, or a black roof with gray and tan nuances, may blend well with an existing exterior and will provide more options when it comes time to decide on hues for new siding, doors and trim.
To make the planning process easier, BP Canada has introduced a colour combo catalogue, developed by its leading Chroma Colour Lab, which demonstrates how to achieve different exterior looks over the long run. Featuring the company’s striking Signature line of multi-toned and textured shingles, the catalogue includes recommendations for coordinating siding and other exterior colours.
Before committing to a purchase, Lambert recommends homeowners try different looks on their home using online tools, such as BP Canada’s free Visualizer.
Year 2: Pick a side
Altering a home’s siding is a proven way to give a property a fresh new look. Unlike a new coat of paint, though, siding is meant to last decades, so colour selection is key, said Lambert, explaining that coordinating the colour of siding with a home’s roof and trim can dramatically and cost-effectively transform a home’s exterior.
According to Diana Sousa, Marketing Director of Montreal-based Kaycan – one of the world’s top producers of vinyl and aluminum siding – replacing a home’s siding offers a high return on investment for home renovation projects, similar to installing a new roof. “It also delivers considerable protection against the elements, energy efficiency, and a long, low-maintenance lifespan,” she said.
When choosing siding, Sousa recommends considering timeless colours – such as white, beige, light or mid-tone gray, blue, green, dark gray and black – that blend best with a home’s other exterior elements as well as its landscaping. Since siding colours may appear differently depending on the time of day, it’s wise to hold up colour swatches throughout the day to ensure you will be content with your choice before buying, she said.
To achieve a contrasting effect, BP Canada suggests pairing white vertical siding and dark accents with shingles in shades of black, brown and grey. For a more uniform look, she proposes merging shades from the same colour family, such as light grey siding with dark trim and grey shingles.
Year 3: Key in on doors
Updating the front door and garage door, especially if they’re showing wear and tear, will take any home exterior up a notch and is a great way to add pops of colour – a popular growing trend, Lambert said.
If you’re eager to update your doors but aren’t ready to replace them, Lambert recommends painting them in the interim. “Paint is the most economical way to give your home a lift until front and garage doors can be swapped,” she said.
With accent colours all the rage for the year ahead, she said bright hues such as green, blue and orange, or warm tones like terra cotta, copper and brick red, can be used on the front door to add wow factor to a home, ensuring they coordinate with the roof and siding.
Like choosing siding, once you’ve selected a colour, Lambert recommends checking your choice in daylight – both sunlight and shade – as it may look differently than it did on the paint chip.
Year 4: Look out for windows
To complete the home renovation process, it’s worth considering changing your windows, Lambert said. In addition to increased curb appeal, new windows boost property value, provide better energy efficiency, and address issues like drafts, damage, or poor security. Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient models can also lower energy bills and improve comfort.
“No matter how long it takes to complete your exterior renovation, you can be sure that you’re adding value and enhancing the beauty of your home every step of the way,” she said.
For more information about BP Canada’s products or to find a retailer or BP Certified Roofer near you, visit www.bpcan.com.
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