1. Survey the Existing Exterior and Landscape

Carefully analyze all visible sides of your home to spot surfaces, materials, fixtures and features needing replacement, repair or restyling for upgraded exterior appeal. Pay attention to the roof, entryway, windows and doors, siding, trim accents, fencing, decking and patio areas. Document necessary structural repairs and modifications to support major upgrades like aligning uneven rooflines or replacing entry steps.

2. Create a Cohesive Color Scheme 

Outdated, clashing exterior color palettes cheapen home appearance significantly. Develop a fresh coordinated color scheme for your home update that harmonizes with the architecture and surrounding landscape. Limit your main siding/surface hue to two complementary neutral base tones like beige and brown for approachable warmth. Boost allure with pops of accent colors on the entry door, shutters, outdoor furnishings or lively plantings. 

3. Invest in Low-Maintenance Building Materials

Replacing worn or high-maintenance exterior siding provides visual impact while reducing future upkeep. Study material options like brick, wood, stone veneers, fiber cement board, vinyl and composite planks based on your style, budget and DIY capabilities. Seek combinations blending modern and natural textures, such as accenting wood shingle siding with sleek cultured stone columns for dimension. Installation typically influences cost more than materials.

4. Upgrade Gutters and Downspouts 

While unglamorous, properly functioning gutters, drainage pipes and downspouts prevent extensive water damage and exterior decay to safeguard your investment. When updating your home’s exterior, incorporate seamless aluminum gutters, oversized downspouts, drainage extensions and subsurface catch basins. Integrate drainage grates and corrugated pipes into landscape design for visual appeal.

5. Update Entryways for Curb Appeal  

The home’s entryway establishes first impressions for visitors and influences curb appeal. Upgrade front walkways with stone or paver insets and permanent landscaping edging. Install new stair railings and supports in black wrought iron or steel for contemporary edge. Refinish or replace old doors with modern visual impact. Surround entries with simplistic built-in seating and charming path lighting. 

6. Style Windows to Match Architectural Character

Nothing transforms a home’s exterior faster than new windows. Carefully select replacement windows complementing your house’s existing size and style for cohesion. For instance, ranch homes suit horizontal aligned windows while vertical designs better fit colonial, Victorian and Cape Cod homes. Custom window inserts, trim color and mullion patterns boost architectural character. 

7. Simplify Exterior Lines and Finishes 

Modern exteriors highlight straight, minimal lines and recessed panels over old-fashioned scallops, overhangs and scrolling. Eliminate non-structural shutters, columns, balustrades and ornamentation obstructing siding. For necessary decorative trim, select streamlined profiles and sizes suiting wall heights and lengths. Paint or finish all exterior wood detailing in the same hue to continue simplified styling.

8. Illuminate with Landscape and Architectural Lighting 

Strategically placed lighting transforms plain exteriors into sophisticated showcases after dark. Brighten pathways and entries with low-voltage LED garden lights and sconces on photosensors. Up-light architectural elements like trees, stonewalls and exterior water features with concealed ground spotlights. Install color-changing lights under eaves and balconies for customizable ambiance.  

9. Define Outdoor Living Spaces

Carefully arrange exterior gathering areas to balance privacy, views and functionality. Delineate spaces with neutral-hued surface pavers or stained decking, permanent seating nooks and stylish privacy screens or fences. Zone areas via permanent flooring selections – like patio stone giving way to pool decking. Coordinate lighting, heating, ceiling fans, planters and built-in storage or serving stations between zones.

10. Landscape for Year-Round Curb Appeal 

A well-designed landscape instantly boosts home exterior appeal and usefulness. Remove overgrown, high-maintenance or mismatching plants around the property. Redesign beds, trees and greenery to coordinate colors and growth habits across the full yard. Anchor house corners with wildlife attracting trees surrounded by pollinator-friendly flower beds. Install irrigation systems for simple watering.  

11. Add Personality with Standout Accents

Make your home exterior memorable by highlighting signature standout elements aligned with your preferences and architecture style. Carve out an intimate front porch hangout with suspended swing chairs, potted vines and privacy screening. Construct an outdoor kitchen for backyard entertaining with a stone fireplace focal point. Or install a towering flagpole display for patriotic distinction.

By tackling home exterior upgrades project by project according to a master plan, you can cost-effectively transform the outside of your house. Invest wisely in durable low-maintenance building materials that will stand the test of time while increasing resale potential. Dedicate the necessary prep work and labor needed for properly functioning improvements like drainage systems, lighting and defined living areas as the foundation for exterior renovations both big and small to come. Incorporate personalized accents that make your home uniquely yours.

Read More – Is Wooden Flooring Expensive ?