Exterior Home Makeover

Mike
by Mike
14 Materials
$4500
2 Weeks
Advanced

Given the fact our house was built in 1989 and everything was original it was time for a change. After a little browsing and bouncing ideas and designs I decided to tackle this makeover on my own.

Step 1 The beginning

What we began with was your average builder grade one. The kind were the builder offered 3 styles and everything tends to look the same. This just wasn’t our style and we knew that going into our purchase 2 short years ago.

Step 2 Columns

After removing the railings I took the opportunity to case in the post for a bulkier craftsman style. I used 4 1x8 to case in each side then using a 1x4 I cut for top and bottom design.

Step 3 All complete

That was 4 columns in total all cased in and looking way better already. LAN is to leave the porch without railings for a more open look.

Step 3 Shutters

Next was removing the shutters. I removed and labeled each set and used them to measure length to build new. Using a 1x4 I assembled a frame and backed using a 1x12. This created a very simple yet unique look.

Step 4 Changing out some siding

You can see here I have sprayed the gutters and overhangs black. I did this using an aluminum etching spray paint. Also here I removed the siding and began to apply a nice detail of cedar shingles. These are applied 1 layer at a time overlapping each seam.

Step 5 Section complete

With the cedar shingles complete I was pretty excited with the look it created.

Step 6 The peak

With the shingles complete I decided to take it a step further with a little farmhouse detail high in the peak. Using 2x6 I created this detail and stained it before securing under the overhang.

Step 7 Admire progress

With each step standing back at the curb provides an awesome excitement. Here you can see I completed the painting of gutters and overhangs on the lower level as well as the porch ceiling.

Step 8 Siding removal

Removing the remaining aluminum siding is actually fairly easy especially if you aren’t worried about saving it. Using a pry bar remove each nail and simply slide down to unlock each piece. Continue this until all pieces are removed.

Step 9 Clean and prep

With siding all removed check house side for any additional nails or anything that may need removed.

Step 10 Board and Batton

With the surface cleaned I proceeded to build my own board and batton. Using 1x12 pine I nailed each piece leaving about a 3/4 gap between. This allows for expansion and contraction of wood in different weather conditions. This gap will be covered using a 1x2 strip.

Step 11 Siding complete

With the board and batton complete it was time to prep for paint. Every seam was caulked for sealing purposes to ensure it was all water tight.

Step 12 Paint

Decided to go bold and paint the board and batton black this really made the cedar shingles pop with the natural wood tones.

Step 13 Remaining Paint

Additional siding was painted using sherwin Williams emerald bright white. I used my airless sprayer to complete this task it made it a breeze and coated with one coat.

Step 14 Limewash

The brick needed a change as well. This started the process of whitewashing. Using a limewash I painted the brick in small sections. This allowed me to go in with a damp sponge and expose the brick in certain areas. Also known as the wife standing back telling me where to wipe haha. Let’s all appreciate the team effort.

Step 15 Staining

Brick is now complete so staining columns and hanging shutters was a must. And I must say to stand back and admire this view was making me pretty happy.

Step 16 Final step

for the final piece of the puzzle I prepped and sprayed the garage doors using the same black used on the board and batton up top. This tied everything together. Once again take that step back to the curb and really admire the transformation.

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  • Narelle Narelle on Aug 31, 2021

    Your finished project is gorgeous

  • LT LT on Aug 31, 2022

    Our house has white siding. It looks like a huge white 2 story block. Would love to do the gables and front door like did to give it some interest. Thank you for sharing.

  • Nancy Mesick Nancy Mesick on Aug 31, 2022

    I’m very impressed what a beautiful job you did!!! Huge difference and now a unique upgrade. Enjoy!!!!!

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