Old House Restoration Makeovers Restore Lost Curb Appeal

The previous owner really made a mess of this building.  So much of the architecture was removed making the building look incomplete and off balance. Above the large windows should be stained glass or block glass but piping was installed making restoration out of the new owners budget. When businesses move into a building they just basically take an ax and do what they need to do to get their business going. The new owner is opening up an accounting firm and really cares about the buildings historic character but unfortunately cannot do a proper restoration.

For me to agree to take on this project the building would need to look architecturally correct before choosing colors. After studying the building I found that by adding basically four pieces of wood (see if you can find them), the architecture would appear correct and the facade of the building would be in balance. A very cheap fix with a huge impact.

See the before and after photo. The bad gaudy pizza-parlor colors are the same but with just a few pieces of wood added the building is transformed.

Scope of Work:

• Correct architecture.
• Historic paint colors.

While this stucco house was built in 2001 the wide eaves provide a Prairie style appearance. This allows the use of windows that would go with this style. Shutters definitely do not belong – even good shutters. Since the garage is the main focal point to the house (which is unfortunate) a new high-end garage door is needed. The warm colors work nicely with the landscape and the brick along the driveway.

Scope of Work:

• Remove shutters.
• Replace windows.
• New garage door.
• New front door.
• New colors.

Like so many other unfortunate homes, this house was stripped of all its character and converted into a box. Now it has a new life.

Scope of Work:

• Masonry entrance steps the correct width.
• Remove vinyl and install new siding.
• New front door to match style.
• Front door overhang.
• Paint colors.
• Landscaping.

The garage doors are the focal point of this house. That is unfortunate but this was the style of the time. Therefore quality garage doors are important for they will make the first impression. Designer doors are very popular but there is a huge difference in price and quality. Pay attention to getting sharp details with real wood.

Scope of Work:

• New garage doors.
• Add shutters.
• Flower boxes.
• Paint colors.

As you see in the before photo, the house was extremely bland and the colors did not work with the house. New Tudor timbering was added to the gable. There were two options to choose from. Other timbers that were painted and hidden were painted the timber color to allow the style to show.

Scope of Work:

• Create a Tudor appearance to match it’s style.
• Paint colors.