Want to change the way your home looks on the outside?
Completing an exterior makeover can be one of the best investments you make as a homeowner. Doing so without a plan can lead to overspending and major headaches.
Here’s the reality…
Homeowners know nothing about exterior remodeling.
They spend too much money on random projects and forget to take care of important things first.
If you want things to go differently this time, read what’s below before you dial that contractor’s number.
Exterior Makeovers Give You the Biggest Return on Investment
Here’s a fun fact most homeowners don’t know.
When it comes to remodeling your home and getting that money back at resale, outdoor projects beat indoor projects every time. That’s right.
It doesn’t matter how trendy that kitchen remodel is or how spacious that basement looks once it’s finished.
Your exterior makes the biggest difference.
Check out the 2025 Cost vs. Value report and you’ll notice nine of the top ten highest-ROI home projects are exterior renovations and replacements.
Need more proof?
A garage door replacement returns 268% ROI A steel entry door returns 216% ROI A manufactured stone veneer returns 208% ROI
Make no mistake about it.
What the buyer sees when they first pull up to your home is what matters most.
If your roof is outdated, your siding is worn, or your entry door is dingy, then no one will care about how beautiful your kitchen remodel is on the inside.
That is why contractors who specialize in exterior remodeling in Fairfax, VA are making more money than their interior-focused counterparts.
Not to mention how low-cost exterior projects can be when compared to kitchen or bathroom renovations.
Extensive remodels in these rooms cost tens of thousands of dollars.
You can score your home some serious curb appeal by spending just a fraction of that.
Spend wisely and watch your money come right back to you at resale.
Inspecting Your Roof Should Be Your First Step
With any remodel job… Don’t fix what looks like before you fix what doesn’t.
Your roof is one of, if not the most important piece of your home’s exterior.
Slapping some new paint on the siding or wrapping your front porch in stone won’t do you much good if your roof is falling apart.
Keep in mind…
Repairs and replacements are only getting more expensive as we speak.
Roofing costs have increased nearly 30% since 2022.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Think you don’t need commercial roofing? Think again. Commercial roofing materials and installation techniques have long been used for residential homes.
Products like metal roofing, TPO membrane, and other commercial-grade materials offer better durability and lifespan than your typical asphalt shingle roof.
The roofing market in the United States is estimated to reach $24.79 billion by 2025.
Technology and availability have never been greater for homeowners who want the quality of commercial roofing without the commercial price tag.
Speak with a roofing contractor before you do anything else. Take note of:
- Missing shingles or shingles with dark curling edges
- Sagging areas of the roof
- Water stains on ceilings or in the attic
- Damaged, rusted, or crushed flashing
If your roof needs some work, that should be step one on your to-do list.
You literally do not want to do any exterior work until the roof is taken care of.
Pick Materials that Suit Your Climate
Believe it or not, some products should not be used in certain areas.
Improper material selection is one of the biggest regrets homeowners have after redoing their home’s exterior.
Here are a couple things to keep in mind:
Just because you love that seaside cottage look doesn’t mean it will stand up to the Arizona heat.
Where you live plays a big role in what you should use to remodel your home.
If you live in climates with high humidity or frequent rainfall, stick to materials known to hold up over time.
Here in the mid-Atlantic region of the country, we recommend clients use things like brick, fiber cement siding, and heavy-grade vinyl siding.
We do not recommend asphalt siding or plaster finishes.
Your gorgeous coastal cottage look will start chipping and peeling in no time.
As mentioned before, commercial roofing products are a great choice for homes everywhere.
Metal roofs and shingles are impervious to mold, mildew, and fungus.
Perfect for places like Florida where homes are more susceptible to these problems.
Since 2023, the metal roofing industry has grown 275%. The demand for this durable material isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Need more proof that certain materials work better for different climates? Take a look at these projected ROI’s for some of the top exterior projects.
- Fiber-cement siding – 114% ROI
- Vinyl Siding – 97%
- Garage door replacement – 87%
Take your time choosing what you want your home to be covered with.
Ask questions and do your research. Your wallet will thank you in the long run.
Hiring the Right Contractor is Essential
This is where most homeowners go wrong.
Instead of taking their time finding the right contractor, they immediately jump on the cheapest guy in the phone book. Big mistake.
Think about it…
If your roofing contractor doesn’t know what they’re doing, your exterior makeover will start falling apart before it’s finished.
Don’t stress yourself out by hiring the wrong team.
Below are some characteristics you should look for when hiring a contractor:
- They are fully licensed and insured.
- They have worked with commercial roofing materials on residential homes.
- They have an excellent reputation in the local area.
- They provide detailed written estimates with receipts.
Trust us, you don’t want some cheap, subpar company ruining the exterior of your largest investment. Don’t be afraid to spend more money to get things done right the first time.
This is one opportunity where you should always hire the highest bidder.
How to Budget for Your Exterior Home Makeover
Don’t forget about the money.
Changing up your home’s exterior can set you back just a few thousand dollars or push you over $50k depending on what you decide to do.
Planning and budgeting are key.
Start with high-dollar, high-ROI projects first.
If you have a tight budget, focus on big ticket items that matter most. You can always finish the details later.
Here is a great general order to complete exterior projects:
- Fix any structural problems (roof, foundation, drainage)
- Replace worn roofing, siding, windows, doors, etc.
- Add aesthetic touches (stone veneer, lighting, landscaping, etc.)
By starting with high-impact projects that preserve the structural integrity of your home, you ensure it’ll stand for many years to come.
Not to mention you get the biggest bang for your buck right off the bat.
One last tip before you get started. Budget more than what you think you’ll need. It’s common for exterior contractors to come across problems they don’t see when browsing with customers.
Water damage, rotten wood, and other hidden surprises can turn a $10k job into a $25k job real quick.
Plan ahead and have that buffer in place just in case.
Wrapping It All Up
You deserve to love the way your home renovation looks on the outside just as much as you love how it looks on the inside. And performing an exterior makeover is one of the best ways to do just that.
