When it comes to traditional housing, it is natural to fall in love with the charms of older architecture. With tall walls, classic designs, and an impactful ambiance, traditional housing definitely stands out in terms of aesthetics and vibe.
However, with time, homeowners upgrade the exterior of their homes to protect them against the weather adversities that come their way. As a Madison, Wisconsin resident, you must already be aware of the weather extremities we are talking about.
From frosty cold winters to hot and humid summers, the extent of weather can significantly impact the external part of your house, creating a need for transformation.
Let’s explore worthwhile tips for elevating traditional homes with modern exteriors that look attractive and can withstand Madison’s unique weather challenges.
1) Upgrade Your Roof
Your roof is the most essential part of your home, providing shelter regardless of the weather. This part of your house is most exposed to adverse weather challenges and can quickly deteriorate.
If you haven’t considered upgrading your roof, now is your time to replace your current, outdated one with something more modern, durable, and resistant to weather. There are plenty of upgrade options available for homeowners, but what you require depends on the current condition of your roof.
You can hire professional Madison roof replacement services to take a look and suggest the changes that you need to make. For example, homes that are regularly renovated might only require a few changes, such as new insulation. On the other hand, residences that have never been upgraded might require more changes. You can leave it to the professionals to decide.
2) Refresh the Colors
Adding a little color goes a long way in transforming the way your residence looks. Older homes, although the epitome of charm and grace, normally feature basic and neutral tones like beige or white. Apart from being dated, these colors blend with the surroundings, making your house look average and boring.
This is where modern colors come in. Present-day houses lean toward impactful, eye-catching colors so the property does not go unnoticed. From charcoal grey to white paired with a bold color, there are numerous ways to paint the exterior of your house.
Consider using weather-resistant paint that is available in all kinds of colors and can withstand different weather changes for a long time. Also, consider insulative paint that reduces heat transfer and maintains energy efficiency around the house to keep the indoors comfortable.
3) Choose a Modern Siding Option
The siding of your house plays a pivotal role in defining its overall look. And since you are upgrading, maybe it’s time to change the siding and redefine the look of your house. Upgrading the siding of your house with modern-day construction materials like fiber cement, vinyl, or metal can create a contemporary and long-lasting look.
Apart from the look and aesthetic, replacing the siding of your house with durable, weather-resistant, and insulative materials can be quite effective in managing the indoor temperature and, ultimately, your energy bills.
4) Replace or Revamp the Windows
Next, we have the windows. The windows of any house create a profound impact on the overall look of the building. In traditional buildings, windows mostly focus on providing sunlight and ventilation. However, present-day window designs also protect your house from weather changes and ensure that internal temperature remains unaffected.
Large, energy-efficient windows are all the rave now. These big-sized openings come with double or triple-glazed glass that acts as a barrier and protects the house from weather extremes. The simple yet contemporary design also elevates your house’s curb appeal.
When choosing windows, always go for fixtures and fittings that complement the overall color theme of the residence.
5) Work on Landscaping
Being modern and contemporary doesn’t mean you don’t incorporate greenery and a little flora and fauna around the house. Landscaping can significantly transform the external part of the house.
Create clean lines and, while maintaining symmetry, add structured plantations around the house. Opt for easy-to-manage plants that do not shed much so your garden appears clean and well-maintained.
A landscaping project doesn’t mean you should purchase expensive plants and flowers. All you have to do is pick something suitable for the size of your garden and plant it. People with less time on their hands could go for evergreen plants. Another way to upgrade the landscape is by adding small additions like a rock garden or a birdhouse that make the surroundings of your house more lively and inviting.
6) Change the Lighting
Choosing the right lighting can help you define the theme of your house and achieve a specific look. Older buildings had lighting fixtures that, apart from not being too bright, were also quite hefty on energy bills.
Homeowners now consider replacing these dated lighting variants with LEDs that emit less heat, last longer, and do not cost much. The Department of Energy favors LED lights for modern residences as they consume 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
When choosing lights for your home’s exterior, choose a theme. Yellow lights impart a warm and inviting atmosphere, while white lights create a more sophisticated and clean look.
Whatever theme you choose, ensure that the lighting makes your residence visible and illuminates the pathways, making it easier to walk outside after dark.
Another idea is to use layered lighting around the house, with additions in the garden, to accentuate the way your plants look at night.
Traditional homes are all about look and aesthetics, but after a certain amount of time, your house needs remodeling and upgrading to counter the weather changes. We now have access to high-quality and durable construction materials that can withstand weather conditions. From making significant changes like roof replacement to opting for a simple change of paint, there are multiple ways to transform the exterior of your home. You can check what your house needs the most and implement it. If updating your traditional home with a modern exterior sounds like a complex project, professional help is a call away. Just remember to choose someone reliable and skilled.