Modern or Hamptons? Federation, Coastal Boho or something else?… Choosing a theme for your exterior renovation is essential, but only some will suit your home. Here’s how to find the perfect exterior style for your place:
Consider the architecture of your home: The style of your home’s exterior should be consistent with the overall architecture of your home. For example, if your home is a traditional colonial, a modern, minimalist exterior may not be the best fit. Look for styles that complement the existing architecture and features of your home. Have a look on Pinterest for ideas.
Think about the location of your home: The location of your home can also influence the style of your exterior renovation. If you live in a neighborhood with mostly older, traditional homes, a more modern exterior may stand out in a negative way. On the other hand, if you live in a newer development with mostly contemporary homes, a traditional exterior may not fit in as well. You could always buck the trend – or find a happy blend between modern and traditional!
Consider your personal style: It’s important to choose a style that you love and will love coming home to for years to come. Take some time to think about your personal style and what you’re drawn to. A great way to do this is to create several physical or online folders (or ‘boards’ in Pinterest), name them ‘Modern’, ‘Hamptons’, ‘Coastal’ etc, and every time you see something you like, add it to the folder of that style. Over time, one style will reveal itself as being most favourable to you. In particular, pay attention to the colours, materials, and details that appeal to you most.
Work with a professional: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the right style for your home, consider working with a professional exterior designer, like Hotspace. We’ll help you narrow down your options and create a cohesive design plan that fits your home and your personal style.
Visit our website to see how we can help… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/
Jane Eyles-Bennett
Renovation costs for your home’s exterior upgrade will vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Here are some general guidelines that can help you get a sense of what to expect.
Expect to pay around 2-7% of your home’s value
A good way to determine how much to spend on your exterior renovation is to consider the value of your home. As a general rule, we recommend our clients here at Hotspace Consultants spend around 5-7% of the home’s value for an exterior renovation. For example, if your home is worth $1,000,000, you should budget between $50,000 & $70,000.
Of course, this is just a rough estimate and the actual cost could be much higher or lower depending on the specific details of your project. For example, if you’re planning to completely overhaul the facade of your home, or using high-end materials like stone or other special claddings, you can expect to pay more than if you’re simply updating the paint and tidying up the landscaping.
Avoid over-capitalising (i.e don’t spend more on your home than the value you would add with the renovations). Compare your home as it would be with the exterior fully renovated, with other homes (similarly renovated) in your suburb. There is usually a ‘cap’ on how much value you can add to a property and this is based on what other homes of similar standing in your area have recently sold for (even if you aren’t selling your home, this is still important to consider).
Keep your spending on track by identifying all specs and costs BEFORE you begin renovating
Piecemeal renovations are a one-way ticket to over-spending. Instead, identify all the details of your renovation + their associated costs before you start on any of the renovation work. This is where Hotspace Consultants can help. Costs will inevitably go up and down due to unforeseen circumstances or problems on site, but at least you have a starting point. Ensure you have a contingency of at least 10% of your budget to allow for variations as you go.
If you want to make sure you stick to your renovation budget AND have an amazing home to come home to every day, contact me here to see if Hotspace Consultants can help… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett
The Hamptons style can be integrated into almost any home’s exterior. Here are the 7 main criteria we employ here at Hotspace Consultants, to achieve this laid-back, chic aesthetic:
1. Start with a fresh coat of paint. The Hamptons vibe is clean and crisp, and painting is the #1 way to achieve this. You might paint your entire house, or just do the trims. Even if your home is brick or other surface you’re reluctant to paint, the right accent colours and details will give you a ‘nod’ to the Hamptons home exterior style, regardless.
2. Choose a neutral colour palette. Soft, muted shades like whites, beiges, greys and pale blues are classic Hamptons hues, and they’ll help create a calm, cohesive look.
3. Add small architectural details. The Hamptons look is all about classic, understated elegance, so consider adding elements like window mouldings, friezes, planter boxes, or patterned entrance tiles to give your home some visual interest.
4. Landscape with an eye for symmetry. The Hamptons style is known for its orderly, manicured gardens. Consider adding symmetrical plantings, ‘box’ hedges, and other formal elements to your landscaping.
5. Incorporate natural materials. Woven baskets, rattan furniture, and other natural elements will help bring a laid-back, beachy vibe to your exterior. Position these under cover at the front of your house to add beautiful charm to your street appeal.
6. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. While the Hamptons look is generally quite cohesive, it’s okay to mix and match different styles and periods as long as everything feels harmonious.
7. Use lighting to create ambiance. Outdoor lighting is an important element of the Hamptons look. Consider adding wall lights, pendant fixtures (in the entrance), festoon lights, or other decorative lighting to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
If you love these Hamptons Home exterior ideas, but not sure how to incorporate them into your place, Hotspace Consultants may be able help. Get in touch with me here to find out… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett
Paint first, then landscaping? Or the other way round? If you’re updating the exterior of your home, you might be wondering about the order of trades – who should do what, when. Here’s a handy guide to help you plan your renovations in a way that makes the most sense for your home:
1st – Structural work: If your home requires any structural work, such as foundation repairs or adding a new entrance portico, this should be your top priority. Structural work is typically more involved and expensive than other renovations, so it’s important to get it out of the way first.
2nd – Roof: If your roof is in poor condition or nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s a good idea to replace it before tackling other renovations.
3rd – Windows and doors: If your windows or doors are ugly or in bad condition, replacing them can greatly improve the look of your home. Depending on your home, this step might be done at the same time as the Cladding/wall treatments mentioned below.
4th – Cladding/walls: If your walls are damaged or outdated, these should be your next priority. If you have a two story home, combine all projects that require scaffolding to minimise costs and disruptions.
5th – Lighting: If you’re planning to do any lighting updates, do these after you’ve completed other renovations so that you don’t have to worry about working around scaffolding or other equipment.
6th – Driveway and/or paths and Fences: If fences and driveway/paths are in disrepair or don’t match the style of your home, replacing or updating them can be a smart move.
7th – Painting: Once you’ve completed the other renovations (and all the dust and dirt has settled!), give your home a fresh coat of paint. This will help tie everything together and give your home a polished, cohesive look.
8th – Landscaping: If you’re planning to do any landscaping, it’s best to wait until after you’ve completed other renovations so that you don’t have to worry about damaging your new plants or hardscapes.
Before working out the order of trades, you’ll need to know WHICH trades you’ll need. And before that? You’ll need all the colours and renovation details for your exterior home make-over,. That’s where Hotspace Consultants can help. If you’d like to see how, you can get in touch with me here… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett
Home renovations can easily spiral out of control. Here are 4 ways Hotspace Consultants recommends you tame your spending and keep your renovation costs on track.
Even with careful planning & preparation, unexpected costs and challenges can arise. So, if you’re planning an exterior renovation for your home, it’s essential to keep your budget on track to avoid overspending and financial stress.
1. Start with a realistic budget
One of the most common reasons that renovation budgets get out of control is because the initial budget was not realistic. Before you even start your renovation, be sure to do your research and get a good understanding of what your project will entail. Look at prices for materials, labour, and any other costs that may come up, and use this information to set a budget that is realistic and achievable.
2. Prioritize your needs
When it comes to home renovations, it’s easy to get carried away with all the fun and exciting possibilities. However, it’s important to remember that not every upgrade is necessary or even worth the cost. Prioritise your needs and wants, and be prepared to compromise on items that aren’t essential to the project.
3. Shop around for materials and contractors
One way to save money on your exterior renovation is to shop around for materials & contractors. Don’t just accept the first quote you receive. Compare prices from multiple sources to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best, but you can often find good quality materials and contractors at competitive prices if you’re willing to do your research.
4. Be prepared for unexpected costs
No matter how well you plan, it’s inevitable that unexpected costs will arise during your renovation. Always allocate at least 10% of your budget as a contingency for unexpected extras.
If you’d like help with setting your budget and coming up with an exterior renovation that will fit within that budget (and look amazing!), you can reach out to me here at Hotspace Consultants to see if we can help… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett x
Updating your landscaping is a wonderful way to create a welcoming and appealing front facade. Even if you don’t want to do anything fancy, being mindful of the following will help you choose and locate just the right plants for your home! As a house facade designer and Street Appeal expert, here are my top tips on what to consider:
House colours: If your home is predominantly a darker colour, then consider using lighter and mid-coloured plants so they stand out. Conversely, if your house is a light colour, then go for a combination of mid and dark coloured species of plants.
Scale/size of your home: You’ll want to choose plants that are in proportion to the size of your home. For example, if you have a large home, you’ll want to choose larger plants to fill out the space and feel more in scale with it. On the other hand, if you have a smaller home, you’re best to choose plants that are more compact and won’t overpower the space.
Consider the climate: Different plants thrive in different climates, so it’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to your area (including type of soil). For example, if you live in a hot and dry climate, succulents and plants that require minimal watering are a perfect choice. Likewise, if you live in a cooler climate, be sure to use plants that suit the cool and probably plenty of rain too!
Take into account the amount of sunlight: Different plants have different sunlight requirements, so choose plants that will receive the right amount of sun for their needs. For example, if the front of your home is north facing, consider plants that will tolerate full sun. If it’s south facing, you’ll need plants that like some shade – particularly those that are located close to the house which will be in shadow most of the day.
Think about maintenance: While it’s always nice to have a beautiful garden, it’s important to consider the amount of time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining it. If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to gardening, choose more low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for.
Get creative: There’s no rule that says you have to stick to traditional plants when it comes to your front garden. Consider using herbs, fruit trees as well as a combination of other more traditional species to add some interest and functionality to your space.
When it comes to choosing plants for the front of your home, the most important thing is to choose ones that you love and that will thrive in your specific environment. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create a beautiful and welcoming front garden that adds value and charm to your home.
Jane Eyles-Bennett x
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