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Exterior painting
The most important part of exterior painting is preparing the surface so the paint will last.
The easy part is making sure you pick high-quality exterior paint, but the type of paint can vary depending on the climate where you live. And then there's the color . . .
The most important part of house painting is thorough preparation, which means lots of scraping, sanding and cleaning. Skimping on this part will mean a shorter lifetime for the paint job.
Painting is a job homeowners can do themselves if the house is one story and if the existing paint is not yet peeling. The more challenging the job, the more it makes sense to hire a pro.
Siding
Aluminum or vinyl siding is generally the most economical option for home exteriors.
Traditional wood siding is elegant and appealing, but it does take a commitment to maintain and more skill to install or repair.
In recent decades, aluminum and vinyl siding have become the most popular materials for exterior siding because they require little or no maintenance.
Still relatively new, fiber-cement siding is gaining popularity quickly because it looks and feels more like real wood and is more durable than aluminum and vinyl.
Masonry exteriors
A stone exterior provides a timeless look and is virtually maintenance free.
Home exteriors made of brick and stone have a timeless, high-quality appeal and are virtually maintenance free.
More common in dry, hot climates, stucco is versatile and a great insulator against extreme temperatures.
Brick and stone are no longer used to actually support a home's walls and are applied as a facade over traditional wood framing. These materials add weight, however, which must be accounted for in construction.
Awnings
Awnings can provide shelter from sun and add character to a home.
Many awnings are still made from canvas, which is treated to repel moisture. Synthetic materials have become common and cannot easily be distinguished from canvas.
One benefit of installing an awning instead of a traditional roof over an open patio or porch is the option to retract the awning when the weather warrants.
Stationary awnings generally come with a 5-10 year warranty for the fabric, but it should last much longer.
Shutters
Though most are no longer functional, shutters retain a decorative appeal.
Although many older American homes, particularly in the South, still have functional shutters, today most exterior shutters are stationary and only for decoration.
In areas prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, many homes and businesses have sturdy metal shutters that can be closed over windows when a major storm is on the way.
Functional shutters can also be installed on the insides of windows, making it easy to block the harsh sun or provide privacy as needed.
Fences
A fence can provide privacy and establish a boundary for gardening.
The decision of what type of fence to install depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Privacy? To keep dogs and kids inside?
If you're thinking of putting up a fence between your property and your neighbor's, it's considered proper etiquette to talk to the neighbor before work begins.
There are a lot of choices to make, not just in the height or style of the fence, but also the materials used to build it.