Remodeling your home’s exterior can make a big difference in curb appeal and give your house a fresh look. Whether you want to increase your home’s value or just update its style, these before-and-after makeovers offer plenty of inspiration. Simple changes like new paint, updated accessories, and architectural tweaks turned these ordinary homes into real standouts.
1. Basic Brick to Stunning Black-and-White
Before: Basic Brick House
This house had good bones, but the paint and landscaping were ready for a modern update. The dormers, shutters, and brick walkway had potential, but they looked out of style.
After: Stunning Black-and-White Exterior
Fresh white paint with bold black accents gives this home a striking new look. The window trim, shutters, and front door are now black, standing out against the white. A bigger walkway, boxwood hedges, and evergreen topiaries finish off the transformation.
2. Dated Fixer-Upper to Bright Modern Cottage
Before: Dated Fixer-Upper
to be replaced, and the structure was deterioratingThis 1925 bungalow was in bad shape. The siding was rotting, the windows needed replacing, and the structure was failing. It was almost torn down.
After: Bright Modern Cottage
This home got a modern update but kept its original charm. Dark blue siding with bright white trim makes a bold contrast, and a yellow door adds a pop of color. New siding and shingles give it a fresh look, and the updated porch with wood floors and a metal roof finishes the makeover.
3. Boring Beige to Cheerful Color
Before: Boring Beige Cottage
This cottage had a good structure, but its beige and black color palette was drab. The white railing also made the small front porch feel even more enclosed.
After: Full of Cheerful Color
Removed the low brick wall and front railings, opening up the space for a completely different colour. A fresh white and yellow-green colour scheme makes this home stand out. The bright green shows up on the Dutch front door, shutters, and striped awnings. The owner also added window boxes and removed the low brick wall and front railings, opening up the space for a completely new look.
4. Neglected Ranch to Midcentury Modern
Before: Dated Brick Home
This home’s midcentury modern charm was hidden under years of neglect. Overgrown landscaping and layers of dirt on the facade made it look tired and unkempt.
After: Midcentury Modern Makeover
With less landscaping, the home’s architecture stands out. Bright white paint highlights the clean lines of the brick. Wood features like horizontal slat siding and a new front door add warmth and tie the look together.
5. Dreary Ranch to Welcoming Retreat
Before: Dreary Ranch
Brick and crumbling concrete made this ranch look old and hid its potential. But a few small changes made a big difference.
After: Welcoming Home Exterior Remodel
Painting the outside a warm white and the shutters a darker khaki was an affordable update with great results. A new portico marks the entrance, and blue slate steps lead to the door. Bright landscaping finishes the inviting new look.
6. Overgrown Yard to Bright Exterior
Before: Overgrown Exterior
Overgrown hedges hid this home from the street. The owner replaced them to let in more light and brighten up the front.
After: Bright Exterior Remodel
The aim was to update the home but keep its original feel. The redwood tree was swapped for two olive trees, letting in more light. The entry gate and cinder block wall stayed, but everything else was refreshed for a brighter, more open look.
7. Unstructured Addition to Outdoor Oasis
Before: Lacking Structure
The back of the house had a poorly built addition that wasn’t safe. The owner removed it and started fresh, which made it possible to better connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
After: Outdoor Entertaining Paradise
New windows and French doors now connect the inside and outside. Several seating areas with light finishes help keep things cool in the sun. Using plants in similar colors makes the outdoor space feel cozy and unified.
8. Bland Siding to Modern Farmhouse
Before: A Work in Progress
This home had charm but needed some finishing touches. The beige siding and dark brown roof made it look heavy and out of date.
After: Modern Farmhouse Exterior
This remodel shows that bold changes can pay off. By removing the gables and an arch, the owners made room for updates like a cedar shake roof, a large dormer, and a glass-panel front door. The new white paint with black trim gives the home a modern farmhouse look.
9. Builder-Grade to Inviting Entry
Before: Builder-Bland Home
The mix of brick and siding made this home blend in instead of stand out. Since it was in a great neighborhood, the owners decided to do a major renovation.
After: Inviting Home Exterior Remodel
Two new dormers make the house taller and let in more natural light upstairs. The dormers also led to a bigger front entry with a white-columned portico. A wider path now leads guests to the front door, making a much better first impression.
10. Bare Yard to Welcoming Porch
Before: Bare and Bulky
This home’s architectural style was charming but bland. A small front porch and minimal landscaping didn’t do much for its curb appeal.
After: Welcoming Front Porch
The owners made the front porch bigger, so it’s great for relaxing or entertaining outside. They added classic Craftsman touches like painted corbels and tapered columns. A new walkway and fresh landscaping now welcome visitors in style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What exterior remodeling projects add the most home value?
- A new roof is a top priority for prospective buyers. Energy-efficient windows and doors, fresh exterior paint, and new siding are also highly desired. (Does New Siding Increase Home Value?, 2025) For curb appeal, consider updating your garage door, building a deck, and improving the landscaping.
- What is the cost of an exterior home remodel?
- The average cost ranges from $15,000 to $80,000, but can be higher depending on the region, materials, and extent of the project. (How Much Does a Home Exterior Remodel Cost? [2025 Data], 2025) A roof replacement is often the most significant expense, costing anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000. (Roof Replacement Cost by State 2025: Compare U.S. Prices, 2025)
- How do you modernize an old home?
- One easy way to modernize an old home is to swap out busy details for clean lines and simple shapes. Use natural materials like wood, stone, and metal for extra style. Updating shutters, windows, or adding a fence can also give your home a fresh look.
