15 Smart Exterior Home Remodeling Projects

Seeing the average home renovation cost of $51,505 can feel a little overwhelming. It's easy to think you need a massive budget to make a real difference in your home. But what if you could get a major transformation without a full gut job? That's where a smart exterior home remodeling plan comes in. Focusing on the outside of your house is a powerful way to improve curb appeal and protect your investment—often for a fraction of the cost of a whole-home project. It’s about making targeted updates that deliver a huge impact.

Remodeling your home exterior is a smart way to improve curb appeal and up resale value if you ever decide to sell. Today’s Homeowner found that on average, remodeling projects have a 69% return on investment (ROI). If you want to maximize that ROI, stick to exterior projects — they found the average cost recovered for exterior projects was 23% higher than interior ones.

In this post, we’re taking a look at some of the best exterior home remodeling and outdoor home renovation ideas to help you get the most out of your remodeling budget.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your permitted authority or regulatory body before undertaking any remodeling project.

Typical Project Costs

The budget for an exterior remodel can vary quite a bit, depending on how big you want to go. A full remodel often ranges from $15,000 to $40,000, but you don’t have to spend that much to make a significant impact. Smaller updates, like a fresh coat of paint, can dramatically change your home’s look for a fraction of the cost, typically falling between $2,250 and $12,000. The final price tag will depend on factors like your home's size, the materials you choose, and labor costs in your area. Planning is your best tool for managing these expenses. Before you start gathering quotes, having a clear vision and the right documents, like a site plan for permits, can help you and your contractor stay on the same page and avoid costly surprises.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Thinking about your home as an investment can help you make smart remodeling decisions. Some exterior projects give you a great return on your money, meaning you get most or all of what you spent back when you sell your home. In fact, research shows the average cost recovered for exterior projects is 23% higher than for interior ones. Certain upgrades are particularly effective. For example, a simple garage door replacement can sometimes recoup over 100% of its cost at resale. Focusing on your home’s exterior isn’t just about making it look good—it’s a strategic way to increase its value.

Painting the exterior of your home is an easy and effective way to spruce up its look. If your paint is dull, dingy, or peeling, it’s time for a fresh coat. Changing your paint color is also a fast and easy option to update the look of your home. You’ll want to make sure your paint color choice complements the style of your home. And if you’re planning to sell your house, we recommend choosing a neutral color over a brighter option.

If you’re not planning to sell and just want a new look, keep things interesting by selecting a trending exterior home color.

Another inexpensive home remodeling idea is to make your trim pop by choosing a different color than your house’s walls. This adds contrast and accents your windows and roofline.

A huge trend is to choose bold trim color instead of natural. If your home is a neutral white or beige, you may want to pop your neutral with a bold black, blue, green, or brown trim.

Doors can take a beating from weather, sun, and use. By replacing your doors, you’ll give your home a modern facelift that immediately improves the curb appeal of your home.

You should choose doors that reflect the style of the home but also your family’s personality. A classical or craftsman-style door communicates traditional values, while a more modern one shows a more artistic or eclectic personality.

If your home is older, re-shingling your roof is another way to upgrade your home’s exterior. Not only will it add resale value, but it can also update the look of your home if you choose a more modern shingle like metal shingles, architectural shingles, or concrete.

If you care about the environment and sustainability, you may want to opt for solar panel shingles. These shingles can protect you from the elements, power your home, and give back to the grid.

If your house is made of one main type of material, you could add some texture to your home by adding one or more of the following:

• Stone

• Brick

• Cedar shingles

• Stucco

• Metal

Use these different exterior materials to create an accent wall, plant beds, or other exterior accents. By adding different textures, you can create depth and interest, which updates the look of your home and creates more curb appeal.

Replacing windows and shutters can dramatically update and upgrade the look of your home. Many homes have fixed or non-functional shutters that cheapen the look of your home. Replacing the shutters with more stylish, modern ones can increase your home's value.

Windows degrade over time and need replacing, especially where the sun bakes them. By replacing and enlarging your windows, you create more light in your home and modernize the look of your home too.

When you're updating shutters or adding window boxes, getting the proportions right is key to making sure they look intentional and not like an afterthought. For shutters, a good rule of thumb is to choose a size that looks like it could actually cover the window if you were to close them. This creates a more authentic and balanced appearance. According to exterior design experts, they should also be hung flat against the house with a color that contrasts nicely with your siding. When it comes to window boxes, aim for them to be about 20-25% of the window's height. This sizing helps them complement the window without overwhelming it, adding just the right amount of charm to your home's exterior.

Adding strategic exterior lighting can make your home more visually appealing at night. It can accent features and make it easier to navigate your walkways at night. You can add sconces, door lights, path lights, or discreet lights. Be careful not to overdo it, though. Too many lights can be distracting and unattractive.

Replacing your garage doors with more stylish designs can really update your home's look. It can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. Plus, according to Today’s Homeowner, garage door replacements have a 100% return on investment, so updating them is always a good bet.

Popular decorative garage door styles include:

• Carved doors

• Contemporary

• Barn

• Carriage style doors

A new garage door can cost between $850 and $5,500, with an average cost of $1,200. Garage doors can last for about 30 years with proper maintenance, so if a full replacement isn’t in your budget, try refreshing or repairing your existing doors. 

If you're looking for a project with a fantastic return, look no further than your garage doors. It's one of those updates that significantly improves your home's curb appeal and can offer a remarkable 100% return on investment, making it a smart financial choice. You can completely change the vibe of your home's exterior by choosing a new style that reflects your personality. Options like modern carved doors, classic carriage-style doors, or rustic barn doors can modernize the look and feel of your property without requiring a massive, time-consuming renovation.

A full replacement isn't the only path forward, especially if you're working with a tighter budget. With proper maintenance, garage doors can last around 30 years, so a simple refresh might be all you need. A new coat of paint, updated hardware, or minor repairs can make a huge difference for a fraction of the price. If you do decide a replacement is the best option, the cost for a new garage door typically ranges from $850 to $5,500, with an average around $1,200, so you can find an option that works for you.

One of the best ways to increase your home’s curb appeal is to upgrade the landscaping. Adding shrubbery, trees, and plants is a great way to add color, texture, and interest to your home. You’ll also want to clean up any plants or trees that have gotten overgrown.

Here are a few trending landscaping ideas to increase your property’s appeal:

• Utilize drought-tolerant plants

• Add low-carbon landscaping

• Create an immersive garden

• Incorporate recycled and reclaimed materials for your gardens

• Add wildlife-friendly shrubs and plants

Fencing your yard is an excellent way to protect family and pets while also defining the boundaries of your property. Fences come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and styles so you should be able to find one that matches your house’s style.

You may need to check with your homeowner’s association before you install a new fence because the HOA may dictate what style and height of fence you can install.

You may also need a site plan of your property to determine the best location for your fence and ensure it doesn’t infringe on your neighbor’s property line.

Creating an inviting outdoor space can transform your yard into an escape. You can do this by building a patio, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, or lounge area. Better Homes and Gardens recommends these tips for creating an outdoor oasis to improve the value of your home:

• Mix colors and textures

• Add plants

• Install ambient lighting

• Create areas of shade

• Add an outdoor kitchen and eating area

• Ensure the space is private

• Buy comfortable and durable furniture

• Add outdoor structures like a trellis, pergola, or arbor

• Install a hot tub or spa

• Build a fire pit or fireplace

Porches are great, welcoming spaces that can also serve as outdoor living areas. By adding a porch or enlarging your existing porch, you can create an inviting area to enjoy the neighborhood and a versatile space for entertaining.

If you choose to expand or add a porch, you may need a site plan to ensure precise measurements and design.

The style and functionality of your driveways and walkways can significantly increase your home's curb appeal. A big trend for driveways and walkways is to use permeable pavers, stamped concrete, or bricks to add some decorative interest to your home’s exterior.

You can change up the look of your walkways by changing the material or adding curves to create more interest. Don’t forget to add accent lights to illuminate pathways and increase safety at night.

Another great exterior home remodeling idea is adding exterior accent walls to your house. Try mixing materials to create a visual contrast with the rest of your house.

Popular exterior accent wall materials include:

• Horizontal lap siding

• Board-and-batten siding

• Decorative trim

• Corrugated metal

• Panels

• Shingles

You can mix and match these materials to highlight different exterior features like eaves, towers, or upper stories. If your budget won’t allow re-cladding an entire section of exterior wall, consider using paint to create colorful accents instead.

No matter what you choose, remember to keep an editing eye — accent walls only work when they’re used sparingly.

If your siding looks weathered or cracked, you’ll want to replace your sooner rather than later. Replacing siding is one of the most significant and cost-effective outdoor renovation ideas to improve your home’s value.

Plus, by replacing your siding you are improving your home’s exterior structure and you can expect to get a 91% return on your investment when you sell your house.

Since new siding offers such a great return on investment, picking the right material is a big decision. It’s about more than just color; you’re choosing your home's protective shell for decades. You'll want to weigh the initial cost against long-term durability and maintenance needs. While there are many options, fiber cement siding is a standout choice for its impressive resilience. It can last 50 years or more, is fire-resistant, and holds up against harsh weather like hail, which could even help lower your insurance costs. This makes it a fantastic low-maintenance option. Other strong materials like natural stone or stucco can also add beautiful texture and character to your home’s exterior.

Before you start knocking down walls or digging up your yard, it’s important to have a solid plan. A well-thought-out exterior remodel not only looks better but also runs more smoothly, saving you from headaches and unexpected costs down the line. Taking the time to prepare, from checking local rules to anticipating common issues, sets the foundation for a successful project that you’ll love for years to come. Let’s walk through the essential steps and potential pitfalls to keep in mind as you begin.

This is a big one. Before you even think about buying materials, you need to check with your local building department about permit requirements. Projects that involve structural changes—like adding a porch, replacing all your windows, or building a fence—almost always require a permit. Skipping this step can lead to fines, project delays, or even being forced to undo the work you’ve already done. Your permit application will likely require a detailed drawing of your property that shows existing structures and the location of your proposed changes. Getting the right site plans for permits is a crucial first step to ensure your project complies with local regulations.

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few missteps during a remodel. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make and how you can steer clear of them.

That perfect shade of gray you saw online can look completely different on your house. Natural light plays a huge role in how a color appears, and it changes throughout the day. The undertones in the paint can also clash with your roof or stone accents in ways you didn’t expect. Always buy sample pots and paint large swatches on different sides of your house. Live with them for a few days to see how they look in the morning sun, afternoon shade, and under your exterior lights before you commit to gallons of paint.

It’s tempting to focus on the cosmetic upgrades, but covering up a problem is never a good idea. For example, putting new siding over wood rot won’t make the rot go away; it will just trap moisture and make the problem worse. Before you start any aesthetic improvements, do a thorough inspection for issues like water damage, pests, or structural weaknesses. Addressing these foundational problems first will save you from much more expensive repairs later and ensure your beautiful new exterior lasts.

Every remodeler has a story about a project that uncovered a hidden issue. What starts as a simple window replacement can reveal a leaky frame and damaged wall sheathing. It’s a frustrating but common part of renovating. That’s why it’s smart to build a contingency fund into your budget—typically around 10-20% of the total project cost. This buffer gives you peace of mind and ensures that when an unexpected problem pops up, you have the resources to handle it without derailing your entire project.

While many exterior upgrades offer a fantastic return on investment, some are more about personal enjoyment than adding resale value. That’s perfectly fine! Your home should be a place you love. However, if your primary goal is to increase your home’s market price, it’s helpful to know which projects typically don’t recoup their costs. Think of these as investments in your lifestyle. They can make your home more enjoyable for you and your family, but you may not see a dollar-for-dollar return when it’s time to sell.

Elaborate hardscaping features like custom fire pits, retaining walls, or gazebos can create an amazing backyard oasis. They extend your living space and provide a great spot for entertaining. However, these features are highly specific to personal taste. While you might love your stone fire pit, a potential buyer might see it as something that takes up valuable yard space. Because of this, complex hardscaping projects often have a lower ROI compared to more universal upgrades like a new deck or patio.

Swimming pools and solar panels can be polarizing features for homebuyers. A pool can be a dream come true for one family and a maintenance nightmare for another, especially in climates with short swim seasons. Similarly, while solar panels can reduce energy bills, some buyers are put off by their appearance or the complexity of taking over a lease agreement. These projects can be fantastic for your own use and enjoyment, but don’t count on them to significantly increase your home’s sale price across the board.

Hopefully, we’ve given you a few new ideas to help refresh the look of your home and your outdoor spaces. If you’re planning projects like updating your porch, building a new fence, or resurfacing your driveway, it’s important to know the details of your property before you get started. That’s where a site plan comes in handy. My Site Plan can help you create a site plan for your property in as little as 24 hours so you can get started right away.

Ready to get to work updating the exterior of your house? Get in touch with My Site Plan to see how we can help.