8 exterior home renovation ideas

Renovating your home also involves the exterior. Whether it's simple maintenance, beautification, or waterproofing work, these tasks shouldn't be neglected. Facade renovation, roof cleaning, repaint the gate and fences, replace its shutters, rejuvenating your terrace…, the renovation of the exterior of the house, subject to the weather, sometimes deserves a serious makeover.

1. Renovate the facade of the house

Renovating the facade of your house remains an important step in preserving the value and structural integrity of the building. In general, A facade renovation is recommended every fifteen to twenty years in order to maintain a clean and protected exterior.

This intervention becomes even more necessary in urban areas or near busy roads. Pollution, dust, and harsh weather gradually degrade paints and coatings. Over time, the facade can lose its luster and show visible signs of wear. Planning renovations in advance therefore helps avoid more significant damage and more costly repairs. A well-planned exterior renovation also contributes to improving the overall aesthetics of the home. It increases the property's value while strengthening the walls' protection against moisture and leaks.

Before starting the work, It is advisable to carefully observe the condition of the facade. Certain signs should alert homeowners. Peeling paint, cracked plaster, or signs of dampness are often the first indicators. In some cases, a simple high-pressure cleaning may be enough to restore a clean appearance to the facade. However, if the materials are damaged, a more complete renovation will be necessary.

This work may include repairing cracks, repointing joints, or applying new plaster. It's also wise to check the condition of the walls to prevent water infiltration. A well-maintained facade provides lasting protection for the house's structure.

To successfully renovate a facade, several best practices can make all the difference. It is recommended to choose materials suited to the type of wall and the local climate. Paints and coatings must be resistant to temperature variations and weathering. Hiring a professional also ensures an accurate assessment and tailored advice.

Some works may also require prior notification to the town hall.

Finally, taking advantage of this exterior home renovation to improve insulation or modernize the aesthetic appearance can be an excellent opportunity. A renovated facade immediately breathes new life into the house and enhances its durability.

2. Inspect and repair the roof

If your roof is a certain age, it certainly needs to be checked. It may need to be cleaned to remove moss and dirt, which are ultimately responsible for leaks. Some tiles may also have moved or broken, and will then need to be replaced or put back in place. If the damage is too severe, it will be necessary to renovate the roof completely and replace the tiles. This may be an opportunity to undertake more significant insulation work, or to add a under roof screen which helps prevent infiltration. Maintaining the roof, pipes and gutters are part of interviews requested by your home insurance.

To go further read the article “ Choosing your roof: an asset for energy performance ».

3. Modernize the facade of the house

Working on the facade of the house is an opportunity to give it a boost.

Repaint the facade

To start fresh and modernize your home, the simplest thing is to repaint or redo the exterior plaster of the house. Indeed, the roughcast 80s houses that are still commonly seen have not only faded, but have also gone out of fashion. Instead of ochre and salmon tones, we now prefer more neutral shades, or on the contrary bold and dark colors.

Dare to use material effects

Plastering can take many forms. Smooth, textured, exterior house coverings come in a wide range of textures and colors. Redoing them gives your home a completely different appearance.

Dressing your house in wood

wooden houses also inspire renovation. Inspired by the trend towards natural materials, many are opting for the implementation of a wood siding on all or part of the house. The latter radically transforms the appearance of the house and gives it a warm and authentic touch.

We take stock of the costs of exterior renovation work in the article “ What budget for the exterior fittings of your house? ».

4. Refurbishing your shutters

Highly exposed to the elements, shutters often deteriorate over time. The paint peels, the wood swells and can be permanently damaged. Stripping, repairing and then repainting is the right method to preserve the appearance of the wooden shutters. Beyond that, changing their color is also an opportunity to give the house a strong identity or to modernize it. To go further and gain in comfort, you can also replace old shutters with roller shutters motorized.

5. Renovate gate and fence

Redo your shutters This could be the perfect opportunity to rethink all the exterior features of the house. When undertaking an exterior home renovation, it is often beneficial to harmonize all the elements visible from the street.

The gate and fence play a significant role in the overall appearance of a property. Over time, these features can lose their luster or show signs of wear. A simple repaint can sometimes give them a new lease on life. This intervention immediately improves the aesthetics of the entrance while reinforcing visual harmony with the facade and shutters.

In some cases, a renovation may also involve a more complete restoration. An old gate It can be stripped, repaired, and then repainted to extend its lifespan. The fence can also be cleaned, reinforced, or modernized to restore a neat appearance. These projects are often quick to implement and improve the exterior image of the house. They fit perfectly into a home exterior renovation strategy aimed at increasing the property's value.

It's also possible to take advantage of this work to consider a complete replacement of the gate or fence. Modern models now offer greater comfort and security. Some gates can be motorized, making daily access to the property easier. Others offer more contemporary designs that instantly modernize the entrance to the house. By combining renovated shutters, a coordinated gate, and a refurbished fence, the exterior gains in coherence and elegance.

6. Redesign the exterior spaces and create a terrace

Renovating the exterior of a house can allow you to gain m2 by creating living spaces or outdoor storage. Without embarking on the construction of a full-fledged extension, the simple installation of a wooden deck with an awning brings comfort and well-being. The construction of a terrace, especially if it is raised and greater than 40 m2, may be subject to obtaining a building permit.

7. Enhance your comfort with accessories and home automation in the garden

cornices, installing an awning or new outdoor lighting are works that add value to your home. They make you gain in comfort of life and beautify the house. What if you invested in a little automation. Outside, the latter has serious advantages. Lights that are triggered when you pass by, automatic gates, etc., so many installations that make daily life easier. Today, these devices have become widely available, so why not get started. An exterior renovation is the ideal time to take action, discreetly run unsightly cables to finally have light in places where it was sorely lacking.

8. A makeover for garden paths

Sometimes, a simple high-pressure cleaning is enough to remove moss and deposits. But often, the floors have become warped and uneven. It is then necessary to renovate or start from scratch. Slabs, paving stones, wooden slats, duckboards, etc., there are a large number of materials to renovate your aisles and modernize your gardens.

Exterior house renovation: what are the administrative procedures?

Installing a fence, modifying the facade, or installing cladding, etc., these works may sometimes request the completion of a prior declaration of works.