Exterior Ideas for Remodeling Ranch Homes

The ranch-style home is a classic design.

When remodeling the exterior of a ranch home, adding something new can help update the style. Whether the home has been standing for decades or is fairly new, additions small or large can make a big difference in the home's appearance. According to Remodeling Center's article on ranch-style homes, the style is sometimes criticized for being too simple. Additions during renovation can help add some complexity to the exterior.

Stone Siding

Adding stone to the exterior of the ranch home, interchanged with tasteful wooden shingles, can add a classic look. Stone-style plastic siding is available at specialty stores for easy application and is available in various types and colors. True stone siding can be installed with the use of mortar directly onto the exterior of the home, for those with more renovation experience. Stone finishes can be added to the entirety of the exterior. However for a ranch home, the stone finish would classically only be applied to the entrance.

Windows

New windows can take a boring, solid wall of a ranch style home and dress it up. Windows of all shapes and sizes are available for do-it-yourself installation. However, most hardware stores offer installation with the purchase of a window, making it a convenient and hassle-free renovation. Consider adding windows to parts of the exterior that appear to be uneventful, dressing it up and adding a warm, classic ranch feel to the home.

Front Door

An updated front door can make a big difference in the appearance of the ranch style home. Replacing a dull and flat door with a large, decorated wooden door is not as daunting as it may sound. Solid wooden doors are available pre-hung from most hardware stores and installation is as easy as attaching the new door to the old hinges. For the ranch-style home, a large, pre-hung door with accenting windows can add an updated modern feel to the exterior.

References

• Let's Renovate: Exterior and Siding
• Remodeling Center: Ranch-Style Home Ideas