A face lift for your Home

In the last 2 articles, we've talked about the importance of the entrance. Today we'll look at approaches to giving your home a face lift: greatly improving the look and character of your home by replacing surface finish materials and adding features. This presents yet another opportunity to get creative and push the envelope, while working with what you've got.

When you're dealing with a tired facade, the "no-brainer" approach, or path of least resistance: re-panting, patching stucco and repairing trim, but keeping the general character and appearance of the house the same. While you can make huge improvements this way, I suggest getting creative, and throwing some personality into the mix.

In San Francisco, we really have some unique opportunities for this kind of thing. We have what often was some well conceived architecture at some point in time, but has grown tired over the years. Or maybe, it is the result of someone's attempt to stylize their home, which has not withstood the test of time well. The repetitive mid-century homes are particularly exciting and full of potential.

When doing facade remodel projects, I often try and do some uncommon things, but I usually try to work with the existing architectural identity, or "bone-structure". This keeps things simple from a construction, and permitting standpoint, and it is respectful of the architecture that exists.

The first set of ingredients is a palette of around 3 different materials. I like to mix something uncommon and surprising with some classic, or pre-existing finishes. A balance of eye catching, and understated materials allows you to selectively: break up, unify, highlight or downplay existing elements.

The addition of architectural features is the second part of the recipe. Awnings, windows, trim and ornament are like the jewelry, or icing on the cake. When used effectively, they serve to break up, or tie together existing features and massing of a house. Sometimes these elements can add interest to a dull facade.

This house already has a pleasing modern ethic. But the finishes are tired, the windows are old, and the simple massing is somewhat monotonous. And the lack of opening alignment at the lower level looks sloppy.

Before

 

In this makeover, the new palette brakes up monotony, but highlights existing massing. New windows add interest, rhythm and consistency. Metallic highlights add detail. A new awning hides the misalignment of openings and ties the whole thing together.

After

The new palette is a combination of existing finishes being restored, and new finish materials which "float" over the existing face for ease of installation and minimal disruption. The Parklex panels around the box bay add spice and something unexpected to a very common San Francisco mid century tract home.

 

Resources

Parklex exterior grade wood composite panel system.