Your exterior should be protected from the weather. Depending on your climate you might want to choose from one of many available siding options. Metal and wood are both very popular. Each type comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Natural wood is best if you want to preserve the originality of your home. Metal is a good alternative if you need something durable and easy to maintain. A vinyl-like product made of polyvinyl chloride can be chosen. Both products are easy-to-install and require minimal maintenance.
Wood siding can be ordered in a variety of colors and styles. A textured finish is also possible. The siding will have more patterns the rougher it is. You can choose to have your siding painted if you prefer a cleaner look. This finish is more resistant against weathering and insect infestation. A painted finish protects wood against fungus.
Redwood and spruce are North America's most widely used woods. These woods come in many lengths and grade options. The wood that has the most heartwood is more resistant to insects. Redwood is the most popular siding type. However, it is difficult to machine. It should be power-washed every year. It's also expensive.
Engineered wood is another option. It is made from saw dust, bonding agents and other materials. This type of siding costs less than natural wood and is lighter. It can also be used as shingles or stucco panel styles. Pre-finished panels are also available, but you will need to paint them.
Cypress is another kind of wood. Cypress is durable and lightweight but more costly. It is highly sought-after because of its anti-rot properties.
Clapboard and lap are the most popular types of siding. These are both horizontal planks about 1 inch thick. You can have your siding cut down to a certain length. You can have your siding tailored to your exact dimensions if you're willing pay more. In addition, some homeowners prefer to use stone veneer. It's often used on the lower part of main wall walls and driveway pillars. It can add an unique look to your home.
There are also brick, stucco, shingles and other types of siding. These options all come in a variety of shapes and styles. If you're looking for a truly unique look for your home, you might also consider fiber cement. It's almost as natural as a wood grain. It comes in stucco and panel styles, as well full-finished pieces. This type of siding is environmentally friendly and comes in a wide range of colors.
Metal siding is a popular option. Although it's not as durable as wood siding, it can still be reused. It's also resistant to corrosion. It can be painted or factory-finished. You can also pick fire-retardant roofing shingles. It's possible to choose a variety of styles, from shakes to soffits.
FAQ
Can I do the whole renovation myself?
Do it yourself - you'll save time and money.
It doesn't matter how much you love DIY, there are times when you simply cannot do it yourself. It may be impossible to control the many variables.
If you have an older home, for example, the wiring might be outdated. To ensure safety and reliability, you will need to hire an electrician.
It is possible that your renovations might cause structural damage.
Additionally, you may not have the right tools to complete the job. You will need a special tool called the plumber's snake to clean clogged pipes if you plan to install a kitchen sink.
There are plumbing codes that will require you to hire a licensed plumber for your project.
Let's just say that you must know what you can do before you undertake such a daunting task.
If you aren't sure if you have the skills or knowledge to tackle the task, get help from your family and friends.
They can give you advice on what steps you need to take and where you can go to learn more about the subject.
How can you avoid being ripped off during renovations to your house?
The best way to avoid being ripped off is to know what you are paying for. Make sure you read every word of the contract before signing it. You should also not sign any unsigned contracts. Always request a copy of any signed contracts.
How do I start a renovation of a house?
You must first clear out the clutter outside and inside your home. Next, you will need to eliminate mold, repair or replace any damaged walls, repaint your entire interior, and fix any leaky pipes. Finally, you need to clean off the exterior surfaces and apply fresh paint.
Is it better for floors or walls to be done first?
The best way for any project to get started is to decide what you want. It is important that you think about how and who you want to use the space. This will help you choose flooring or wallcoverings.
You may want to lay flooring before you create an open-plan kitchen/living space. You can also choose wall coverings if you want to make the room private.
Is it better to hire either a general or subcontractor?
It is more expensive to hire a general contractor than to subcontract. A general contractor has many employees, so they often charge their clients a lot of money for labor costs. A subcontractor hires only one employee so they charge less per an hour.
Statistics
- Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (kiplinger.com)
- It is advisable, however, to have a contingency of 10–20 per cent to allow for the unexpected expenses that can arise when renovating older homes. (realhomes.com)
- The average fixed rate for a home-equity loan was recently 5.27%, and the average variable rate for a HELOC was 5.49%, according to Bankrate.com. (kiplinger.com)
- A final payment of, say, 5% to 10% will be due when the space is livable and usable (your contract probably will say "substantial completion"). (kiplinger.com)
- ‘The potential added value of a loft conversion, which could create an extra bedroom and ensuite, could be as much as 20 per cent and 15 per cent for a garage conversion.' (realhomes.com)
External Links
How To
Where can I find information regarding home improvements?
Home improvement projects can be a cost-saving way to improve your home. You can make your home attractive without spending a lot. You can paint, landscape, or add a hot tub to your home. You can find many resources online to help you make these changes.
There is a lot of information available on the internet regarding home improvement projects. Many websites provide detailed instructions on how to complete various tasks. You can see how your house would look after you have completed each task on many of these websites.
Professionals may also write articles about home improvement topics. You may find an article in a magazine about the best kind of paint to paint your walls. This article may give you some tips for choosing the right colors and types to match your decor.
You can also find websites that provide advice and recommendations on home improvements. You can find great information on home improvement projects at websites like Yelp.com and Pinterest.com. Every website offers useful information about products or services that might be of interest to you.
Some websites are only for home improvement. Lowe's.com is one example. It allows you to search through the company's collection of tools and materials for home improvement projects. You may also find useful information on how to choose and install window treatments.
Home improvements can be exciting, rewarding, and fun. It is possible to make your house more attractive by learning about them.