April 8, 2008
If your house siding is sagging, then it may be time for a replacement job. There are many options to choose from, depending on how much you want to spend and the look you're after. Quality exterior siding is important for curb appeal if you're planning to sell your house (or just want it to look great while you live there), and it's also important for more practical reasons. Siding protects your house from the elements (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
So, how much do various house siding options costs? Let's take a look, since that will likely play a part in your decision:
- Brick -- $6-$12 per square foot
- Brick/Stone Veneers -- $5-$6
- Engineered Wood -- $1-$3
- Fiber-cement -- $1-$6
- Metal Siding -- $1-$6
- Solid Wood -- $1-$5
- Stucco -- $1-$10
- Vinyl -- $1-$6
These price estimates come from the Fall/Winter 2007 "Exteriors" issue of Better Homes & Gardens and should just be considered starting points for figuring your own potential costs.
March 29, 2008
If you've always dreamed of a log home in the mountains or on some pristine wildnerness lake but aren't ready to give up the convenience of that house in the city, you can get into the spirit with log siding or--perhaps even more practical--steel log siding.
This faux wood steel siding from Karst Builders can make your home look like it's made from logs without the required maintenance that comes with actual wood. But can steel fool anyone? Here's what the company says:
"We run the steel through several stations on the machine that not only round the panel to look like a log but also textures the steel to make it look more like a cut log. Your home will look like a log home at a fraction of the cost, and lack the maintenance needed for a real log home."
If the picture is any indication, it looks pretty realistic to me. Only the woodpeckers will know the difference...
Karst Builders
March 19, 2008
Nothing says "I'm tired of your dog digging under the fence and mauling my tulips" like a massive concrete barrier between you and your neighbor's yards. But would you really want to install a concrete fence in a residential neighborhood? It's fine for industrial stuff, but a little cold for a nicely landscaped yard, right?
Well, you might be surprised.
Decorative concrete fence panels, textured and styled facades, and colorful stains and dyes can go a long ways toward making a concrete fence look good.
Concrete fences have some worthwhile benefits too, such as increased security for your yard and home (the neighbor's dog isn't the only one who will have trouble breeching such a substantial barrier), the ability to withstand high winds (important to consider in hurricane and tornado country), durability against sun and weather, non-flammability (just in case your house is located in wild fire country), sound absorption (if you live by a busy street or freeway), privacy (go ahead and go to the hot tub naked... no one will see in your yard), and of course concrete can last for years and years with relatively little maintenance.
Picture from Spokane's CS Concrete Fence MFG
February 25, 2008
If you've got natural gas heating your home, powering your stove, or creating the flames in a gas fireplace, then you've got a gas meter. It's a foregone conclusion that utility companies weren't thinking curb appeal when they designed their meters either. Fortunately, there are ways to cover these blemishes on the side of your house up.
For example, GasCov not only covers up your gas meter with a more attractive facade, but it also protects the equipment from corrosion from the weather (sprinkler system, neighbor dogs lifting their legs, etc. etc.).
It's supposed to be quick and simple to install, and yet it's still easy for the gas man to access the meter if necessary.
http://www.gascov.com
February 5, 2008
There are lots of way to add curb appeal to your home. You might think of landscaping and additions to the yard, but don't forget the exterior of the house itself. One easy to update item are the house numbers.
If your current house numbers are old, plain, rusty, hanging askew, or missing completely, you can pick up new ones in many styles. For the nature lover, these "twig and vine" numbers from Atlas Homewares might be a nice choice.
The numbers are available in pewter or copper finishes (make sure you're placing dark house numbers against light-colored paint or siding, so they'll be easily visible from the street) and stand 5" high and 3.5" wide with a .25" projection.
Price: $12.60 per digit
Atlas Homewares
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