5 Stunning Exterior Remodeling Trends to Boost Curb Appeal

Although there are many functional benefits of performing exterior renovations, the best exterior remodeling projects will be executed with an eye toward boosting curb appeal in the process. To this effect, a garage door replacement, new windows, a pergola addition, a siding upgrade, and installing a gravel driveway are 5 of the most stunning exterior remodeling trends that can help make your New Orleans home shine.

1. Garage Door Replacement

Dented, dinged, and faded garage doors can be a serious eyesore. As a result, upgrading is one of the best ways to quickly improve curb appeal. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report shows that it is one of the most lucrative projects for the New Orleans region, with replacements recouping 93.2% of project costs.

While there are a number of modern garage doors that will provide a stunning aspect to a wide range of homes, steel, wood composite, and vinyl are some of the most popular styles in the New Orleans area, as they have the ability to be fabricated in a variety of colors and styles and perform well during hurricane season. To add an element of creativity to one of these choices, consider an innovative garage pergola as a finishing touch.  

2. New Windows

Windows are a critical element of establishing curb appeal. Commonly referred to as “the eyes of the home,” windows are one of the first things passersby will notice when assessing your house. As a result, new windows are an important remodeling project for homeowners in the New Orleans region. 

Double-hung vinyl windows are the most popular style of replacement window in New Orleans, thanks to their classy appearance and moisture resistance. However, if you are wanting a little extra protection from the elements, consider the benefits of upgrading to hurricane resistant windows. These top-of-the-line windows can withstand winds of up to 250 MPH and offer elite protection against projectile debris. In addition, they can be fabricated in a variety of styles to enhance the curb appeal of a variety of building types.

3. Pergola Addition

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners have placed a premium on remodeling exterior areas of the home to increase the functional space of their property, allowing them to maximize safer-at-home scenarios. This has led to an increase in the construction of patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, and firepits.

If you have added or are considering one of these spaces to your New Orleans-area yard, look into the benefits of adorning it with a modern pergola. Not only will a pergola provide shade and protection from precipitation, but there are a number of stunning designs that can add an artistic element to your exterior and boost curb appeal in the process.

4. Siding Upgrade

In addition to being one of the critical components of the building envelope, siding, like windows, is one of the first things people notice when assessing curb appeal. To this effect, steel siding is one of the most popular choices for the New Orleans region. Not only does steel offer the best protection from wind and projectile debris, but it can be fabricated in a number of designs to mimic products such as wood or stone.

If steel does not necessarily suit your taste, board and batten siding is another option that is making a comeback, thanks to its rustic, homey appearance. While the traditional wood planks used for board and batten may not be the best choice for the New Orleans humidity, there are a number of composite and synthetic board and batten options that maintain the same rustic charm while also providing elite moisture resistance.

5. Gravel Driveway

A new concrete driveway looks stunning when new. However, it quickly begins to lose its luster. Leaking car fluids are a threat to stain the surface, while heavy precipitation can erode the subgrade, causing the driveway to crack or collapse in places.

A more innovative option that can help maintain curb appeal over time is a permeable gravel driveway. While traditional gravel driveways ran the risk of rutting and clumping in the face of weather and heavy use, modern permeable pavers hold the gravel in place, ensuring a consistent appearance in the face of a wide variety of conditions. Gravel driveways offer the best drainage of any driveway type on the market, making them ideal for the moist Gulf Coast region.

Andrea Erickson is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. She is a blogger and content writer for the real estate industry. Andrea is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.