Our guide to exterior renovations for your home
As architects, our projects include both interior and exterior refurbishments. We may have to spruce up a classic exterior, or the brief could be to bring a contemporary air to a tired-looking newer home. We can advise on the correct roof tiles and exterior wall finishes for a London townhouse or make suggestions to refresh a modern exterior home renovation.
Exterior renovations for period classics
Many of our projects involve the exterior refurbishment of a period house, often a townhouse and usually with interesting period features that our clients want to retain. If the house is Listed, it will be necessary that the relevant architectural details and features are renovated according to Listed requirements and the work is carried out subject to Listed building consent.
We have covered exterior options for a Listed home in our Journal before, discussing the replacement of exterior doors. Our tasks may also include renovating and repairing exterior plaster and stucco finishes. If the house is part of a terrace, we will need to be mindful of maintaining the overall look of the terrace. Our architectural team will be able to plan and specify the type of materials, colours and finishes to be used, keeping to the overall look and style of the surrounding homes. We will also research and use the appropriate paints, colours and materials that are suited to the age and style of the building.
Brick-built houses, particularly from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, may have been painted over, so we may be involved with exterior repair and repainting. Older brick-built houses may also be in need of restoration, such as re-pointing and rectifying damp areas, as well as masonry repairs. If an extension is required, we will also take care of sourcing and specifying the most suitable bricks.
Contemporary exterior updates
Modern homes, which we would consider to date from the 1960s onwards, as opposed to newer 21st-century builds, are often ripe for an overhaul. Whilst the structure may be robust, the style is often nowadays considered to be dated and out of favour.
These rather unlovable homes can be given a spectacular new lease of life. They are often extended at the back with open-plan kitchen-dining rooms leading out into a newly landscaped back garden. There’s a strong trend for rendering the 1960s and 70s brickwork, usually in white or ivory, but darker shades such as grey or black can be used to create a brand new, striking look.
Windows are often replaced with black or grey aluminium or composite double or triple-glazed versions. Refurbishing contemporary houses often involves an emphasis on sustainability and energy-saving features. Spectacular glazing, particularly at the back of the house, can add a very interesting style element to the exterior renovation, such as full-width folding or sliding glazed doors and oversized windows or roof lights.
Shabby brown or grey concrete roof tiles can be replaced with new ones, and again, grey tones are often favoured. Subject to planning requirements, larger windows at the front may also be installed, creating a more contemporary appeal. Our team will be able to advise clients on what is likely to be approved by local planning officers regarding dramatic changes to the exterior of the house.
Exterior Changes: Garden areas
It’s not just the exterior of the building that needs to be considered. As well as walls and windows, our team will also be looking at the porch and doorstep areas, the garden path, perhaps fencing and landscaping and the back garden or terrace areas. Our exterior ideas will be designed to work in harmony with the building, for both contemporary and traditional homes.
Front door in Basalt by Little Greene
The JLE Studio expert view on exterior renovations
We understand that whilst it might not be very exciting thinking about the colour of bricks or roof tiles for your new home, it is very important that the exterior is well-maintained and looks presentable and cared-for. We are able to look after and renovate period and Listed homes, as well as bring a breath of fresh air and a new look to more contemporary buildings. Contact our team today to discuss the ways we can give the exterior of your house a new lease of life.