How do you make the front of a ranch house look better?

Quick Answers

There are several quick and affordable ways to improve the look of the front exterior of a ranch style house:

Add new house numbers or address plaque
Repaint or restain the front door

Install new exterior lighting fixtures
Plant flowers or bushes in front flower beds
Refresh the lawn with new sod or seed

Add a front porch or expand existing porch
Install a new mailbox or post
Power wash siding and concrete areas

Add stone or brick accents to entryway
Repaint or restain exterior siding

Focusing on a few inexpensive updates to the entryway of a ranch house can make a big visual impact and boost the curb appeal.

Why Improve the Front of a Ranch House?

There are several good reasons to make improvements to the front exterior of a ranch style home:

Increase curb appeal – A more welcoming facade can increase perceived value.
Reflect personal style – The entryway sets expectations for the rest of the home.

Enhance security – Better lighting deters crime.
Boost efficiency – New doors, windows or siding improve energy use.
Prepare for sale – Curb appeal is critical for selling a home.

Increase enjoyment – A pretty homefront is more pleasant to arrive home to.

So whether you want to update the look of your home for your own enjoyment or increase resale potential down the road, focusing on the exterior front of a ranch house is time and money well spent.

Where to Start with Ranch House Front Improvements

When figuring out where to start with improving the front exterior of a ranch style house, consider these steps:

Take stock of what you’re working with. Note the condition of siding, trim, lighting, and other features.
Decide on your budget. Property improvements can range from DIY projects for under $500 to major renovations costing tens of thousands.
Prioritize areas to tackle. The entry door area provides the most visual impact for the investment.

Research costs. Obtain several quotes for any contracted work like porch construction.
Create a plan. Decide which projects you can DIY and which to hire out. Schedule accordingly.
Check for permits. For structural changes like porch additions, permits are usually required.

Starting small with a few weekend DIY facelifts can make a big difference. But for more involved renovations, careful planning and hiring professionals pays off in the long run.

DIY Solutions for Improving Ranch House Front

Here are some affordable DIY ideas for giving the front exterior of a ranch style house a boost:

Landscaping

Plant colorful flowers like petunias, pansies, and snapdragons in front yard beds

Add mulch around trees and shrubs
Edge and define walkways and beds
Prune overgrown bushes and branches

Weed and tidy up beds and lawn areas
Fertilize and overseed lawn as needed
Install sod for immediate lawn impact

Add hardscaping like pavers or retaining wall blocks

Well maintained landscaping cleans up the look of a home and adds curb appeal.

Entryway

Add a fresh coat of paint or stain to the front door

Install new attractive house numbers
Update exterior lighting around door
Add decorative touches like wreaths, flags, or potted plants

Install a new mailbox or post
Add a doormat for an inviting touch
Repair any cracks or damage around front steps

Little details around the front entrance make a big difference in first impressions of a home.

Exterior Surfaces

Repaint or restain worn siding
Replace damaged trim boards

Make repairs to soffits or fascia if needed
Patch holes, cracks, or gaps and repaint
Replace old, rotting wood if present

Power wash siding, concrete, decks to remove grime

Sealing up any imperfections maintains your home’s facade and structure.

Additions and Structures

Build a front porch if none exists

Expand an existing porch
Add decorative posts, railings, or benches to a porch
Install trellises, flower boxes, or garland along porch

Add a grand front door surround
Erect a pergola, gazebo, or arbor in front yard

Structural additions require more skill but deliver dramatic curb appeal.

Costlier Upgrades for Curb Appeal

More expensive projects that can transform the look of a ranch house front include:

Siding Replacement

Vinyl siding – $3,000 to $10,000
Engineered wood siding – $6,000 to $12,000

Fiber cement siding – $8,000 to $20,000
Brick veneer siding – $10,000 to $20,000
Stone veneer siding – $10,000 to $25,000

New siding immediately gives homes a fresh facelift.

Exterior Painting

Full exterior paint job – $2000 to $6000
Accent trim or front door paint – $500 to $2000

A new coat of paint provides an affordable refresh.

Windows

Replacement windows – $300 to $800 per window installed
New bay or bowed windows – $500 to $1500 per window

Window shutters or trim – $100 to $300 per window

New windows modernize a home’s look and improve energy efficiency.

Front Door

New steel entry door – $500 to $2000 installed

Custom wood entry door – $1000 to $4000 installed
Transom windows above door – $300 to $1000

A new front door makes a dramatic statement.

Hiring Contractors for Exterior Remodels

Since ranch style homes often have large plain facades, hiring professionals is wise for more complex renovations:

General contractors oversee and manage the project and subcontractors
Carpenters construct additions like porches

Masons install brick or stone veneers
Siding specialists replace existing siding
Painting contractors paint large surfaces like siding

Landscapers overhaul the lawn and beds

Get multiple bids and check references to find qualified contractors near you.

Signs of a Good Contractor

Look for these signs when vetting and hiring contractors:

Good standing with licensing boards and the BBB
Proof of insurance
Excellent references

Professional website and presentations
Detailed bid explaining the work
Willingness to answer all questions

The right contractor helps ensure a hassle-free and quality project.

Setting a Realistic Ranch House Remodel Budget

Budgeting for front exterior renovations depends on factors like:

Scope of work – Small cosmetic fixes vs major overhauls

Quality of materials and fixtures
Amount of professional labor required
Geographic location of the property

Special site considerations like difficult access

Here are typical ranges for overall budgets:

Project Scope	Typical Budget Range
DIY facelift like paint, plants, lighting	$500 – $5,000
Minor renovations like porch refresh, door/window replacements	$5,000 – $20,000
Major remodels like siding, masonry, additions	$20,000 – $100,000+

Having a budget helps guide choices on size and scope of project.

Getting Best Value for Curb Appeal Projects

To get the most bang for your buck on exterior renovations:

Make cosmetic improvements first like paint, landscaping, lighting
Focus on renovating the front entry area for maximum visibility

Consider less costly siding like vinyl versus stone veneer
Plan porch additions under roof lines to avoid moving rooflines
Shop sales on items like nursery plants, doors, and windows

Complete as much work yourself as possible if a DIYer
Get quotes from several contractors to compare pricing

Smart planning and design choices stretch your remodel dollars furthest.

Increasing Home Value through Curb Appeal Projects

Curb appeal projects can positively impact resale value. Some updates that boost value the most include:

Improvement	Potential Value Increase
New stone or brick veneer siding	60-150% of project cost
New vinyl or fiber cement siding	50-120% of project cost
Major landscaping overhaul with trees, beds, lighting	100-200% of project cost
Porch addition	30-70% of project cost
New architecturally detailed front door	50-200% of project cost

While not all costs are recouped, good renovations add value beyond just aesthetic appeal.

Curb Appeal Tips for Ranch Style Homes

Ranch style homes present unique challenges for improving street facade. Here are tips tailored to ranches:

Add window shutters for extra detail on plain siding
Choose narrow horizontal siding like lap or board-and-batten
Extend the roofline to provide cover for a front porch

Opt for a long, low profile porch rather than a tall narrow one
Incorporate brick or stone accents around the front entry
Add dormers to help break up a monotonous roofline

Plant foundation shrubs and trees to soften home’s horizontal lines
Select a front door with some height and architectural interest

Focusing on vertical elements keeps ranch homes from appearing too flat and one-dimensional.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls of Exterior Remodels

Watch out for these snags on front facade projects:

Lack of planning around electrical, drainage, structural needs
Not getting permits required for additions like porches

Cheaping out on materials or contractors
Over-improving for the neighborhood
Doing work out of order like painting before repairs

Not checking contractor credentials and references
Making changes mid-project that increase costs
Going overboard on unique personal style

Careful planning, an order process, and quality workmanship prevents expensive problems down the road.

Maintaining Your Ranch House’s New Curb Appeal

Preserving your home’s refreshed exterior requires some upkeep:

Expect to repaint or restain siding about every 5-10 years

Inspect weather stripping, seals, and exterior caulking annually
Pressure wash siding each year to remove grime
Reapply exterior sealants as needed to protect surfaces

Watch for damage, leaks, or cracks and repair quickly
Keep up with landscaping pruning, mowing, weeding, fertilizing
Remove snow and ice promptly in winter to avoid damage

Clean out gutters and ensure proper drainage

Proper maintenance protects your investment and keeps your home looking its best.

Conclusion

Improving the front exterior of a ranch style home can dramatically boost its curb appeal. Focus on affordable updates like fresh landscaping and a new front door first to get the most visual impact for your dollar. More extensive renovations like porch additions, siding, and stonework can transform a home’s look but require careful planning and hiring skilled contractors. Maintaining your home’s new facade with regular care ensures your curb appeal efforts pay off for years down the road. With some creativity and sweat equity, you can craft an exterior space you’ll be excited to come home to.