5 DIY Curb Appeal Before and Afters
When it comes to our homes, there eventually comes a time when we all need to invest in a face-lift. Whether it was simply a fresh coat of paint, or an entire external revamp, you all showed us that there's a lot of hard work, dedication, and pride that comes with being the best-looking house on the block. Here is a look at the top picks for curb-appeal remodels in our fifth-annual Reader Remodel Contest, chosen by the editors at This Old House.
See ALL our favorite curb appeal before and afters from the 2012 Reader Remodel contest at ThisOldHouse.com!
1. Before: The Winner! A Colorful Queen Anne Restoration
Who: Diana K.
Where: Bloomington, IL
She wanted to preserve this 1894 Queen Anne house, for which demolition was imminent. In order to do that, she purchased and moved the house to a vacant double lot in 2004.
After: The Winner! A Colorful Queen Anne Restoration
She and her family successfully restored the house to its 1894 appearance, and we have created an authentic landscape that is appropriate to the period and architecture of the house. They acted as their own general contractors. They did all of the exterior painting and window restoration, in addition to a million other tasks-including all of the landscaping-themselves. Retaining a positive outlook was also often difficult when they were constantly reminded by others that they "didn't know what they had gotten themselves into." What she likes best is that they have preserved a piece of history and with the yard, created a thing of beauty.
Read more on this winning or see more photos from this remodel
RELATED:Meet the Grand Prize Winners of the 2012 Reader Remodel Contest
2. Before: Restored Charm and Vitality
Who: Ken M.
Where: Glen Ridge, NJ
This tired old house had been vacant, vandalized, and broken. It is a small house in the historic town of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, highly rated for its proximity to New York City and top-level school system.
After: Restored Charm and Vitality
He turned a sad, abandoned, and foreclosed house into a sunny new home for a happy family! This house was a complete rehab. He and his family did all the landscaping and design and hired an architect for the interior plans and town permits. They expanded upon existing perennials to create a country garden effect. The new mahogany door, portico, and lamps bring perspective and beauty. The window shutters bring balance, and the new doors and paint job bring function and beauty.
See more photos from this remodel
RELATED:Best Whole-House Before and Afters 2012
3. Before: Diamond in the Rough
Who: Todd D.
Where: Vincentown, NJ
While others saw a dilapidated, overgrown old house, he saw how beautiful it would be when restored.
After: Diamond in the Rough
He and his family are now living in their dream house. He says it is satisfying to see it return to its former self. The hardest part was having the patience needed for a project its size. And, of course, things are never straightforward when working on an almost 200-year-old house; there are always hidden problems. They were fortunate enough to have the HABS drawings for the house and were able to replicate all of the details.
See more photos from this remodel
RELATED:See the One Room Wonder winners!
4. Before: Hometown House Is a Dream Cottage
Who: Corey and Katie G.
Where: Costa Mesa, CA
They bought this as their first house because it was the only way we could afford to move into the area they grew up. Although it had been on the market for a while and everyone else viewed it as a dump, they saw its true potential.
After: Hometown House Is a Dream Cottage
They are proud to say they put their own blood, sweat, and tears into building a dream cottage. Besides doing all of the work themselves, they constantly visited garage sales and Habitat for Humanity's ReStore for deals on appliances and building materials. "The hardest part of the remodel was having to live in it during construction, the strenuous labor, and not having a social life for years," they say. This house is very special because it was completed as a family.
See more photos from this remodel
RELATED:Best Kitchen Before and Afters 2012
5. Before: Kept Original Character
Who: Nathan L.
Where: Nashville, TN
This house was in very bad shape. His goal was to restore this home to its original beauty.
After: Kept Original Character
It was always a dream of his to renovate a home. "In a time where houses in this area are razed, it's very satisfying to know that we saved this home and restored its original charm," he says. With the help of his brother, they rebuilt the front porch, gutted the interior, landscaped front and back, assisted with the painting, and many other small jobs. The best part of the home is its character-though the structure was completely gutted, the original hardwood floors, windows, and front door were saved and restored.
See more photos from this remodel
See ALL the best Curb Appeal makeover finalists in the 2012 Reader Remodel Contest on ThisOldHouse.com!
Check out the finalists in every category of this year's contest:
Best Shed & Outbuilding Before and Afters 2012
Best Bath Before and Afters 2012
Best Yard Before and Afters 2012
Best Living Space Before and Afters 2012
Best Fireplaces Before and Afters 2012
Best Built-In Before and Afters 2012
