The outside of your home may be looking tired and old, but that doesn’t mean you can’t transform it completely and make it beautiful. Take a look through these real house renovations and be inspired to undertake your own exterior makeover. Click or scroll through for more…
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The Page Mansion: before
In 2018, Abby and Trey Brothers bought the Page Mansion for $155,000 (£110k). Pictured here before the couple moved in, the mansion, which is in Aberdeen, North Carolina, has been left open to the elements for years after the previous owner’s plan to turn it into an events venue fell through. Surrounded by grass as tall as Trey, a small path had been carved out for access to the front door and the porch had collapsed under the weight of a snowstorm.
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The Page Mansion: after
However, three years later, the mansion has been transformed into a stunning family home. While breathing new life into the dilapidated building was no small task, the rewards are clear to see. Wanting to keep the home’s authentic style, the couple decided to rebuild the porch as close to the original design as possible, restoring all the brickwork as well as adding a sweeping gravel driveway.
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A loft conversion: before
This tired looking bungalow in Cambridgeshire, UK, was due an upgrade. With an old roof, small windows and crumbling steps, Transform Architects managed to completely overhaul the drab façade.
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A loft conversion: after
The modernised home has a new slate roof, wooden cladding and steps in a smart dark grey. To add extra space the architects also put in a loft conversion and opened up the windows to create panoramic views of the sizable garden.
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A new entrance: before
This project in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts was a huge renovation by RAMSA Architects to a house that was deemed too new to tear down and rebuild.
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A new entrance: after
The ultimate fixer-upper, the one-storey entrance was replaced with a two-storey gable-roofed addition, which also contained a brand new staircase inside. The windows were replaced with larger, double-hung units and detailed trim was added for some personal style.
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A Victorian villa: before
This Victorian villa had started to fall into a state of disrepair after numerous extensions and alterations over the years. The house had lost its original character and the two-acre plot was lost to nature.
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A Victorian villa: after
A modern two-storey extension was added to the side of the house by OB Architecture, while the original building had a new roof and was over-clad with a new white render. Bi-folding doors open up the back and a new patio connects the house with the garden.
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A cabin renovation: before
Most people would have considered this property in Vancouver to be a teardown. Having been closed up for years without heating it was overgrown with vegetation and full of moss, but it was in a good location and had a strong underlying structure.
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A cabin renovation: after
The pitched roof was one element that didn’t have to be ripped out. However, the windows were replaced to get better natural light in the interior. The exterior was painted a bold black and architects, Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants added a modern porch railing and staircase, which breaks up the box-like feel of the exterior.
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Rockwell House: before
Captured by Abandoned Southeast, this derelict 19th-century mansion was in dire need of repair when Ross Sheppard, Jacob Hawkins and Will Walker snapped it up in 2019 for $350,000 (£254k). Known as Rockwell House, it was hidden behind overgrown greenery and locked away behind rusting wrought-iron gates. The Federal-style home was built in 1938 and featured steep steps and towering Ionic columns that make for an impressive façade that was badly in need of restoration.
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Rockwell House: after
Today, the house is unrecognisable and is now an unbelievable home after sitting unoccupied for 70 years. Painted in a deep ochre that was made using paint analysis and historic records, to mix the stunning custom shade, the new design is still in keeping with the history of the home. The three investors also overhauled the interiors and 12-acres of grounds, all whilst preserving original features.
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A business and a home: before
Acting as both a house and jewellery business, this house in Bangkok, Thailand was renovated by IDIN Architects to fit in four brothers and sisters, as well as prepare for the future extension of the family.
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A business and a home: after
Made up of two identical commercial buildings, the exterior was designed to reflect the area of units inside, with every family member having a compact private area over two floors. Thought of as a Tetris-style design, the space allows light into every living level with each puzzle piece symbolising each unit constructed.
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A renovation to utilise space: before
This early 1800’s farmhouse in Hudson Valley, USA had already been subtly renovated by previous owners but the new owners needed more space but wanted to preserve the historic character of the property.
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A renovation to utilise space: after
To start with, Crisp Architects exposed much of the original structure so that period details were on show. The old asphalt and shingle roof was replaced and a trio of gabled dormers were added to the front of the house for extra space. Across the back, a shed dormer pays homage to the vintage character of the property.
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A historic expansion: before
It was important for the new design of this dilapidated dream home to maintain the historic structure of the original house while giving the new owners additional space for their growing family.
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A historic expansion: after
A huge extension was added onto the side using the same style of cladding to make sure the integrity of the historic structure wasn’t lost. With some careful design and care during construction, they were even able to save two venerable oak trees which have graced the home for the better part of the past century.
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A 1960s renovation: before
The owners of this split-level home wanted to update their property with modern architecture. The design was stuck in a time warp with its red brickwork and an open porch.
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A 1960s renovation: after
The final finish is a great example of how wood cladding and stone facing can work well together. The architect, Wentworth Studio, also added a double garage space and a protected entry porch.
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Going up a level: before
The owners of this bungalow didn’t have enough space to function as a family. Pinnacle Renovations added another level to meet their ultimate design expectations.
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Going up a level: after
Now a brilliant bungalow transformation, instead of moving they decided to renovate and add a second storey. The original brickwork was replaced by grey stone and pillars were added for a focal point next to the front door. The two single garages were opened up into one large double and all the bedrooms are now located on the upper floor.
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A complete studio renovation: before
This warehouse in New York was run down and dilapidated until it was completely transformed by architect, Sebastian Quinn. Almost beyond the point of repair, it’s now a stunning home.
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A complete studio renovation: after
The roof and walls were carved out and two parallel skylights installed to allow light to flow through the entire building. The garish orange paint has been replaced by a wood cladding, which instantly updated the exterior.
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A bungalow renovation: before
A young couple purchased this tiny bungalow and over the years found that the house needed to grow with them. A slightly unusual design, the bungalow has a small first floor enclosure, meaning that the best way for the design to move forward was up.
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A bungalow renovation: after
The dated building required serious renovation. Moore Architects added a huge rear extension with a larger living room and kitchen. The porch was brought forward to extend the ground floor. This was great for the growing family, as well as becoming a design feature.
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A ruined farmhouse renovation: before
This small farmhouse with a completely collapsed infrastructure that looked beyond repair was a ruin before being renovated by Peter Zimmerman Architects.
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A ruined farmhouse renovation: after
The foundations were repaired in order to give the building a sturdy base and everything was refurbished, from the brickwork façade to the windows and frames.
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A seven year renovation: before
This Tudor-themed home sits on a hilltop in Millbrook, New York. The aim by Beckwith Group was to transform it into a traditional Duchess County Greek Revival farmhouse. Let’s see how it changed…
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A seven year renovation: after
Over seven years, the building has completely changed in its appearance and size. The greenhouse at the back has been replaced with a porch, the garage reconstructed as a living room and the attic was remodelled to accommodate a master suite by adding a shed dormer.
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A renovation with restrictions: before
For the family living in this home moving simply wasn’t an option, so they decided to focus on a renovation that would fulfil all their needs. In the initial planning stages, regulations restricted a new home unless it was built further away from the creek which created a big challenge for architects, Sensitive Design.
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A renovation with restrictions: after
The end result was a dramatically different exterior. With enlarged windows, varying roof angles and updated cladding, it’s a non-conventional home that offers this family increased functionality.
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A first floor addition: before
This small cottage was located all on one ground floor before its renovation by Scard Design. The design was also incredibly old fashioned with white cladding and brown window frames.
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A first floor addition: after
The redesign was a challenge on the sloping plot and with the addition of a first floor there were several different roof lines added. Blocks of grey and white masonry mixed with natural stone façade over the garage make up the exterior design and create a bold style of architecture with much more personality than the old house.
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Pennsylvania farm fixer-upper: before
Four years ago, Jean and DeWitt Paul sold their business in Las Vegas and upped sticks to an abandoned farm in Pennsylvania. With two unhabitable houses, a barn and three other outbuildings on 31 acres of land, the empty nesters had their work cut out. One of their bigger projects was to transform the farmhouse that would be their new home.
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Pennsylvania farm fixer-upper: after
Today, the house has been completely transformed. After clearing away tonnes of debris and greenery, a huge project began to restore the home. It went from looking like a haunted house to an idyllic white farmhouse with a stunning covered porch. The couple, who document their journey on Instagram are now working on restoring their 140-year-old farmhouse.
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The renovation of a tired home: before
The exterior materials, detailing and window proportions let this house down before its renovation. Located on a sloped site the house felt overwhelmingly ordinary.
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The renovation of a tired home: after
After adding an asymmetrical extension, turning to the dark side with a black exterior and a more interesting composition of windows, including one tall glazed opening, the house has a completely different architectural feel. This renovation, by show Architecture LIVE shows how you don’t need to use hugely expensive materials to make a difference to your tired home.
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A complete overhaul: before
This renovation by Granit, was a complete overhaul of a dilapidated semi-detached house in South London. The new design was more focused on the back of the building rather than the front.
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A complete overhaul: after
The property was extended into a bespoke four-bedroom house with the ground floor opened up to create a large and airy entertaining space. The rear of the house was rendered to bring together the new and old elements, with the placement of the new windows also helping to give it a contemporary feel.
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A new façade: before
This property wasn’t making the most of its full potential or value before its renovation. The green roof tiles and old brickwork meant that it needed a serious design update.
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A new façade: after
The new design, by Back to Front Exterior, added cladding to the front and a pointed roof to the first floor. However, the interior layout was kept exactly the same, showing that a renovation doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul.
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A modern renovation: before
This ageing property, which sits on a steep hill, desperately needed updating and extending. Due to its location and scale of the project there were initially concerns from neighbours about any negative impact the renovation might have on the surrounding area. However, the design was finally agreed upon.
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A modern renovation: after
The new design and layout of the building fits with the surrounding area. It’s been transformed into a spacious four bedroom house with each room having its own balcony. The exterior design has also added a new roof, double garage and white rendering for a more modern feel.
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A renovation with a pitched roof: before
The external materials of this house were tired, and due to the low pitched roof there were restrictions on how additional space could be generated. The residents wanted to be able to enjoy the ocean views to the North.
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A renovation with a pitched roof: after
Tony Holt, the architect, gave the existing build a new beach house style, perfect for the sea front location. The new upper floors provide panoramic views through the huge windows. The final design transformed the property into a bespoke luxury residence.
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A renovation with a good base: before
Even though this house looks run down, the architects designing the renovation found that the walls were structurally sound, perfect for building upwards.
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A renovation with a good base: after
The new layout was designed in the existing lines of the original structure. A new first floor relocated the bedroom and freed up room to enhance the ground floor living space. The shape of the property is square, which can lead to dark spaces in the middle. This has been overcome by making the entrance hall open-plan, allowing natural light through. Low maintenance materials have been used including natural stone cladding, acrylic render and copper cladding.
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An Art Deco-style renovation: before
This house was built in the 1920s and finished with a glazed pantile roof, painted rendered walls and details to reflect the Art Deco style. The building was in danger of collapse and due to all the previous alterations, the interior layout was fragmented.
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An Art Deco-style renovation: after
Due to the seafront location of the property an extra storey was a must. The living spaces were moved to the upper floor to take full advantage of the sea views. The materials used include white acrylic render with powder coated aluminium windows and roof trims softened with a touch of timber cladding. The metal balcony guarding ensures that the house keeps a touch of 1920s style.
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Adding a first floor: before
With a finish of stone, brick and render under an interlocking concrete tile roof, the walls of this 1960s-style bungalow were structurally sound and crying out for a renovation.
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Adding a first floor: after
The main challenge was to open up the elevation and achieve contemporary shapes, which has been done with the careful placement of huge glass windows. The use of local stone helps the house to feel in keeping with the environment.
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A thermally-efficient renovation: before
Before its renovation, this 1970s property was thermally inefficient, however, the overall design looked worn down and tired and was in need of a spruce up.
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A thermally-efficient renovation: after
The new design includes a new two storey extension that creates extra living space as well as panoramic views from the rear of the property. It has been transformed by The Bazeley Partnership into a contemporary home with elements of nature including wood and natural stone.
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A modern makeover: before
This existing bungalow was typical of its era, with a wide front, pitched roof and l-shaped floor plan. The renovation by Transform Architects, removed the conservatory and added a single-storey rear extension.
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A modern makeover: after
The external makeover, which added a new entrance canopy to the front door, came complete with the use of modern materials. Cedar cladding has been used to help break up the front and rear elevations and the grey coloured render entrance acts as a further feature.
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A Victorian townhouse renovation: before
One of the main challenges for Chan Architecture with this Victorian townhouse renovation was to keep it feeling spacious and light. There were also huge structural issues with crumbling walls, poor soil conditions as well as a tight budget.
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A Victorian townhouse renovation: after
With all this in mind, the design utilises carefully considered materials and internal light courts for sunlight. The house also had to be designed in close conjunction with the structural engineers to ensure it was lightweight. External walls were constructed on the ground and tilted into place to minimise the depth of fittings required and to eliminate the use of external scaffolding.
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A glass renovation: before
This project replaces a series of additions to a 1910 era house in Atlanta. The rear of the house was knocked down so that BDLGS Architects could do a partial redesign.
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A glass renovation: after
The new glass-lined living space extends out the back and includes a garage, kitchen and new stairs linking all three levels. The use of glass curtain walls as a cladding material establishes a permeable boundary between the house and the outside.
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A barn renovation: before
This plain brick farmhouse may provide panoramic views over the hills, but was not fulfilling its full potential in the looks department. The tired façade was in desperate need of a new look.
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A barn renovation: after
The new home is clad in black aluminium siding and wooden slats to give it a contemporary appearance. The windows also extend up to the gable roof, optimising the views over the hill side. Wrapped in thick insulating shell, architects, Sito architecten have also designed it for comfort.
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A renovation with street presence: before
This project worked well within the existing building lines, but just increased on the aesthetics for the homeowner to help increase kerb appeal.
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A renovation with street presence: after
C Plus C architects retained the existing sub structure to maximise the cost effectiveness of a small budget. The wooden slats provide natural light inside, and the front porch was flattened to create a more streamlined design.
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A family residence: before
Before its renovation by Baran Studio, this property in San Francisco was a duplex, however, it needed to be converted into a modern single family home. It had maintained some aspects of its history but had also been heavily remodelled over the years.
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A family residence: after
The new exterior design features a wall of Redwood that runs throughout the project. First making an appearance at the entrance it weaves its way through the deck, garden and the garage and encompasses the cantilevered bay window, which faces towards downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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Selma Mansion: before
Located in Leesburg, Virginia, this historic mansion was abandoned in the early 2000s and left to fall apart. Many of the period features were smashed or stolen, while parts of the roof had caved in as the home started to be reclaimed by nature. However, luck changed for the dilapidated home in 2016, when Sharon Virts and Scott Miller purchased it and started an extensive restoration.
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Selma Mansion: after
After stabilising the structure, the couple got to work on the interior replacing the outdated electrical and plumbing systems. Today, the exterior is unrecognisable, however, the pair made sure to keep as many original features as possible, even if that meant seeking out a specialist to repair the brickwork in the oldest part of the house. You can follow the rest of their journey on their Facebook page.
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