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Update Exterior Help / Suggestions

2K views 16 replies 6 participants last post by  Shaivism 
#1 ·
This is a small apartment bldg I own. I am updating the vinyl and need your suggestions to make this pop. The windows will be wrapped white aluminum. Outside of that, the roof is a rust/brown color. Please let me know your thoughts to make this pop with new vinyl / soffit colors. --Thank you!






 
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#2 ·
If I was you, I would go with white siding with cranberry shutters. White is always right, and you can change the entire feel of the building just by changing the color of the shutters, and the doors.

On a side note, you need to do something with the "Back Porch" on the right rear, it looks like its getting ready to let go. I am surprised you don't need fire eggress back there. You may want to correct that.
 
#3 ·
http://www.certainteed.com/colorViewLanding.aspx
My own first impressen is the super cheap single pane looking no devider windows .
They look like vinyl windows already why do you have to wrap them?
No shutters?

Second thing is why are there those tiny "porches"?
Someone at some time is sure to try and barbeque out there and melt the siding or start a fire.
 
#4 ·
http://www.certainteed.com/colorViewLanding.aspx
My own first impressen is the super cheap single pane looking no devider windows .
They look like vinyl windows already why do you have to wrap them?
No shutters?

Second thing is why are there those tiny "porches"?
Someone at some time is sure to try and barbeque out there and melt the siding or start a fire.

1. Emergency escapes are those small porches. They were there when I purchased the place. I didn't understand your ..."no devider windows". Can you clarify?

2. I am addressing the structural stability of the porches during the siding project.
 
#5 ·
A Color change and shutters for sure. I only see shutters working on the street side though.

On the gable walls, do something different in the gables like a shingle look (maybe scallops). I'd throw a gable vent in there too (working or not.) There's a few different shapes of vents to chose from.

Those landings are worthless. Build real (usable) decks, enough for bbq, table and chairs.
 
#7 ·
How about light grey siding? You could then do several colors of shutters if you want to add them: dark red, white or black. I think the grey would look great with the brick....it's a great neutral and more distinctive than the tan that everybody uses.
My house is adobe tan vinyl siding, white trim, black panel shutters and a red front door.
 
#8 ·
I've never been a big fan of white but I think it would look good on that place.

Maybe a belly band detail (just above the brick) in whatever trim color you choose (gutters and downspouts count as trim too imo).
 
#9 ·
I'm making progress with tips, but I think I still need some color help (being male, I'm color blind).

1. I like the idea of shingle look and a vent in the gable to mix up the wall.

2. I like the idea of the belly band above the brick and shutters, BUT...

I have been told the trim should be lighter in color then the main vinyl. Assuming I did white siding, what color would my fascia / soffit / gutters be to compliment?

Part of braining is saying to do white trim, shutters with a slightly darker siding color, but still very light... possible gray? Thoughts?
 
#11 ·
I really don't see a problem with the brown you have now on white. I'd have the belly band at the same level as the decks so you have one continues stripe around the house.

I don't do much vinyl anymore but when I did "pacific blue", "forest green" and "sable brown" were popular trim colors on white.

If it was going to paint I'd show you a gutter color chart to see if you liked something off that for trim so we could keep that and the gutters all the same color.

Certainteed has a color design tool... haven't played with it but you may want to give it a try. http://www.certainteed.com/colorviewlanding.aspx
 
#12 ·
What are the thoughts on this:

FRONT:
1. Cedar / Shake style on gable on front of house (over door).
2. 6" belly bead (White) above brick.
3. 3.5" Lineal Detail around windows / Shutters. (White)
4. Traditional Supercorner (White).
4. Sofitt / Facia / Gutters (White).
5. Horizontal siding something along the lines of sandstone beige or glacier blend.
6. The wood mounts under the overhang would probably wrapped white too.

SIDE:
1. Cedar / Shake style for the top gable.
2. 6" Belly bead (I guess wrapped all the way around the back too. (White)
3. Standard J-channel detail around rear windows (basic look).
4. White doors.
4. Sofitt / Facia / Gutters (White).
5. Horizontal siding something along the lines of sandstone beige or glacier blend.
 
#13 ·
Color is a personal thing...a conversation I usually "try" to stay out of with my customers unless if I think their choice is a big mistake and that conversation always sucks but that's just me. I'm sure others here will jump in on your choices.

As far as the width of the belly band, run a level line from the top of the decking (if the decking will remain the same color as the joist) over to the brick. Whatever that number is from that line down to the brick would be the width of the bb. It may be 6" or it could be something else but continuing that top line of color around the house is what I shoot for. The bb would be wider on the deck side if you're going to paint the edge of the deck the same color as the bb.

I do agree that whatever you do up in the gables you should also over the entry.

I personally can't stand those window lineal's and never use them. I'll trim the windows in wood then wrap that in coil stock. That way with an extra bend you can turn the trim wrap into a piece of flashing.
 
#14 ·
While color is indeed personal, we as humans seem to migrate toward certain colors in certain time periods. I am 66, and for a time in the early 60's, ( I think) Avacado was all the rage. (I called it caterpillar gut green) In the mid 80's it was Mauve, (I think) yuk!

The reason I say white, or light gray, if you prefer, is because they are neutral, and changing the color of the shutters can keep the building contemporary.

White light includes all colors, and You check a light meter for reflectance in color photography with a 57% Gray card.

I also like the scalloped shakes on the gable ends.

How are the porches fire egress? That is a pretty good jump to the ground. Just wondered.
 
#17 ·
This image is taking from Google maps to show you the full building in sun light, not the best, but it drives home the point. Vinyl windows were updated in the lower two units and upper left unit. More vinyl windows in the upper right unit will be accomplished with the siding redo.

 
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