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You may not realize it at first, but your new home is actually an enormous box! This box will hold everything that’s important to you…from the food you eat, places to rest, your most valuable possessions and ultimately, the people you love. And when it comes to designing and creating this amazing box, most homebuyers give relatively little attention to the outside of the box. Long debates over floorplans, number of bedrooms, closet space, flooring and appliances are common, but when was the last time you heard of families paying more than passing attention to the exterior of their new home?

The team at Ernest Homes is ready to bring the “curb appeal quotient” to the forefront by helping their homeowners focus on the amazing variety of exterior options available in their Design Studio. If you’re looking for something traditional, something innovative, something colorful or something that reminds you of the house you grew up in, we’ll be able to help you find the perfect choice for your new home. Let’s look at a few of the options you’ll be eager to explore!

Exterior Materials

Siding

One of the most popular choices for exterior covering, there’s several things to keep in mind when you’re making your decision.

• Water Resistance – The higher the level of resistance, the longer it will last!
• Energy Efficiency – A higher R rating (resistance to heat flow) will help you save on heating and cooling costs. The R rating also determines the type of insulation you’ll need under your siding.
• Aesthetics – Choose an option that represents you and your family – personality is everything!
• Versatility – Certain types of siding work better than others for specific projects. Have our experts help you discover which choices will give you the optimum result.
• Durability – Temperature changes, weather and the amount of sunlight the exterior will be exposed to will also affect its lifespan.

Siding comes in many types and textures, with a variety of price points. Some of the more popular types of siding include:

• Stucco – A cement mixture added to lime or sand, this popular siding can be shaped and molded, making it very versatile. It also comes in various colors.
• Vinyl – America’s most popular siding choice because of it’s low cost, low maintenance, variety of colors and versatility.
• Metal – Typically steel or aluminum, metal is flexible, and goes well around curves, shapes and edges. It has a modern look, is lightweight, long-lasting and cost-effective.
• Wood – This most traditional type of siding comes in many forms, from classic split log type to clapboard, shingles, barn siding (board and batten) and engineered (man-made) wood. Most types can be painted to achieve a completely individual look. Except for engineered wood, wood siding requires more ongoing maintenance and protection from weather and insects.
• Brick and Brick Veneer – Made of fired clay, brick siding is available in many colors, shapes and sizes. Although relatively expensive, brick is low maintenance and normally lasts the lifetime of the home. Brick veneers can be molded from actual clay, brick, or other natural materials or constructed of polyurethane. They are also durable, look authentic and are typically less expensive than brick itself.
• Stone and Stone Veneer – Similar to brick and brick veneer, stone and stone veneer siding is practically maintenance free, available in different colors and textures, and long-lasting, with a higher price tag.
• Fiber Cement – Is made of cement, sand or fly ash, and cellulose fiber. The texture resembles wood siding, but it is much more durable. Many manufacturers will offer a 50-year guarantee on their product.

Roofing

Most roofing in American home construction falls into the following categories:

• Asphalt Shingles – Cost-effective, lightweight and long-lasting, shingles come in many colors and are easy to replace for spot repairs.
• Wood Shingles and Shakes – Although they’re more expensive and require more maintenance, their natural beauty as they weather is remarkable. Before installing wooden shingles and shakes (thicker, rougher shingles), make sure your local ordinances don’t require all roofing materials to be fireproof. 
• Slate/Synthetic Slate – Heavy and costly, slate does have the advantage when it comes to protection against weather and longevity. Most slate roofs will last the life of the home. “Fake” or “engineered” slate has grown in popularity recently, being 1/3 less expensive than natural slate and significantly lighter. This man-made product is often guaranteed for up to 50 years.
• Metal – Usually used for sheds and outbuildings, metal roofing is sometimes used on homes in agricultural and winter climates. However, recent trends in roofing include high-end copper roofs, and tin and copper shingles. Metal roofing can last over 50 years depending on climate.

And don’t forget the important accents…

• Doors – In a variety of styles and colors, there’s one that’s perfect for the personality of your home.
• Paving – Design a driveway that’s more than functional.
• Outdoor Lighting – Go beyond the typical security lighting and access point lights at the front, back and garage doors. Explore the world of decorative mounts, sconces and units that create style along with safety.

And if lawn and garden work isn’t your thing, we can even recommend some of the Savannah GA area’s best landscaping professionals! Call us today at 912-660-9673 to find out how you can make your best impression…outside the box!