Ranch House Renovations

Exterior Renovations

Most ranch renovations focus on the exterior of the home. While ranch homes were designed to have few ornate details, adding a few exterior updates can lessen the severity of the facade.

Deck or Porch

The most common ranch house renovation is to add a deck or porch to the existing home. There are numerous deck designs that complement most ranch homes. It is important to choose a deck that has a similar amount of detail as the rest of your home’s facade. Too much detail may make your deck appear to belong to another house and will brand it as being a modern addition.

Exterior Covering

Adding a new material to cover or contrast with the existing siding on your ranch home can create a more custom appearance. Faux stone or brick are both popular choices that will also lower your maintenance requirements. If your budget is small, consider covering only the bottom portion of the facade with your chosen material.

Ornate Details

Most people dislike ranch homes because of their plain exterior. Choosing a new door with special detailing and some shutters for the windows can create a more traditional look. Adding a few extra touches such as a new porch light can also emphasize the classic points of the exterior of your home.

It is important to choose details that will complement, yet not compete with the rest of your facade. While you may admire Victorian gingerbread trim, it is never appropriate on a ranch style home. Consider the less ornate Colonial style instead for design ideas.

Adding an Addition

Older ranch houses may simply be too small for your family. Rather than moving, many homeowners consider adding an addition. Additions are serious renovations that require at the very least a good remodeling contractor and preferably an architect. Plan to make a clear budget and speak with your designer.

Resale Value of Common Ranch House Renovations

Resale value is determined by many factors and is not always predictable. However, a few rules of thumb can help you choose the most practical updates for your home.

Area

If your home is only a two bedroom and the rest of the homes on your street are three or more bedrooms, you are probably justified in considering an addition. The goal should be to make your house comparable to the other homes in your immediate vicinity. While these may be easier to assess if you are considering exterior renovations, determining the interior of your neighbor’s homes is more complex. Check local real estate listings to determine what are standard upgrades in your area.

Bedrooms

Despite the popularity of home offices, extra bedrooms and bathrooms are the two spaces most likely to increase your home’s value. If you must have a new home office or game room, be sure that the floor plan could accommodate a bedroom in that space when it is time to resell.

Kitchen and Bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom updates are the best places to spend money if you have a small budget. Replace anything that appears outdated or an unusual color. Check for comparability in other homes in your area before adding marble or granite to kitchen or bath.

Final Considerations

Even small ranch house renovations can become expensive very quickly. A home improvement loan may be a good option, but only if you are certain that your renovation will add equity to your home. Read the fine print carefully and be sure to budget extra for the unexpected. If you are unsure that the renovations will significantly add to the worth of your home, it may be prudent to wait and save for the improvements you want to make.