You Could Pocket $5,000 With These Before & After Renovations Ideas

Since there are only a few more days to enter the "Shake it Up" exterior color contest I wanted to give you one more post to help you pocket the $5,000 grand prize! Check out the before and after images below along with a few notes on why I think these renovations are successful.

Then put these ideas to work to improve the appearance of your own home. Once you've got your ideas together you're ready to enter the contest. So get your creative juices flowing as you look at each of these before and after shots.

Greek Revival Restored

Greek Revival Exterior Renovation

This homeowner saw potential in a home that most people would have passed by. He did an excellent job of making his vision a reality by drawing on historic details and choosing a high contrast color scheme.

Adding the perfect porch details and expanding the first floor window height gave this home back to Benjamin Moore Graystone was chosen for the main color with Silver Chain as the trim. The black front door and black window frames on this cottage give the home the prim feel that fits the Greek Revival style.

You can find all of the details of this renovation on Urban Cottage.

Arts and Crafts Uncovered

Before and After Renovation

Removing the aluminum siding revealed the original cedar shakes that had been hidden underneath. The homeowners brought back the beauty of the shakes with a natural green similar to Sherwin-Williams Rookwood Jade. This color is reminiscent of the earthtones originally used for this style of home and allowed the Arts and Crafts trim details to stand out. This is a nice example of how changing the color scheme restored a home to its original Craftsmen feel that I found via Angie's List.

Before And After Renovation Suggestion

An alternate color scheme that would work for the Arts and Crafts style would complement the green with New Cedar shakes on the roof and similar natural finish on the front door. Adding the DaVinci Roofscapes Multi-width Shake and Therma-Tru Classic American door would also take the entire look of this home up another notch adding to its curb appeal and value.

Trimmed Out Renovation

Before and After Cottage Renovation

This home's transformation showcases how the right trim can turn a mismatched mess into a charmer. The right brackets, trim and rails like ones you can find from Fypon are a game changer. Add to that an upgraded front door and a new roof like DaVinci Roofscapes Valoré in the right color and this once dowdy home now has major curb appeal.

Your Turn

Now it is your turn to create your own before and after story. Simply share what you would do to freshen up the look of your home. You have until April 13, 2014 to submit your "before" photo of your exterior along with up to a 250-word description of how you want to freshen up your home with color and colorful products. 

If you need even more ideas and inspiration, you will find it in my last two blog post about creating an inviting entry and adding color and style from the top down.

I am one of just three judges who will be determining the five finalists in this online nationwide contest. I will then work with a professional artist to create renderings and product wish lists of how the five finalists can transform their home’s exteriors by adding color and colorful products manufactured by the contest sponsor (DaVinci Roofscapes) and partners (Therma-Tru and Fypon).

The original photo submission and the artist’s renderings for the five finalists will be posted on the contest site for two weeks of online public voting from May 19, 2014 to June 1, 2014. The finalist with the most online votes will receive the $5,000 grand prize. Wouldn't it be great if it was you?

Don't miss out. Enter the contest now!