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A luxurious home makeover can enhance your home’s curb appeal and overall value. And Great Falls, Montana, known for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, is the perfect backdrop to make your property stand out. Ready to get into the nitty gritty of exterior home renovations? You’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore the process and costs associated with adding a touch of luxury to your home in the heart of Big Sky Country.

1. Assess Your Home Exterior Makeover Needs First

The first step in any home exterior makeover is to evaluate your goals and needs. What are you trying to achieve with this transformation? Whether boosting curb appeal, increasing energy efficiency, or simply updating an outdated look, understanding your goals will guide the entire process.

My Luxury Home Renovation Needs and Goals

For this luxury home renovation, I’ve designed a fantastic front porch with a charming wooden swing held up by rope. I envision us sipping our morning coffee, swaying gently as the sun warmly greets us.

We’re sprucing up this place by expanding the small garage door to fit the new, sleek model we’ve ordered. It’s on backorder due to shipping, but it’s worth the wait.

The old exterior had seen better days, suffering from hail damage, discoloration, and a severe lack of curb appeal. We tackled the roof first, addressing the hail damage. Next, we’re going for a fresh, modern look with whiteboard and batten siding on most of the exterior. The front will stand out in bold black, except for the foundation.

We’re taking the foundation’s color cue from the front porch skirt, adding a touch of uniqueness and custom design to this home. But that’s not all! We’re also creating a spacious forty-foot deck with a hot tub. We’d soak there and gaze upon the stunning views of the Montana mountains, the Missouri River, and the city of Great Falls.

2. Create a Budget for Your Luxury Home Renovation

The cost of a luxury exterior makeover in Great Falls, Montana, can vary widely based on your specific requirements. A ballpark estimate for such a project can range from $25,000 to $100,000 or more.

Your budget will depend on factors like the size of your property, the materials you choose, and the extent of work required. Setting a realistic budget is crucial to ensure you spend your money wisely.

My Home Renovation Project Budget & How I Save

Now, let’s dive into the project costs – the plumbing alone has set us back over $20,000! If there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s always to get estimates from three different contractors instead of jumping on the first one that picks up the phone. It’s all about saving those hard-earned bucks in smart ways. I’ve also noticed that the larger the company, the bigger the bill!

Here’s one situation where we saved a ton of money: The previous seller turned in the roof and siding damage to their insurance, slashing a massive $40,000 expense from our renovation budget before the purchase. That’s like money raining down from the heavens! I am not even kidding; I give God the glory for this savings.

We also got creative with our financing. We decided to rent out the property for the first six months after buying it, and the lump sum we received upfront went straight into our renovation fund. That’s a solid $60,000 to start transforming this place into a high-end luxury home.

But that’s not all. I’ve uncovered a secret source of savings – Home Depot’s bid room. If you’re spending $2,500 or more, you can submit your product choices through their bid room, which could shave some serious money off your purchases. I’ve seen everything from no savings at all to jaw-dropping discounts of up to 50% off on certain materials.

Oh, and we’re not stopping there—we’re proud members of PRO EXTRA, and after dropping $25,000, we’ve unlocked preferred pricing and a treasure trove of extra savings and perks. It’s like a golden ticket for home improvement enthusiasts!

3. Don’t Skimp on Materials

Luxury exteriors often feature high-quality materials that are visually appealing and durable. We often see natural stone, hardwood, premium siding, and high-end roofing materials used for such homes. While these materials may have a higher upfront cost, they can add incredible value and long-lasting beauty to a home.

My Exterior Home Renovation Materials

For my exterior home renovation project, we went with board and batten siding by Diamond Kote. It’s a high-quality product with a 30-year warranty. We also opted for durable asphalt shingles for our roofing, which should stand the test of time.

In addition to that, we’ve gone with Diamond Kote for the decking to ensure longevity and style.

Custom wood accents create a unique, eye-catching look that makes this place truly shine!

The following are some of the key elements you may consider for your exterior makeover:

• Siding: High-quality siding materials enhance aesthetics and provide insulation and protection from the elements. Costs can vary based on materials, but an estimate could range from $6,000 to $30,000.

• Roofing: A new roof can drastically change the look of your home. Prices vary based on material and size but expect to pay between $7,000 to $20,000 or more for a luxury roofing upgrade.

• Landscaping: A well-designed landscape can significantly impact your home’s curb appeal. Landscaping costs depend on the project scope but may range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.

• Windows and Doors: windows and doors improve energy efficiency and easily add a touch of luxury to the home’s exterior. Costs can vary greatly depending on your selections, starting at $2,000 and going up from there.

• Outdoor Lighting: Exterior lighting can enhance the beauty and security of your property. High-quality fixtures can cost between $1,000 and $5,000 or more.  

4. Find the Right Professionals 

Selecting the right team of professionals is essential for a successful makeover. Hire experienced contractors, designers, and architects who understand the local climate and aesthetics. Check their references and past projects to ensure they meet your standards.

Jordan, my husband and business partner, takes on various tasks in home renovation, from general construction and concrete work to landscaping and installations. However, as we’ve expanded our business, we’ve had to rely on contractors when our plates were too full. In this journey, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges – dishonesty, theft, unreliability, etc.

Here’s valuable advice: always check a contractor’s background by checking their references and reviews. The more professional and organized they are, the better your experience with them will be. 

Speaking of professionalism, one standout contractor we’ve had the pleasure of working with stands head and shoulders above the rest. When we met him, he arrived with a folder with a solid contract, policies, insurance, licensing, and evidence of ongoing education. His commitment to professionalism was crystal clear. 

Without a doubt, we highly recommend him. Meet Ivan Kauffman of Kauffman Quality Construction, your go-to expert for roofing in Great Falls, Montana. He’s our top choice when Jordan’s schedule is too packed to tackle a roof. 

5. Have a Timeline and Prioritize Project Management

A luxury exterior makeover can take several weeks or even months to complete, depending on the scope of work and the weather conditions in Great Falls. Effective project management is crucial to ensure the project stays on track. 

If you ask Jordan, this home renovation project has been a lifelong endeavor. 

We devoted significant time to enjoying the summer with our children, which was our top priority. About a month ago, as the kids returned to school, we resumed work, shifting into high gear. Ensuring that the exterior of this home is fully prepared before the first snowfall is our current focus. 

Stay tuned for the latest updates and upcoming changes in this luxurious remodel.

So, there you have it – a simple guide on how to tackle a home exterior makeover. Investing in a makeover for your home can significantly increase its value and appeal. By setting a realistic budget, choosing quality materials, and working with experienced professionals, you can achieve the stunning transformation your property deserves. An exterior makeover is a wise investment whether you want to update your home for enjoyment or attract potential buyers. Want to learn more about how to turn a fixer-upper into a masterpiece? Check out this blog.

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