If the outside of your house looks tired, dated, or worn down by Georgia’s intense climate, it may be time to invest in an exterior home renovation. For homeowners in Athens, GA, making smart improvements like siding replacement, exterior painting, or upgrading your windows and doors can add long-term value and energy efficiency.
In this guide, we’ll cover all aspects of exterior remodeling, including what it is, why it is important, the costs involved, and ideas for modernizing and improving home value.
Exterior remodeling refers to any renovation or improvement made to the outside of your home. These projects aren’t just cosmetic. They can improve durability, boost energy efficiency, and significantly increase your home’s value. For homeowners in Athens, GA, exterior home remodels are essential for staying ahead of the region’s demanding climate and maintaining strong curb appeal.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of exterior remodeling and how they benefit your home:
Siding is one of the most noticeable and most protective elements of your home’s exterior. Over time, worn or outdated siding can lead to moisture damage, energy loss, and a tired-looking facade. Replacing or upgrading your siding can dramatically improve energy efficiency, enhance weather resistance, and give your home an instant visual refresh.
A fresh coat of paint can do more than beautify. It protects your siding and trim from moisture, mold, and UV damage. It’s also a cost-effective way to modernize the outside of your house without a full renovation.
Your roof is your home’s first defense against the weather. If it’s aging, leaking, or missing shingles, it’s time to consider a replacement or major repair. Replacing your roofing can result in enhanced insulation, increased property value, and improved storm protection.
Modern windows and doors can dramatically improve energy efficiency while updating the style and security of your home. They can reduce your energy bill, elevate curb appeal, and result in noise reduction.
Encompass Contracting can help with all of these areas of your home exterior renovation in Athens, GA. We are local experts who know how to help you get the most out of your home.
Athens homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining their home's exterior. The combination of heat, humidity, and occasional severe weather can cause siding to warp, roofs to deteriorate, and paint to fade or peel. An exterior home renovation not only corrects these issues, but it also gives your home a refreshed, modern look while improving energy efficiency and long-term durability.
Investing in exterior renovations can also increase your home’s resale value and attract more attention on the market. Even simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint or new siding can significantly enhance curb appeal.
The answer depends on the scope of your project and the materials you choose. In general, it can start as low as a few thousand for just painting to over $80,000 if you are getting everything done.
Here’s a general breakdown of average costs for key exterior home improvements:
Encompass provides clear, honest pricing and helps you prioritize improvements that deliver the most value. Our team is happy to walk you through the best options for your goals and budget during a personalized consultation. Review our Cost Guide for more information.
When planning an exterior remodeling project in Athens, GA, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right siding. It defines your home’s curb appeal, protects it from Georgia’s humid summers and unpredictable weather, and can even improve your home’s energy efficiency.
What siding material works best for homes in Georgia’s climate? Encompass Contracting recommends and installs fiber cement siding: a durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful solution that’s perfectly suited to Georgia’s climate.
Fiber cement siding is engineered to handle the challenges of the Southeast’s weather conditions. It combines the classic look of wood with unmatched strength and resilience, giving homeowners long-lasting beauty without constant upkeep.
Here’s why fiber cement siding stands out:
The Encompass team handles every step of fiber cement siding installation. We are experienced siding contractors near Athens, GA, and we ensure your home’s exterior not only looks exceptional but also performs at its best for decades.
Not sure if your siding needs replacing? Find out what signs to look for in our post: When to Replace Siding, Windows, and Doors in Athens.
Updating your home's exterior is one of the most effective ways to enhance curb appeal and reflect your personal style. How do you modernize the exterior of your house?
Here are some of the most popular modern home exterior upgrades we recommend:
Moving beyond traditional horizontal panels, vertical and mixed-profile siding creates clean lines and bold architectural interest. This style is especially popular among homeowners aiming for a more contemporary or custom-designed look. When paired with fiber cement materials, it delivers the ideal combination of durability and modern design.
Today’s exterior color palettes embrace contrast, like dark siding with crisp white trim or a neutral base with a bold, colorful front door. These combinations highlight your home’s architecture and instantly modernize the outside of the house.
Clean-lined, black-framed windows and modern entry doors offer a sleek, understated look that works across a wide range of architectural styles. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these updates often include energy-efficient technology that helps reduce utility costs. It's a smart upgrade for those looking to blend modern home exterior design with performance.
Interested in energy efficiency? Read our guide on the best energy-efficient products for your exterior remodel.
Your front entry sets the tone for your entire home. A new door, wood or composite columns, updated house numbers, and stylish lighting can give your entryway a high-end look without a full remodel. These elements are especially effective in curb appeal renovations and can complement both traditional and modern exterior designs.
Split-level homes are common in Athens, and while their design poses unique challenges, they also offer great potential. To bring a split-level facade into the modern era, we suggest:
Need inspiration? Explore our recent projects in the Encompass gallery.
Every home in Georgia has its own character, and every homeowner has a vision. If you're looking to boost resale value or finally tackle your dream renovation, the right combination of updates can make all the difference. Below are some of the best house exterior ideas that go beyond the basics:
Add functionality and charm with a front porch extension, pergola, or screened-in patio. These upgrades not only improve the outside of your house but also offer year-round usability, which is a big advantage in Georgia’s temperate climate.
Combining fiber cement siding with natural wood accents, stone veneer, or metal details adds visual interest and modern character. This layered look is increasingly popular in exterior renovations for homeowners who want something custom and contemporary.
Mixing materials is one of our top exterior remodeling tips for homeowners.
Take your front entry to the next level with integrated lighting, a wider walkway, or new steps with brick or paver finishes. These subtle updates can have a big impact on curb appeal renovations in Athens, GA, especially when paired with a new door or porch column design.
Motion-sensor lighting, LED uplighting for landscaping, and well-placed fixtures around the front door or garage can dramatically enhance both safety and aesthetics. These are practical, low-maintenance upgrades that elevate your home’s nighttime curb appeal.
Don’t forget to include these on your exterior remodeling checklist for Georgia homeowners.
Often overlooked, high-performance gutters and proper drainage systems help protect your foundation and siding over time. Choose modern profiles and color-matched designs that blend with your new exterior.
Fixing damaged fascia, soffits, or trim? Use it as an opportunity to refresh your home’s architectural detailing. Subtle changes here can help unify the exterior and make the entire facade feel newer, an often-missed part of a well-rounded exterior home remodel.
Read about the Encompass Contracting Process and how we can help you as one of the most trusted exterior contractors in Athens, GA.
The exterior of your home is one of the smartest places to start maximizing your return on investment. First impressions matter if you're selling your home or simply increasing long-term equity. In Athens and throughout Georgia, certain upgrades consistently deliver the best value:
New siding, especially fiber cement, can drastically boost curb appeal and improve energy efficiency. It's one of the highest-ROI improvements for resale, often recouping over 75% of the cost while protecting your home from the elements. Siding replacement is especially impactful in neighborhoods with aging homes or outdated finishes.
Encompass Contracting does siding installation in and near Athens, GA for all types of homes. We know how to make your house look great and feel like home.
Replacing old, drafty windows and doors not only reduces utility bills but also increases your home's overall value. Buyers recognize the long-term savings and comfort these upgrades provide. Plus, modern designs contribute to a polished, updated look.
A new roof is a value-adding feature that improves aesthetics and marketability. Durable materials like architectural shingles or metal roofing enhance the home’s look while offering long-term protection.
A fresh coat of paint can transform your home’s appearance instantly. Well-maintained exteriors signal that the rest of the home is equally cared for, which can influence buyer perception and appraisal value.
Simple additions like updated lighting, a new front door, refreshed landscaping, and clean walkways can add significant value with a relatively low investment. These elements boost visual appeal and set the tone for the rest of the property.
All of these home exterior renovations can help improve your Athens, GA home today and for the future.
If you’re planning a full exterior home remodel or just want to update one part of your home, the right improvements can make a lasting impact on comfort, curb appeal, and long-term value. Encompass Contracting is your trusted Athens, GA home improvement contractor for all of your exterior renovation needs.
Contact us today.