Advertisement
Home HOMES Renovating

How to make your house the best house on the block

When it comes to street appeal, it’s what’s outside that counts.

Are you dreaming of a home that’s both stylish and functional? Perhaps you already own a home and require some much-needed renovations. Maybe you’re considering extending your space to make more room for a growing family. Or you might be pondering starting from scratch with a knockdown-rebuild. 

Advertisement

Whatever your plan is, HardieTM exterior cladding offers an effective way to achieve your dream renovation. Whether you’re planning a knockdown rebuild, a modern extension, or cladding over brick, this guide will help you transform your home and achieve a modern look that will be the envy of your neighbours. 

If you have been following The Block, then chances are you are familiar with the name James Hardie. For those not in the know, James Hardie, the #1 cladding brand in Australia, specialises in a range of cladding products designed for home exteriors.

What to consider before you begin  

Before you begin, assess your home and identify the exterior and areas that need attention, such as peeling paint, dated brick or outdated features. Consider your home’s overall style and think about how you want to enhance its street appeal. 

Choose the right cladding to suit your needs

Whether it’s for durability, style, or both, choosing the right cladding to meet your objectives is important. If durability is important, you’ll want to look for cladding that requires minimal maintenance and opt for materials that can withstand different weather conditions. 

Advertisement

Climate is an important factor to consider. Choose materials that can withstand the weather conditions where you live. For instance, if you live somewhere with extreme temperatures, you’ll want to choose material that can handle rain, wind, and temperature changes. If you live somewhere coastal, you should look for material that is suited to temperate coastal locations. HardieTM fibre cement is fire resistant and resistant to damage from moisture and termites, so it’s engineered to endure. 

If style is your top priority, choose a design that complements your home’s architecture and your own personal preferences. You may also wish to consider factors such as the overall style of your neighbourhood and location of your home, so the house blends in well. If you’re not sure, download The Best Home Transformation Guide  for inspiration and guidance on how HardieTM exterior cladding solutions can transform your home.  

One of the best things about exterior cladding is that it is versatile and can be used for a range of different home renovation scenarios. 

Scenario 1: Cladding over brick 

Cladding over brick is a great way to revamp your entire home without having to permanently change the structure and undergo extensive structural renovations. Not only does it look fantastic, but it can also increase your home’s value.

Advertisement

Check out these before and after images to see how a home can come to life with HardieTM ObliqueTM Cladding.

Before, the brick exterior of this house made it look dated.
After: This Modern Farmhouse exterior makeover by Three Birds Renovations makes this house a contemporary classic.

Scenario 2: Modern extension 

If you are looking to extend your current home and bring it to life, or have a fixer-upper that needs an update, then HardieTM exterior cladding can create a modern and stylish look that complements, even transforms, the look of your existing home and adds that much-needed space. This could mean building a second level, a new alfresco entertaining extension, or a brand-new addition.

Advertisement
Before: A dated weatherboard exterior prior to the extension.
After: A stunning modern extension using LineaTM Weatherboard by Big House Little House.

Scenario 3: Knockdown-Rebuild 

You may have purchased a knockdown-rebuild or perhaps, after assessing your options, decided it’s better to start from scratch. Cladding materials can be incorporated with a wide range of materials and include a range of functional benefits to save you effort in the long term. 

Before knockdown-rebuild.
Advertisement
After knockdown-rebuild using LineaTM Weatherboard in Mid-Century Modern style by Happy Haus.

If you need help deciding on the right material, it’s best to consult a professional, and James Hardie has a number of local experts ready to help. View the Best Home Transformation Guide to find out how HardieTM exterior cladding solutions can transform their home.

Related stories


Advertisement