Top Exterior Home Trends Include Bold Color Choices, Mixed Materials

CHESTER, Pa., Nov. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers have more options than ever before when choosing materials for their home's exterior. Siding has evolved from a lower-quality choice to a stylish solution for homeowners looking to update their home's exterior on a budget thanks to relatively inexpensive material and labor costs paired with an abundance of new color and style options. Bold color choices, mixed materials and the addition of premium trim for a more custom look top the list of consumer siding trends heading into the New Year. Power Home Remodeling Group, one of the nation's largest home remodeling companies, encourages homeowners to overcome the stigma once attached to vinyl siding and rediscover the endless possibilities of this stronger, more versatile material.

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"A variety of budget-friendly options help homeowners achieve a more custom, high-end look for less," said Ann Sawyer, Power Home Remodeling Group's Vice President of Operations. "The popularity of websites like Pinterest and Houzz have inspired homeowners to take risks when designing their home's exterior. Siding can turn an outdated facade into a stunner without breaking the bank, and we love helping homeowners turn inspiration into their dream home. Siding replacement has a solid return on investment as well, allowing homeowners to recoup more than 70 percent of replacement costs at resale."

Ample inspiration online and on social media sites helps homeowners determine the styles that resonate with them, but turning that inspiration into reality can be an overwhelming task — especially for homeowners experiencing sticker shock after researching the cost of natural stone and other high-end exterior materials. Vinyl siding can now perfectly mimic expensive architectural accents like wood, stone and slate, making these high-end looks available to budget-conscious consumers.

Additionally, many homeowners are experiencing a renewed interest in vinyl siding thanks to advancements in technology that have created a more durable material designed to handle exposure to the elements for the long haul. Modern moisture barriers and foam insulation increase the energy efficiency and weather resistance properties of vinyl siding, and many providers even treat siding to guard against pests — making it a truly low maintenance option.

With renewed consumer interest in siding, Power offers the following trends, tips and best practices to consider when embarking on a vinyl siding replacement project:

• Don't be afraid of bold colors: Siding was once limited to eight to 10 color options, but there's now more than 20 colors to choose from. Darker, bolder colors such as deep green and barn red are trending nationally, and exterior color palettes are expanding to include three or more colors as contemporary home designs are more detailed and complex.
• Consider unique panel sizes and placements: Vertical board and batten and wide-board siding are growing in popularity as both whole-wall and accent panel options. Plank-style siding with a wide-board look has come back in to popularity, with six and seven-inch exposures the most popular among homeowners.  
• Mix materials for a custom look: Mixed materials on the same wall are becoming standard, namely on the front exposure of a home. This trend is a result of the recent move to design a home's exterior to complement its natural surroundings. Combining siding with small accents of vinyl stone or brick instantly lends a more custom, high-end feel to the home's facade without the added cost of natural stone.
• Boost curb appeal with premium trim: Skimping on trim will automatically leave a home's exterior lacking. Choosing a premium trim in a complementary color will instantly help a home feel more dynamic to passersby. Pair light trim with a darker siding to pack a visual punch as lighter colors help draw the eye to a home's architectural features.

Power offers homeowners inspiration for replacement siding, trim and accessories in a photo gallery on the company's website, as well as a gallery of impactful before-and-after photos. Homeowners interested in updating their home's exterior can contact Power for a free in-home evaluation at 888-REMODEL or PowerHRG.com. 

About Power Home Remodeling Group
Family-owned since 1992, Power Home Remodeling Group is the nation's fifth largest home remodeling company with more than 1,200 employees and $170 million in sales. Headquartered in Chester, Pa., Power provides energy-saving and environmentally friendly exterior remodeling solutions to residents across the country, including Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, DC. An Inc. 5000 company, Power has served more than 87,000 homeowners and is recognized as a home improvement leader by its two-time "Dealer of the Year" award from Window and Door Magazine and was named the top remodeler on Professional Remodeler's 2013 Market Leaders Philadelphia list. For more information please visit PowerHRG.com, or follow the company on Twitter @PowerHRG and Facebook at facebook.com/PowerHRG. 

SOURCE Power Home Remodeling Group