The 1980s were a time of bold deviations from the established norm in architecture. Geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and crazy patterns dominated new home designs during this decade. It was a time when less was a bore and designs were bigger and bolder than ever before. Another trademark of the 1980s was size. During the 1980s people built increasingly larger homes as the decade wore on.

These large interiors are a major drawcard for homeowners who have the resources to embark on a refurbishment project for these outdated homes.

So if you’ve recently bought a large, albeit outdated home, these are some of the things to consider when updating a 1980s house exterior.

Updating a 1980s House Exterior Fixtures

One of the easiest and quickest ways to bring a 1980s style home into this decade is with a can of spray paint. There’s bound to be a lot gilt around your home when it comes to exterior light fixtures.

Remove these and paint them black. This will instantly remove the patina of old-style design from some of your home’s most stand-out exterior fixtures.

A New Look for Windows

Most 1980’s homes have metal windows and may also feature dated storm doors and other unattractive features. There’s a good chance these dated designs are leaky and inefficient too.

One of the best investments you can make is to install larger energy-efficient windows. The increased natural light and thermal properties of these windows will not only update the look of your home, but they’ll also help reduce your energy bills.

Heat gained and lost via your windows can account for as much as 30% of your heating and cooling costs.

The best types of energy-efficient windows are picture windows, casement windows, gas-filled windowpanes, multi-paned windows, and those coated with window film. Always check the energy-star rating when shopping for windows.

Roof and Siding Remodeling

The other major factors to consider when updating the exterior of a 1980s house are the roof and siding.

They’re also energy-sapping features in older homes and likely to need repairs too. The best option for both of these is to replace them. However, these are costly fixes so if you can only afford one, do the roof first.

Updating your roof has a major aesthetic impact on your home’s exterior and will save you a lot of money on heating and cooling.

Roofing and siding replacement isn’t something you can DIY and it’s dangerous to attempt a roofing project on your own. Always get a reputable remodeling company to orchestrate these fixes for you.

If your siding’s still in good condition, a coat of paint in a contemporary color will update your home’s appearance instantly. Don’t forget to touch up the fascia boards and gutters while you’re at it.

Getting Started

It’s all about the details when you’re remodeling a house built decades ago, so if you’re not sure where to start updating a 1980s house exterior, we can help.

We can help you bring out the best in your home by incorporating everything good about its dated design with the latest modern finishes.

Take a look at some of our previous projects for inspiration and get in touch to discuss your home refurbishment needs.