Enclosed Carport for Georgia Lake House
By: Britteny
Karen B. purchased her lake house in Georgia mainly because she loved the lot it was situated on. She knew she wanted to update the house’s exterior, and after searching the Internet for inspiration, she found brick&batten. Karen had an idea of most of the changes she wanted to make — create an enclosed carport, a new color palette, etc. — but she also leaned on our team of experts to offer suggestions and visualize everything.
Keep reading to learn about Karen’s experience with brick&batten and see her exterior transformation from start to finish.
From an enclosed carport or updated front porch to a rooftop deck or covered patio, our expert team of designers is here to help you visualize any and all updates to your home’s exterior. Learn more about our virtual design services.
The Before
Karen asked for our help designing two sides — front and back — of her 1960s ranch-style lake home. The interior of the house was already updated, and Karen wanted a fresh exterior to match. This home’s façade felt underwhelming compared to the gorgeous lot it sits on and its stunning lake views, and we were happy to use our design skills to make it shine.
On the front side, Karen wanted to enclose the carport, change the color palette, create a courtyard, break up all the brick with wood elements or another siding material, and replace the front door and windows.
On the back side, Karen desired a screened-in porch, new lighting and a walkway, and a different look for the long retaining wall. Because the house is right on the lake and most of her time is spent in the backyard, Karen wanted help turning this area into an outdoor oasis.
The Design
Many of our clients — Karen included — provide inspiration photos that help paint a better picture of what they want their home to look like. Our designers use these photos, in addition to notes from the homeowner, to inform their renderings.
The process was simple and exactly as described. The team worked with me to find the best possible picture to use for the rendering. And it was easy to provide extra pictures and design ideas that I liked.
In her order notes, Karen said she prefers whites and light grays, so our team worked those hues into her new exterior color palette. We recommended Benjamin Moore’s Seapearl on the brick and La Paloma Gray, also by Benjamin Moore, on the siding. We chose Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze for the trim and soffit and Benjamin Moore’s Black for the windows.
To break up all the brick, our designers suggested replacing some of it with vertical and lap siding. We recommended a concrete and wood gate, a new entry door, and a covered patio area with a cozy seating area. Our rendering also includes new light fixtures, copper gutters, and windows — sans shutters — with a wood lintel above them. Finally, we enclosed the carport, converting it into a garage, and used the same siding featured on the rest of the home.
The back of the home features many of the same updated design elements as the front. It also has the requested screened-in porch, new walkway, and revamped retaining wall. Additionally, we created multiple seating areas to help Karen make the most of her outdoor space.
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The Process
The process of bringing her brick&batten design to life took a few months, Karen noted. She said she initially interviewed a few general contractors and ultimately decided to permit the project herself and hire a project coordinator who had access to contractors.
When tackling a renovation of this size, it is helpful to have a guide like our renderings to ensure you’re staying on track. We list all the products featured in your design and include links so you can easily purchase them. Karen agreed that her brick&batten design was quite useful throughout the process. She said her coordinator followed it “to a t.”
The Actual After
From the new siding and color palette to the enclosed carport and modern wood columns, Karen followed our design for the front of her home quite closely. She did, however, opt for a different color on the garage door and windows, and she decided against adding the front gate.
On the back side, Karen also incorporated most of our suggestions, with the exception of some minor adjustments. For example, the walkway and retaining wall aren’t updated as recommended in our design. Rather, she worked with her existing brick, simply changing the color to coordinate with her fresh exterior color scheme.
From the updated deck, Karen has a stunning view of the lake. Just like in our design, this area features multiple seating options, a sleek cable railing, wood columns, and warm wood and recessed lights on the overhang. We’re imagining plenty of family dinners, birthday parties, and other celebrations taking place here.
A Lovely Lake House Transformation
Karen’s lake house transformation was a total success. The front of her home now has the curb appeal she desired, and the back provides plenty of functional outdoor living space with unbelievable views of the lake. The exterior of this property finally matches its beautiful surroundings.
Of her home’s new look, Karen exclaimed, “We love it!”
Whether you have a ranch that needs a refresh or a cottage that could use a curb appeal boost, we’ve got you covered. Get started on your exterior design project today.
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