When people move into new (or new-to-them) houses, they tend to focus on perfecting the interiors first. After all, that is where they spend most of their time and immediately start making memories with their families. Over time, though, the vast majority of homeowners begin making exterior changes as well. Whether it takes weeks or years for outside renovations to start, these projects are an incredibly important component of making a house a home.
One of the features homeowners often overlook at first is the foundation. There’s no reason to leave unattractive concrete at the base of your home. There are, as a matter of fact, a number of skirting options that can quickly make foundations more aesthetically appealing. As you read this guide, you’ll discover several residential skirting styles that will elevate the look of your North Carolina or South Carolina home without breaking the bank.
Stone veneer panels – Natural stone is extremely heavy, costly, and challenging to install. Some houses can’t even bear the weight of real stones. That’s where stone veneer panels come in. These look great installed over concrete foundations and are both more affordable and lighter than their natural stone counterparts. Many stone panels have cement backing, which adheres to concrete without mortar, making the installation process very simple.
Stone veneer is available in a wide range of styles, from “coastal” inspired tans and sand hues to European-gothic looking greys and blacks. All you have to do is figure out what color combination best suits the overall aesthetic you want for your house. If you need help deciding, don’t hesitate to talk to a contractor or a local Carolina designer.
It is, however, important to note that there are some potential downsides to choosing stone veneer panels for your home’s skirting. The primary issue to keep in mind is that extremely cold weather can cause them to develop cracks over time. This may impact homeowners in mountainous regions of the Carolinas, where ice and snow are not uncommon.
Wood boards – With the farmhouse chic trend still in full swing, wood boards are also a great skirting option for North Carolina and South Carolina homeowners. One of the main perks of using wood is that it is extremely versatile. It can be painted or stained to suit the look of your house, whether it has a contemporary style or rustic appeal.
There are two primary downfalls to choosing wood skirting. The first is that it can be susceptible to rot and water damage over time and the second is that, if you opt to paint it, it will have to be repainted annually to maintain a high-quality appearance. As long as you take good care of wood, though, it can last for years on the exterior of your home.
Installing skirting over a foundation can be a DIY project, but if you don’t have the time or inclination to do it yourself, the Hatch Homes crew can help. We help families throughout the Carolinas achieve the perfect home exteriors for their lifestyles. No matter what you have in mind, we can work with you to make your vision a reality.