Put on a happy facade

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As the seasons give way to brighter, warmer and longer days, there is an opportunity for all of us to rehabilitate the exterior of our own homes. We owe it to ourselves and our community to put on the happiest facade we can, to inspire ourselves and those around us.

So, how does one effectively do this? We checked in with Toronto architect Richard Librach, a master in simple, yet impactful facade transformations, for tips he uses when helping his clients.

“Accentuation, refinement and highlighting of existing assets are what is required,” he says. “Renovating the curbside view of a home is not dependent on the income of the people that reside inside the home – you don’t have to spend a lot of money to access good ideas.”

Whether traditional, transitional or contemporary, tweaks – rather than demolition – can have the most significant impacts (while preserving your pocketbook). Librach uses a simple questionnaire to help clients visualize and create an inspiring home exterior that reflects their style.

And by working with a professional, you achieve professional results. Librach takes an existing situation and improves it. “I look to accentuate the home’s existing features, all while disguising its less desirable, other features,” he says.

While construction and renovations are considered an essential service and have been able to continue relatively unabated during the pandemic, many people are uncomfortable with trades entering their homes to work. For this reason, now is the perfect time to focus on the exterior of your home, and to inject some excitement and pride into the place you now call work and school, as well as home.

Are you selling your home? A well-planned and executed facade project can yield a significant return on investment; people often buy on emotion, and curb appeal helps attract more buyers – and offers. If you’re buying a home in a hot market, a facade project may allow you to snap up a bit of a fixer-upper – and transform it to reflect your personal tastes.

If you want help designing and building your own home, remember, there is real value in working with a professional to execute your plan. Professional associations such as the Ontario Association of Architects and renomark.ca , the home of the professional renovator, are great places to begin your search.

Brendan Charters
Brendan Charters
"Brendan Charters is Partner at Toronto Design-Build Firm Eurodale Developments Inc. – 2017 OHBA Renovator of the Year. eurodale.ca @eurodalehomes (416) 782-5690"
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