Last spring, I stood in my driveway staring at our 1960s ranch house, feeling completely overwhelmed. The faded siding, cramped entryway, and outdated windows gave our home a tired and forgotten appearance. After months of planning and saving, we finally decided to give our ranch the makeover it desperately needed. What happened next completely transformed not just our home’s appearance, but how we felt about living here. I’m excited to share our complete before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel process with you – the challenges we faced, the decisions we made, and the incredible results that exceeded all our expectations.
Understanding 1960s Ranch Style
The Original Design Philosophy
Ranch homes from the 1960s were designed for simplicity and function. Built wide and low to the ground, these single-story houses featured long rooflines, large front windows, and attached garages. While practical for families, many now appear plain and lacking character.
Why These Homes Work for Modern Updates
The good news? These homes have solid bones and flexible layouts that respond beautifully to thoughtful updates. A successful before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel can transform these properties into stunning modern exterior showcases.
Planning Your Transformation
Analyzing Your Home’s Structure
Before starting any work, I studied our home’s structure carefully. What were its strongest features? Where did it fall short? This analysis helped me create a focused plan rather than making random changes.
Choosing Your Design Direction
I chose a modern farmhouse direction and ensured every decision supported that vision. The key to any successful before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel is having a clear modern exterior concept that guides your choices.
Key Renovation Steps
1. Siding and Material Updates
We replaced our old aluminum siding with vertical wood boards and fiber cement panels. This modern exterior approach made an immediate impact. Mixing materials – brick on the bottom, smooth panels above – added texture and visual interest while breaking away from the flat, monotonous look. This step alone showed dramatic progress in our before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel.
2. Creating an Inviting Entrance
Our biggest challenge was the invisible front door that sat flat against the wall. We built a small covered porch with wood beam posts and added wide stairs. This simple addition created a welcoming focal point and gave our home proper proportions. The modern exterior entry completely changed how visitors approached our home.
3. Window and Natural Light Improvements
Small, outdated windows made our house feel cramped. We installed larger horizontal windows with black frames that complement the ranch style while bringing in more natural light. This single change dramatically improved our home’s appearance and created a cleaner, modern exterior look. The before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel photos clearly show how much difference quality windows make.
4. Color Scheme and Paint Selection
We painted the exterior a crisp white with black trim for contrast. This neutral palette feels fresh and timeless while letting our new architectural features shine. The modern exterior color scheme became the foundation that tied all our improvements together.
5. Garage Design Integration
Since our garage dominated the front view, we painted it to match the house and added wood accents to help it blend seamlessly with the overall design. Creating a cohesive modern exterior meant addressing every visible element of our before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel.
The Results
Immediate Visual Impact
The transformation exceeded our expectations. What was once a forgettable house on our street now draws compliments from neighbors and passersby. Our modern exterior design completely changed the home’s curb appeal.
Personal Satisfaction
More importantly, we feel proud to come home each day. The before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel photos tell the whole story – this project was worth every effort.
Final Thoughts
A 1960s ranch doesn’t need to stay trapped in the past. With strategic updates that respect the home’s original character while adding modern appeal, these houses can become stunning family homes. Start with the element that bothers you most – whether it’s siding, windows, or the entry – and build from there. The wide, open nature of ranch homes gives you incredible flexibility to create something both functional and beautiful.
Remember, you don’t need to change everything at once. Smart, thoughtful improvements can transform your ranch into a modern exterior showpiece. Every successful before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel starts with one small step. Take that step, and watch your home transform into something that feels fresh, personal, and ready for today’s lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I create a modern exterior without replacing siding?
A: Yes! Paint, board and batten accents, or stone veneer, can transform your ranch. Many before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel projects mix materials effectively.
Q: What’s the biggest renovation mistake?
A: Fighting the home’s character instead of enhancing it. Work with the ranch’s horizontal lines for the best modern exterior results.
Q: How long does exterior remodeling take?
A: Most before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel projects take 4-8 weeks, plus 2-4 weeks for planning.
Q: Do I need permits for exterior work?
A: Window replacements and structural changes usually require permits. Paint and landscaping typically don’t. Check local regulations before starting your modern exterior project.
