Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see—and the first line of defense against the Pacific Northwest’s relentless weather.
A full exterior renovation is one of the most impactful investments a homeowner can make. It improves curb appeal, protects the structure from moisture and decay, increases property value, and in many cases addresses deferred maintenance that—left unchecked—leads to far more costly repairs down the road. But what exactly does a full exterior renovation include? The answer depends on the condition of your home and your goals, but here’s a comprehensive look at what the scope typically covers.
Siding Replacement or Repair
Siding is the most visible component of any exterior renovation and often the one in the most need of attention. In the Pacific Northwest, years of rain and moisture take a significant toll on wood siding, fiber cement, and older materials that weren’t designed for this climate. A full exterior renovation typically includes a thorough assessment of existing siding—identifying rot, damage, and failing sections—followed by repair or full replacement depending on what the inspection reveals.
Material selection matters here. Fiber cement siding has become the preferred choice for Washington homeowners due to its durability, moisture resistance, and low maintenance requirements. Engineered wood offers a more natural appearance with improved performance over traditional wood. Each option comes with different cost profiles, maintenance expectations, and aesthetic outcomes—and we walk every homeowner through the tradeoffs before any material is selected.
Roofing Assessment and Replacement
A full exterior renovation without addressing the roof is an incomplete project. The roof is the primary barrier between your home and the elements, and in Seattle’s climate it works harder than almost anywhere else. If the existing roof is aging, showing signs of wear, or nearing the end of its service life, a full renovation is the right time to address it—before new siding and trim go on around a roof that will need replacing in two years anyway.
Roofing work in a full exterior renovation typically includes a full inspection, removal of existing material, assessment of the decking beneath, and installation of new roofing with proper underlayment and flashing. Gutters and downspouts are evaluated and replaced as part of this phase to ensure water is being managed correctly from the roofline to the ground.
Windows and Doors
Windows and exterior doors are both functional and aesthetic components of a full renovation. Older windows that are drafty, fogged between panes, or difficult to operate are not just an inconvenience—they’re an energy efficiency problem and a moisture risk. Replacing windows as part of a full exterior renovation ensures the envelope of the home is tight, efficient, and properly flashed and sealed against water intrusion.
Exterior doors—front entry, side entry, and garage doors—are evaluated for condition, security, insulation value, and appearance. A new front door in particular has an outsized impact on curb appeal and can anchor the overall design direction of the renovation.
Trim, Fascia, and Soffit
These are the details that separate a renovation that looks finished from one that looks patched. Trim around windows and doors, fascia boards along the roofline, and soffit panels beneath the eaves are all vulnerable to moisture damage and rot—and they’re often the first areas to show deterioration. In a full exterior renovation, these components are inspected, repaired, or replaced and finished to match or complement the new siding and overall design.
Getting trim details right requires precision and an eye for proportion. Poorly installed or mismatched trim undermines an otherwise quality renovation—so we treat these elements with the same attention as any other phase of the project.
Paint and Exterior Finishes
Whether new siding is being installed or existing surfaces are being refreshed, paint and exterior finishes are the final layer of protection and the element that ties the entire renovation together visually. Exterior paint in the Pacific Northwest needs to be selected for moisture resistance, UV stability, and longevity—not just color. Proper surface preparation, priming, and application technique determine how long the finish holds up far more than the paint brand alone.
Color selection is a meaningful decision that affects how the home relates to its surroundings, its architectural style, and the neighborhood context. We work with homeowners to choose palettes that feel intentional and age well.
Decks, Porches, and Exterior Structures
A full exterior renovation often extends to attached structures—decks, covered porches, pergolas, and entryway overhangs. These elements are evaluated for structural integrity, surface condition, and weatherproofing. Decking that is rotting, soft, or structurally compromised is replaced. Railings are checked for code compliance and safety. Covered structures are assessed for drainage and ventilation to prevent the moisture buildup that shortens their lifespan.
Hardscape and Site Transitions
The area immediately around the home—walkways, steps, retaining walls, and grading—plays a role in how water behaves around the foundation. A full exterior renovation takes a holistic view of the property, addressing drainage issues, re-grading where needed, and replacing or repairing hardscape elements that direct water toward the structure rather than away from it.
What a Full Exterior Renovation Delivers
A well-executed exterior renovation does more than make a home look new—it protects the structure, improves energy efficiency, and adds measurable value to the property. At Washington Construction, we approach every exterior project with a detailed assessment, a clear scope, and a coordinated execution plan that keeps the project moving efficiently. From siding and roofing to trim details and site drainage, we manage every component under one roof so nothing falls through the cracks—and the finished product reflects the investment you’ve made in your home.