Revitalizing Your Home’s First Impression
Remember those family photos from the ’80s with the questionable hairstyles and fashion choices? Your home might be stuck in a similar time warp. Updating 1980s house exterior transforms not just your home’s appearance but also its performance and value.
When I drive through neighborhoods filled with 1980s homes, I see untapped potential everywhere. Those split-levels, basic colonials, and contemporary designs weren’t exactly architectural masterpieces, but they offer perfect blank canvases for modern makeovers. The diagonal cedar siding (often rotting at the corners), chalky aluminum panels, mismatched brick additions, and those unmistakable red-brown roofs are all calling out for attention.
“I sat in my backyard for five years staring at the deteriorating cedar siding until I knew it was time for a full exterior makeover,” shared one homeowner who transformed her 1986 contemporary home. “Now I smile every time I pull into the driveway.”
Beyond the aesthetic benefits, refreshing your 1980s exterior addresses practical concerns like water intrusion and energy inefficiency. These improvements protect your home’s structural integrity while potentially boosting resale value. A thoughtfully planned renovation typically yields a 60-80% return on investment – not to mention the daily joy of coming home to a place that feels both fresh and familiar.
The good news? These 1980s homes typically have solid foundations and practical layouts. They’re perfect candidates for exterior refreshes that honor their original character while bringing them confidently into the present century.
Key areas to focus on include siding replacement with modern materials like fiber cement or LP SmartSide, roof upgrades using architectural shingles or metal roofing, window modernization for better energy efficiency, entry improvements with a new front door and hardware, and architectural details like board and batten or shake shingles in gables to add character.
Whether you’re planning a complete change or a phased approach, the right exterior updates can breathe new life into your 1980s home. And you don’t have to tackle this journey alone. If you’re considering other improvements to your living space, explore options for contractor for bathroom remodel, general contractor for home renovation, or a complete home remodel.
It’s time to give your house the glow-up it deserves – no questionable ’80s fashion choices required!
Diagnose the Decade: Common 1980s Exterior Issues
Walking up to a 1980s home is like taking a step back in time – and not always in a charming way. Before you begin updating 1980s house exterior, it helps to understand what you’re really dealing with. At Top Remodeling Construction, we’ve seen these issues repeatedly in Las Vegas homes and know exactly what lurks beneath those dated facades.
That white powdery substance on your aluminum siding? That’s chalking – a sure sign the UV protection has broken down after decades in the sun. If your home sports that distinctive diagonal cedar siding that was all the rage back then, you might notice the joints aren’t just unsightly – they’re actually channeling water directly into your walls, creating perfect conditions for rot.
“I thought the dark spots on our cedar siding were just age showing,” shares one Las Vegas homeowner. “Turns out, water had been seeping into the joints for years. What I planned as a simple paint refresh turned into a complete siding replacement once we finded what was happening underneath.”
Early vinyl siding has likely faded dramatically without today’s UV stabilizers, while those distinctive red-brown roofs aren’t just an eyesore – they’re probably shedding granules and failing to insulate properly. Many homes from this era also feature obvious additions with brick that almost matches the original… but not quite.
The windows are another story altogether. Those aluminum-framed single-pane windows aren’t just drafty – they’re conducting heat and cold directly into your home. The undersized 3-inch gutters common in the 80s simply can’t handle today’s more intense rainfall patterns. Meanwhile, your original windows lack low-E coatings, allowing harmful UV rays to fade your furniture and flooring.
Beneath the surface, your insulation likely falls well below current energy standards, while 40+ years of settling has probably created telltale cracks in your exterior walls. And for homes built in the early 80s, there’s the sobering possibility of asbestos or lead materials still lurking in some components.
Why These Problems Matter
These aren’t just cosmetic concerns that affect your home’s appearance – they impact its very function, efficiency, and value.
Water intrusion through compromised siding and flashing can silently cause extensive damage, leading to mold, rot, and even structural issues that cost thousands to repair. The energy loss through outdated windows, doors, and insufficient insulation isn’t just uncomfortable – it’s costing you money every month, increasing heating and cooling costs by 25-40% compared to properly updated homes.
When it comes time to sell, these dated exteriors make a poor first impression. Studies consistently show that homes with obvious 1980s exteriors sell for 7-10% less than updated comparable properties. Many of these homes also don’t meet current building codes for energy efficiency or safety, which can complicate future renovations or sales.
“The difference between a properly updated 80s home and one that’s been left original is immediately noticeable,” explains our lead contractor at Top Remodeling Construction. “Updated homes are quieter, more comfortable, and the HVAC system isn’t constantly running. Our clients often tell us their energy bills dropped dramatically after exterior renovations.”
Left unaddressed, these seemingly minor exterior issues can snowball into major structural concerns over time, turning what could have been a straightforward update into a much costlier repair. The good news? With thoughtful renovation, these homes can shine again – their good bones and practical layouts make them perfect candidates for exterior changes.
Updating 1980s House Exterior: Step-By-Step Plan
Changing your 1980s home doesn’t happen overnight—it requires thoughtful planning and execution. At Top Remodeling Construction, we’ve refined a process that delivers beautiful results while minimizing surprises:
First, we start with a comprehensive scope audit to evaluate every exterior element from foundation to roof peak. This thorough assessment helps us develop a realistic budget with appropriate contingencies for those inevitable surprises hiding behind old siding.
Before swinging a hammer, we handle the paperwork—researching permit requirements (especially important for homes in HOA communities) and creating a phased timeline that works around weather conditions and minimizes disruption to your family life. We also recommend an energy efficiency audit to identify opportunities for improved insulation and performance that will pay dividends for years to come.
“Things always look worse before they look better,” one of our clients wisely noted while documenting her renovation journey. This reminder of patience during the messy middle stages helped her stay focused on the beautiful outcome ahead.
For a deeper dive into comprehensive home changes, explore our home remodeling services.
Step 1 – Vision & Style Board for updating 1980s house exterior
The foundation of a successful exterior update isn’t lumber or concrete—it’s clarity of vision. Before selecting a single material:
Take time to identify your home’s architectural parti—the core design principle that defines its style. Is it a split-level emphasizing horizontal lines? A colonial with symmetrical balance? Understanding this helps ensure your updates improve rather than fight against your home’s fundamental character.
Consider your neighborhood context when planning changes. While you don’t need to copy your neighbors, a home that harmonizes with its surroundings typically has stronger curb appeal and better resale value.
Many of our clients find success creating detailed mood boards collecting images of similar 1980s homes that have been beautifully updated. This visual roadmap helps everyone—homeowners, designers, and contractors—share the same vision.
“My vision was modern, functional, relaxed—and most importantly—timeless,” shared a homeowner who transformed her 1980s Southampton ranch. This clarity guided every decision from siding selection to hardware finishes.
For inspiration that might spark your own vision, browse our project Gallery featuring successful changes of Las Vegas homes.
Step 2 – Envelope Health Check while updating 1980s house exterior
Beauty is only skin deep, and that’s especially true with homes. Before addressing aesthetics, we ensure your home’s “envelope”—the barrier between inside and outside—is sound and secure.
We start with a professional roof inspection that looks beyond obvious damage to examine flashing, penetrations, and valleys where problems often begin. Next comes moisture testing using specialized probes to detect hidden dampness in walls before it causes visible damage or mold issues.
A blower door test measures how much air leaks through your home’s exterior, pinpointing drafts and energy loss that drive up utility bills. We also evaluate your gutter system to verify proper sizing, slope, and downspout placement—critical for directing water away from your foundation.
“If you can make the envelope extremely airtight, you may be able to compensate if the windows are a problem,” explains Anthony, one of our experienced contractors. This principle is the foundation of the passive house approach, which can slash energy costs by 80-90%.
For scientific research on how proper insulation transforms home efficiency, check out CertainTeed’s resources on home energy efficiency.
Step 3 – Prioritize Big-Ticket Elements
When updating 1980s house exterior, focus your budget on elements that deliver the biggest impact:
Your roof replacement options include architectural shingles for dimensional texture, metal roofing for longevity, or faux cedar shake for natural appeal without maintenance headaches.
Energy-efficient windows with double or triple glazing, low-E coatings, and insulated frames not only look better but can dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs while blocking harmful UV rays.
Don’t overlook your entry doors—replacing hollow core doors with insulated alternatives improves security while reducing drafts and noise.
Siding selection deserves careful consideration. Fiber cement offers durability and fire resistance, engineered wood provides natural texture with better performance than real wood, while vinyl offers budget-friendly longevity.
One important decision is determining which elements require professional installation versus DIY. While some homeowners successfully tackle certain projects themselves, professional installation ensures warranty coverage and proper techniques.
“If you install a roof yourself, buy the roofing nailer. Just do it,” advised one homeowner who completed a DIY roof replacement on her 1980s split-level. Her project cost about $4,000 in materials, but she acknowledged the learning curve was steep.
For quality roofing materials, consider architectural shingles which offer better aesthetics and longer lifespans than standard 3-tab options.
Step 4 – Cosmetic Finish & Accessory Layers
With the major structural elements addressed, it’s time for the details that truly lift your home’s appearance:
Fresh trim painting and replacement updates fascia, soffits, and trim boards with modern profiles that frame your home beautifully. A thoughtful exterior lighting plan with contemporary fixtures illuminates your home’s best features while improving safety and security.
Simple hardware upgrades like replacing dated doorknobs, knockers, and house numbers deliver outsized impact for minimal cost. Don’t forget a landscaping refresh—simplifying overgrown plantings and adding defined pathways complements your home’s new look.
Consider accent features like window boxes, architectural shutters, or decorative brackets to add character that feels authentic to your home’s style.
“I adore spray paint,” confessed one homeowner who refreshed her exterior light fixtures with oil-rubbed bronze spray paint instead of replacing them—saving hundreds while achieving a custom look.
For professional-quality exterior painting services in Las Vegas that will perfectly finish your renovation, explore our Painting services.
Materials, Colors & Architectural Details for Curb Appeal
When it comes to updating 1980s house exterior, selecting the right materials and colors can make all the difference. Our Las Vegas clients have found certain combinations particularly effective for our desert climate.
Fiber-cement siding from brands like James Hardie offers exceptional durability and fire resistance—a must-have quality in our hot, dry environment. LP SmartSide provides that beautiful wood grain texture many homeowners love, but with better moisture resistance than traditional cedar. For accent areas like gables, faux cedar shake creates visual interest without the maintenance headaches of real wood.
“The only product that came close to what I wanted was 30% more than traditional siding,” one of our clients shared after extensive research before ultimately choosing LP SmartSide for her 1980s contemporary home renovation.
Metal roofing has become increasingly popular for Las Vegas homes, not just for its longevity but also for its heat-reflective properties during our scorching summers. Paired with bronze-framed windows, you get a contemporary look that harmonizes beautifully with desert surroundings.
For lasting paint performance in our harsh desert conditions, we often recommend Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint. Its superior coverage and durability mean fewer touch-ups down the road.
Accent materials like white vinyl shake shingle can transform otherwise plain areas into architectural focal points without breaking the bank.
Color Palette Strategies
The right color choices can completely transform your 1980s home while respecting its original character. Earth tones—warm browns, gentle taupes, and subtle olive greens—connect your home to its natural surroundings. For a more contemporary look, deep charcoal shades like Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore create sophisticated drama.
Warm taupe is particularly clever if you’re keeping an existing reddish-brown roof, as it complements rather than fights with those tones. For a splash of personality, consider Cape Cod Mint or another selective bright color for your front door.
“Too-contrasty white trim should be replaced with dark natural colors,” as one of our design professionals often advises. This approach works wonders on 1980s contemporary homes, where monochromatic schemes can neatly mask architectural irregularities.
For practical considerations in our Las Vegas climate, lighter exterior colors help reduce heat absorption on west-facing homes, while darker colors work beautifully on north-facing facades without creating heat issues.
Siding & Roofing Comparison
| Material | Cost (per sq ft) | Lifespan | Maintenance | Best Climate Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Siding | $5-8 | 20-40 years | High (regular staining/sealing) | Moderate humidity |
| Vinyl Siding | $3-7 | 20-40 years | Low (occasional cleaning) | All climates |
| Fiber Cement | $5-12 | 50+ years | Low-Medium (repainting every 15 years) | All climates, excellent for Las Vegas |
| Metal Roofing | $7-14 | 40-70 years | Low (periodic inspection) | Hot climates, ideal for Las Vegas |
| Asphalt Shingles | $3-7 | 15-30 years | Low (occasional repairs) | All climates |
As one of our homeowners wisely noted after investing in premium exterior paint, “Paint is one of those things that you get what you pay for. I knew it was worth splurging on the good paint and I regret nothing.” We couldn’t agree more—quality materials pay dividends in our harsh desert environment.
Adding Interest Without Losing Character
Successfully updating 1980s house exterior isn’t about erasing its character but enhancing what’s already there. Adding warm wood accents like cedar brackets, posts, or fascia details can soften an otherwise stark facade. If you have existing stone elements that don’t quite work with your new design, consider repurposing them into planters or accent walls rather than discarding them completely.
For homes with mismatched brick—a common issue with 1980s additions—specialized brick tinting processes can create a unified look without the expense of replacement. Flat facades gain dimension with shake siding in gable peaks, while skinny porch posts transform into substantial columns with stone bases.
Strategic window choices, like adding a bay or box window where there was once a flat wall, create architectural interest and improve interior light. And don’t overlook the power of well-placed low-voltage lighting to highlight your home’s best features after dark.
“I’ve added some cream trim & some black/brown… just to show you how it looks with the other colors,” shared one design enthusiast who appreciates that “that 80s style is far enough in the past to be appreciated as a retro style now.” This balanced approach—honoring the home’s era while updating its look—often yields the most satisfying results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Updating 1980s House Exterior
What are the typical costs and timelines?
When planning your updating 1980s house exterior project, budget considerations will likely be at the top of your mind. Most homeowners want to know what they’re getting into before taking the plunge.
Complete exterior changes typically range from $15,000 for basic refreshes to $80,000 for comprehensive makeovers. Breaking this down further, a roof replacement might run anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000 depending on your material choices and the complexity of your home’s roofline. Window replacements for a typical 1980s split-level hover around $4,200, while fiber-cement siding installation averages about $17,000 with an impressive $13,000 value return.
“My contractor was honest: ‘I can give you this and this, but this is not in your budget,'” one homeowner told us, appreciating this transparency during her renovation journey. This kind of candid conversation is what we strive for at Top Remodeling Construction.
For timeline expectations, most exterior updates take between 3-12 weeks from start to finish, with weather conditions, material availability, and project scope all influencing the schedule. If you’re working with budget constraints, we often recommend phasing your project in this sequence: address structural and water issues first (roof and gutters), then replace windows and doors, update siding or exterior surfaces, and finally complete trim, paint, and details.
The good news? Exterior updates typically deliver strong returns, with most projects recouping 60-80% of costs in added home value. That makes this investment particularly worthwhile in the competitive Las Vegas housing market.
Should I paint, replace, or clad my existing siding?
This question comes up in almost every consultation we have for updating 1980s house exterior projects. The answer depends on several factors that we’ll help you assess.
First, conduct a simple condition test by tapping your siding boards to check for soft spots that indicate rot. Original cedar siding often reaches its end-of-life after 35-40 years, so if your home is from the early 1980s, replacement might be the most economical long-term solution. New siding materials offer impressive 25-50 year warranties, giving you decades of peace of mind.
Fiber-cement siding has become our most recommended option for Las Vegas homes due to its fire resistance, insect resistance, and dimensional stability in our extreme desert climate where temperatures swing dramatically. While quality exterior paint typically lasts 7-10 years before requiring a refresh, new siding materials can go decades without significant maintenance.
One homeowner contemplating more substantial changes shared, “We hate the blocky protrusions that stick out across the front and would be interested in cutting those back and just letting the roof overhang.” This highlights how siding replacement can offer opportunities for architectural improvements, not just surface updates.
The desert climate in Las Vegas makes material selection particularly important—engineered wood products and fiber-cement perform exceptionally well here, maintaining their integrity despite our harsh conditions.
How do I choose colors that feel modern but respect 1980s architecture?
Color selection can make or break your updating 1980s house exterior project. The right palette bridges the gap between contemporary appeal and architectural respect.
We strongly recommend choosing natural palettes derived from the surrounding landscape rather than trendy hues that may quickly date your home. For 1980s contemporary homes, consider a low-contrast approach—painting trim and body in similar colors creates a sophisticated, unified look that minimizes dated architectural elements.
If you’re keeping your existing roof, select colors that work harmoniously with it rather than fighting against it. Always test large swatches (at least 2’x2′) in different light conditions before committing—colors look dramatically different in our bright Nevada sunlight versus evening light.
“When you step into a properly updated home, it is very quiet. If you’re not getting air from outside, you’re not getting much sound, either. And because the air is filtered, it is very clean. It ends up being a nice way to live,” explains one of our contractors, highlighting how thoughtful exterior updates impact your daily living experience.
One strong recommendation from our design team: avoid cold gray tones, which can feel stark and trendy rather than timeless, especially in our warm desert climate. Instead, consider warm taupes, subtle earth tones, or rich charcoals that will stand the test of time while complementing our natural surroundings.
Remember to consider your neighborhood context too—choose colors that complement but don’t exactly match your neighbors for a cohesive street presence that still allows your home to shine.
Conclusion
Updating a 1980s house exterior transforms more than just appearances—it breathes new life into your home while honoring its original character. When done thoughtfully, these renovations create a seamless blend of past and present that feels both fresh and timeless.
“It makes me calm and satiated, confirming that I made the right decisions and that it all turned out as I planned—I got my dream home with my finances intact,” one of our clients shared after seeing her completed renovation. That sense of satisfaction is exactly what we aim for with every project.
At Top Remodeling Construction, we understand the unique challenges Las Vegas homeowners face when modernizing 1980s architecture. Our desert climate demands specific materials and techniques that not only look beautiful but perform beautifully for years to come. We’ve helped countless families transform dated exteriors into stunning, energy-efficient homes that stand out in the neighborhood—for all the right reasons.
Our family-owned business brings a personal touch to every renovation. We believe in listening carefully to your vision, offering honest guidance about what works best for your specific home, and delivering exceptional craftsmanship that exceeds expectations. From the first design consultation to the final inspection, our team pays attention to the small details that make a big difference.
The reward of an exterior update extends far beyond curb appeal. Many homeowners tell us they feel a renewed sense of pride each time they pull into their driveway. Others notice immediate improvements in comfort and energy bills, thanks to better insulation and modern materials. And nearly everyone appreciates the boost in property value that comes with a thoughtfully updated exterior.
Whether you’re planning a complete change or a strategic refresh, we’re here to help you steer each decision with confidence. Our extensive experience with 1980s homes means we can anticipate challenges before they arise and offer solutions that balance beauty, durability, and value.
Ready to fall in love with your home again? Contact us today for a Free Quote and take the first step toward the exterior change you’ve been dreaming about. Your 1980s home has great potential—let’s open up it together.
