First impressions matter, and in Ottawa's real estate market, curb appeal can add 5–10% to a home's sale price. Many Ottawa homes built in the 1970s through 1990s have dated exterior finishes — faded vinyl siding, deteriorating wood trim, old aluminum windows, and tired landscaping that make homes look decades older than they need to. A comprehensive exterior makeover addresses siding, windows, roofing, doors, lighting, and landscaping in a coordinated design. The typical Ottawa exterior makeov...
The most popular Ottawa exterior transformation replaces dated vinyl siding with a modern mixed-material look combining fibre cement (James Hardie), stone or brick accents, and contrasting trim. A typical project includes: removal of old siding and assessment of sheathing ($2,000–$4,000), new fibre cement siding with primed finish ($15,000–$30,000), stone or manufactured stone veneer accents ($3,000–$8,000), new fascia, soffit, and eavestrough ($3,000–$6,000), new front door in fibreglass or ste...
Replacing windows and doors creates both aesthetic and functional improvements. Old aluminum single or double-pane windows are energy-inefficient, often foggy between panes, and visually dated. Upgrading to triple-pane vinyl or fibreglass windows with Low-E coating costs $600–$1,200 per window installed. For a typical Ottawa home with 15–20 windows, a complete window replacement costs $12,000–$25,000. The energy savings of 15–25% on heating costs provide ongoing financial benefits. Larger windo...
A new roof is the largest single exterior investment but creates the most dramatic transformation. Ottawa's roofing costs in 2026 run $8,000–$15,000 for asphalt shingles and $20,000–$40,000 for metal roofing, depending on roof size and complexity. Modern architectural shingles (IKO Cambridge, CertainTeed Landmark, GAF Timberline) create depth and texture that flat 3-tab shingles cannot match. Dark charcoal and weathered wood tones are the most popular colours in Ottawa for 2026. Standing-seam ...
Even the best siding, roofing, and windows look incomplete without coordinated landscaping. Ottawa-specific landscaping upgrades include: foundation plantings with native and adapted species ($2,000–$5,000), interlock walkway and driveway borders ($3,000–$8,000), exterior lighting along pathways and accenting architectural features ($1,000–$3,000), a new front porch or covered entry ($5,000–$15,000), and seasonal colour with perennial gardens designed for Ottawa's Zone 5a climate ($1,000–$3,000)...
A partial exterior update (siding only) costs $15,000–$35,000. A comprehensive makeover including siding, windows, door, and landscaping costs $40,000–$80,000. Adding a new roof brings the total to $50,000–$120,000.
Fibre cement (James Hardie) is the top choice for durability and aesthetics. It resists Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles, won't melt near BBQs, and comes in a wide range of colours. Vinyl is the most affordable option and performs well with proper installation.
Siding replacement typically doesn't require a permit if you're not changing the structure. New windows in existing openings don't need permits. However, changing window sizes, adding windows, or structural changes require building permits.
Front door replacement (75–100% ROI), garage door replacement (70–90% ROI), and fibre cement siding (70–85% ROI) consistently deliver the highest returns in Ottawa's real estate market.
May through October is ideal for most exterior work. Siding and roofing are best installed in warm, dry weather. Some exterior work (metal roofing, window installation) can be done in cold months by experienced contractors.