Many homeowners love the affordability and efficiency of builder-grade homes, but they often want their home to stand out from others in the neighborhood.
The good news is that you don’t need a completely custom-built home to achieve a custom look. Strategic exterior design choices can dramatically improve curb appeal and give a home a more distinctive appearance.
Whether you’re building a new home or updating an existing one, here are some of the best ways to make a builder-grade home look more custom.
Add Architectural Siding Accents
One of the easiest ways to elevate a home’s exterior is through architectural siding details.
Board and batten accents have become increasingly popular because they add texture, dimension, and visual interest without overwhelming the home’s design.
The Maryville home featured here is a great example. The board and batten accent within the front gable creates a focal point that helps the home feel more unique and custom-built.
Even a single accent area can make a significant impact.
Pay Attention to Roof Design
A roof is one of the largest visual elements on any home.
The color, style, and overall appearance of the roofing system play a major role in curb appeal. Architectural shingles remain a popular choice because they provide depth and character while complementing a variety of exterior materials.
A well-designed roof helps tie together brick, siding, trim, and other exterior features to create a cohesive look.
Mix Exterior Materials
Many custom homes combine multiple materials rather than relying on a single finish.
Popular combinations include:
- Brick and board and batten siding
- Brick and horizontal siding
- Stone and siding accents
- Mixed textures and trim details
Combining materials creates contrast and helps highlight architectural features throughout the home.
Use Contrasting Colors
Color selection can completely change the appearance of a home.
Many modern designs use contrast to create visual interest. Dark accents paired with lighter siding or brick can help architectural details stand out and create a more upscale appearance.
In this project, the darker board and batten accent creates contrast against the brick exterior, helping draw attention to the home’s front-facing gable.
Upgrade Exterior Trim Details
Trim may seem like a small detail, but it can have a major impact on the finished appearance of a home.
Elements such as:
- Window trim
- Fascia and soffit details
- Decorative gable accents
- Garage door trim
- Corner boards
can help create a more refined and intentional design.
Focus on Curb Appeal
Custom homes often stand out because every exterior element works together.
When choosing roofing, siding, trim, gutters, and colors, it’s important to view the home as a complete design rather than a collection of individual products.
Thoughtful planning helps create a finished appearance that feels polished, balanced, and unique.
Small Details Make a Big Difference
Many homeowners assume a custom appearance requires a significantly larger budget.
In reality, relatively small upgrades can create a dramatic visual impact. Features like board and batten accents, architectural shingles, upgraded trim, and coordinated color palettes often provide some of the biggest returns when it comes to curb appeal.
The result is a home that feels more personalized and distinctive without requiring major structural changes.
Contact Barringer Brothers Roofing
If you’re building a new home or planning exterior upgrades, Barringer Brothers Roofing can help.
We provide roofing, siding, gutters, inspections, and exterior improvement services throughout Maryville, Belleville, O’Fallon, Shiloh, Swansea, Troy, Highland, and surrounding Metro East communities.
Since 2004, our family-owned company has helped homeowners create beautiful, durable exteriors designed to last.
We’re proud to have earned more than 200 five-star reviews and maintain an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.
Contact Barringer Brothers Roofing today by giving us a call at (618)703-3036 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation and let our team help bring your vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Architectural details, upgraded materials, coordinated colors, siding accents, and quality roofing all help create a more custom appearance.
Many homeowners find board and batten accents worthwhile because they add texture, curb appeal, and visual interest at a relatively affordable cost.
A well-designed exterior can improve curb appeal and make a property more attractive to potential buyers.
Roofing, siding, trim details, garage doors, and color selections often provide some of the most noticeable improvements.
Yes. Many homeowners achieve a more custom look through siding accents, trim upgrades, roofing improvements, and thoughtful color choices.
