How can I modernize my raised ranch with garage door and front door updates, as well as removing brick and angelstone, while ensuring a consistent finished depth?
Asked by Izyaslav Indik 
3 weeks ago
Last Updated: April 28, 2024
I decided to give my plain raised ranch house a modern upgrade. I swapped out the garage doors, put in a sleek new insert for the front door, and got rid of all the brick and angelstone. I used 2x4s for strapping to make sure the finished depth matched the stone and soffit cut outs.
No way, that is truly incredible!
I can’t believe the transformation, it’s amazing!
Wow, that’s really impressive!
You did awesome, it looks way better now! The color scheme isn’t really my thing, but if you love it, that’s what counts!
I love it – it’s not Grandma’s house anymore.
The contemporary lighting on the wall was a fantastic addition too!
OMG, this is absolutely gorgeous! Fantastic job. If you’re not already doing this professionally, you should definitely consider it.
I appreciate that – I used to teach shop class in high school so I’m pretty handy with tools – although this time it was mostly a drill and miter saw.
You really nailed it!
Did these upgrades break the bank?
I usually purchase most things from Marketplace, except for the siding. The garage doors are $1000 each, the front door insert is $400, the siding is $9500, and the wood and screws are $550 – including taxes, but I did all the installation myself.
Is looking fantastic! And at a fraction of the cost of a brand new place, haha, great work!
I’m truly amazed by this transformation 👏
I absolutely adore this.
I love how it turned out! Did you figure out what to do with the extra stone?
I attempted to sell it on Marketplace but unfortunately most ended up in the landfill –
That’s a shame. But hey, it looks really good 🙂
Wow, you put in all that effort and only post one photo? Come on!
What do you think?
Hey , that sounds cool! We were considering doing something like that too. Any chance you could share a rough budget for it?
I was actually thinking the same thing,
Can you manage to do everything yourself for under $15k, including garage doors, front door insert, siding, wood, screws, etc.?
Sure thing, no problem at all! You’re welcome!
Wow, this is incredible!
Can you tell me more about the siding materials and how you handled the transition between them?
I saw ‘s Royal Cedar 6″ aluminum renditions, and I used You Tube to figure out how to slide the last pieces into place.
Hey, is the second color of ‘s product the same one just hung horizontally?
Yes, it’s exactly the same – just a different shade
We definitely need to see more pictures. This is fantastic!
Wow, it’s so impressive! Absolutely beautiful!
What a stunning change!
Wow, that’s gorgeous!
Wow! Did you have to install wiring for the light fixtures above the ground-floor windows, or was that already there? And it seems like you either replaced or painted the soffit? It looks fantastic!
Has a keen eye – he painted the soffit so well that it looks brand new even up close. The wiring was done afterwards, making it easy to finish the basement which is still unfinished.
Well done!
Oh my goodness! 😍
Major victory!!
Thinking of taking off the brick veneer outside – was it tough?
Nate DaGreat I only needed gloves, glasses, and a big hammer – I’m 64 years old and just took my time, but it comes down fast when there are no windows or other things to hit.
Yeah that wasn’t done overnight. I bet there were a lot of colorful words exchanged during that transformation. Sounds like me with my projects. The vision is all planned out, but always adapting as I progress with lots of improvising. In the end, it’s all worth it, but in the middle of the project, I feel like setting it on fire. Haha
Haha, it took me about 2+ months working most days – the usual routine of drawing it out, coloring it, using every tool I own, buying a special aluminum blade, figuring out how to strap it, etc.
I’m curious, did your property taxes increase or decrease? Haha, I wonder what the neighbors had to say!
My taxes remained the same, but it took me an extra 2 weeks to finish because my neighbors kept stopping by to chat, ask questions, and give compliments.
👏 👏 👏
Absolutely beautiful!
Stunning!
Can you tell me more about the cedar wood siding? Is it real wood and what kind of finish did you use?
Mentioned it’s aluminum. Painted in cedar bark color by Royal- I prefer it because it’s hassle-free
Oh yeah!! My garage door is made of aluminum. It resembles that picture exactly!
Hey, it’s presenting this!
Love that
Lovely
The transformation is absolutely stunning!
This is absolutely stunning
Wow, what a change! I’m loving it!
Amber Rose Boren
Wasn’t this like a total DIY project?
After spending 30 years as a shop teacher, mechanic, and millwright, you pick up more than a few skills and tools along the way.
Oh my goodness, what an amazing change! I’m so impressed!
This is really lovely
Unbelievable outcome!! It’s like a brand new house!
Can you snap a pic from a distance so we can see the whole thing? It’s impressive!
Here you are
I really like it! It looks great! The lighting is also fantastic!
Remember to express gratitude to Habitat for Humanity and the reuse store for providing the lighting fixtures
No way! That is gorgeous!
I can’t believe you were able to remove the stone facade without causing much damage. How did you do it?
Upon closer inspection of the window casing, it seems like the new siding was installed over it. I really like the dimension it adds!
Begin at the top – remove the first row of bricks and proceed downwards gradually – removing one or two at a time – make sure to throw them far away from the windows
After taking out the angelstone, I used 2x4s to frame the space in order to match the depth of the exterior aluminum and ensure alignment with the soffit, brick ledge, and other elements.
Oh my goodness, that is absolutely stunning! 🤩
Oh my goodness! I’m obsessed! It’s amazing how innovative individuals are in transforming something typical into extraordinary! So imaginative!