Why Exterior Design Matters from the Start
When planning your dream home, it’s easy to focus on the interiors—kitchens, bathrooms, and cozy living spaces. But what many homeowners overlook is how much the exterior of a home affects its resale value. That’s why experienced home builders in Racine like Redleaf Homes emphasize making smart exterior design decisions from day one. Investing in a home’s curb appeal isn’t just about aesthetics; it sets the tone for long-term property value and neighborhood appeal.

The First Impression Counts
The saying “first impressions last” holds true in real estate. The outside look of your home is the first thing potential buyers see. If it’s not eye-catching, you may lose a sale before anyone steps inside. The exterior reflects how well the rest of the home has been planned and maintained. Redleaf Homes helps clients design facades that are not only beautiful but also timeless, ensuring your home stays attractive for years to come.
Choosing the Right Materials
Selecting high-quality and low-maintenance materials early on makes a huge difference in value retention. For instance, brick and stone create a sophisticated look and last a long time. Vinyl siding, though more affordable, doesn’t age as gracefully. Home builders in Racine often recommend materials that suit Wisconsin’s climate, resisting snow, rain, and seasonal shifts. Redleaf Homes guides clients toward durable options that stay fresh and attractive, boosting a home’s return on investment.
Architectural Consistency
Another key to good exterior design is consistency. Mixing too many styles can confuse buyers or reduce appeal. A modern farmhouse with sleek lines might not suit a Tudor-style neighborhood. Home builders like Redleaf Homes assess surrounding architecture to design homes that fit naturally into their environments while still reflecting the homeowner’s personality.
Key Exterior Features That Add Value
Homebuilders agree: certain outdoor features help homes stand out and add resale value. These components don’t just heighten curb appeal—they shape how the home functions and integrates with its environment.
Roof Design and Materials
Roofs are often one of the most significant investments in exterior design. A well-designed roof provides not just protection but also style. Materials such as asphalt shingles, metal, or even cedar shake can influence a home’s perceived value. Redleaf Homes ensures that both aesthetic and practical elements are balanced, helping homeowners choose roof styles that match their vision and the house’s architectural theme.
Porches and Outdoor Living Areas
Outdoor living spaces have exploded in popularity. A front porch or back patio isn’t just an upgrade—it’s become a must-have for many buyers. It expands the usable footprint of the home and offers extra space to entertain or relax. Redleaf Homes includes outdoor living considerations in the early planning stages, ensuring that these areas blend naturally with the rest of the home and meet current trends in lifestyle and functionality.
Garage Placement and Design
Garages can dominate a home’s facade if not carefully designed. Smart home builders in Racine consider the positioning, size, and style of garages to avoid overshadowing other parts of the house. Whether it’s a detached garage or integrated seamlessly into the main structure, Redleaf Homes works with clients to ensure the garage complements the rest of the property rather than competing with it.
Windows and Entryways
Windows, doors, and entryways are strong focal points of a home’s design. Choosing the right window size and arrangement affects natural light and energy use inside, while also defining the style on the outside. Eye-catching front doors add a sense of welcome. A bold, custom door with accent lighting creates a visual anchor that signals quality and charm. Redleaf Homes emphasizes the importance of designing functional and attractive entryways from the start.
How Exterior Design Influences Buyers
For many people shopping for homes, the decision is emotional. They’re not just buying a house—they’re picturing their lives in it. A well-done exterior speaks to that dream. It draws people in, makes them comfortable, and gives them a sense of pride. Smart home builders in Racine understand these emotional cues and design with them in mind.
Neighborhood Appeal
When one home on the block looks exceptional, it often inspires others to improve their properties. This raises the overall appeal of the neighborhood. If your home’s exterior is thoughtfully designed, it doesn’t just benefit your resale—it raises the bar for the entire area. Redleaf Homes accounts for this by collaborating with clients on exterior styles that elevate neighborhood standards and meet local architectural trends.
Color and Texture Choices
Colors and textures tell a story about your home. Neutral tones like gray, beige, and white are timeless, while dark sidings paired with warm woods are currently trending. Paint and texture decisions can make a house feel modern or traditional, cozy or bold. Redleaf Homes helps clients balance these choices by providing color palettes that match style goals and increase the long-term appeal of the home.
Lighting and Landscaping
Exterior lighting and landscaping play a crucial role in completing the look of a home and enhancing curb appeal. Soft pathway lights, accent lighting for trees, and warm porch lights make a property feel welcoming and safe. Landscaping does more than beautify—it directs the eye, outlines walkways, and boosts the sense of care and maintenance. Redleaf Homes often works with landscape designers or includes landscape planning to ensure your home looks finished and polished from day one.
Building for the Future with Redleaf Homes
Since 2011, Redleaf Homes has been a leader among custom home builders in Racine and Southeast Wisconsin. With a reputation built on craftsmanship, integrity, and customer-focused service, Redleaf offers clients a tailored building experience with attention to every detail, especially exterior finishes that keep homes appealing over time.
Custom Home Design with Purpose
Redleaf Homes doesn’t just build houses—they design dream homes from the ground up. By involving clients early in discussions about style, materials, and exterior features, the company helps homeowners make educated decisions with an eye on future resale value. Every home design is personalized to reflect your lifestyle while remaining attractive to potential future buyers.
Comprehensive Home Planning
From your first consultation, Redleaf’s team works closely with you to draft functional, stylish layouts that suit both your needs and your lot. Thoughtful planning reduces costs, prevents surprises, and ensures every element—from siding to roofing—is coherent and well-executed. Smart planning around the exterior design means fewer changes later and better property value in the long run.
Transparent Building Process
Redleaf Homes believes in clear communication through every stage of construction. You’ll get regular updates, full project transparency, and quality workmanship. Building with them is a stress-free experience because you’re supported every step of the way. Their commitment to perfection ensures your home isn’t just built to impress today—it’s designed to appreciate in value over time.
Serving Racine and Beyond
Although headquartered in New Berlin, Wisconsin, Redleaf Homes frequently serves Racine, Waukesha, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, and other surrounding communities. They understand the local styles, climate needs, and architectural trends that help your home stand out in the best ways. Whether you’re building in a suburban development or a wooded neighborhood in Lake Country, Redleaf adapts your vision to the surroundings without compromising quality.
Increase Resale Value Through Smart Design
Resale value is a critical factor whether you’re planning to live in your new home for five years or fifty. Homes that are carefully designed, with exteriors that blend form and function, naturally attract better offers and faster sales. By putting thought into materials, layout, curb appeal, and durability early in the planning process, you lay the foundation for strong future returns.
Why Work with Redleaf Homes
Redleaf Homes makes this process easy and rewarding. Their back-to-back expertise in design, construction, and remodeling means you benefit from an all-in-one team that truly understands how to balance choices for instant impact and long-term value. They’re more than just builders—they’re partners who care about your investment and your lifestyle.
Energy-Efficiency and Sustainability
Modern homebuyers are increasingly concerned with sustainability and energy efficiency. Features like energy-efficient windows, insulated siding, and solar panel readiness not only lower utility bills but also make homes more appealing on the market. Redleaf Homes integrates these features seamlessly into their exterior planning, creating homes that are both eco-friendly and future-proof.
Low-Maintenance Design Elements
Another priority for buyers is easy maintenance. Features like composite decking, weather-resistant trim, and pre-finished siding reduce upkeep and repair costs. Redleaf Homes recommends materials that look great with minimal care, saving both time and money for homeowners now and in the future.
Start Planning Your Dream Home Today
If you’re considering building a custom home in Racine or surrounding areas, let Redleaf Homes show you how the right exterior design choices can offer big payoffs later. Their experienced team will guide you through every step—from dreaming up the perfect facade to enjoying it for years to come, and eventually gaining more when you’re ready to sell.
Reach out to Redleaf Homes today at 262-599-8061 or stop by their office at 17035 W Greenfield Ave, New Berlin, WI. Whether you’re starting fresh, remodeling, or planning an addition, they’re ready to bring your vision to life—with value that lasts.

Thinking about building new in SE Wisconsin? Give us a call to discuss your options!