Before and After 1960s Ranch House Exterior Remodel: Complete Guide

The classic 1960s ranch house has long been a pillar of American suburbia—prized for its single-story living, simple lines, and durable construction. But, decades later, many of these homes show their age. If your goal is boosting curb appeal, adding value, or modernizing your property, a before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel can make a dramatic difference. This in-depth guide delivers expert-backed inspiration, project ideas, cost breakdowns, and step-by-step advice—so you can create your own “wow” moment, no matter your budget or style.

Why Remodel a 1960s Ranch House Exterior?

Ranch houses built in the 1960s often possess excellent bones, but their curb appeal can suffer from outdated colors, faded materials, and minimal architectural detail. Today’s homeowners increasingly see 1960s ranch house exterior makeovers as a way to:

• Personalize their property and reflect modern tastes
• Improve energy efficiency with new windows and insulation
• Add practical amenities like porches or improved entryways
• Significantly increase resale value, with exterior remodels ranking among the top ROI projects for American homes.

Understanding the 1960s Ranch House

Below, you’ll find an overview of the classic architectural features and typical layouts of 1960s ranch houses. 

Common Features

• Low-pitched rooflines, often with broad, overhanging eaves
• Horizontal, sprawling layouts; typically single story
• Attached garage and modest front porch (if any)
• Simple exterior finishes: brick, wood, or stucco siding
• Minimal ornamentation, “picture” windows

These characteristics mean ranch homes are highly flexible, but also susceptible to feeling drab or boxy without creative updates.

Challenges & Advantages

Challenges:

• Bland facades and lack of architectural detail
• Dated materials/colors from the 1960s
• Inadequate entryways—poor definition or “hidden” front doors
• Small porch or stoop, little shelter

Advantages:

• Straightforward roofline and structure make renovations affordable
• Single level allows for seamless additions (porch, covered entry, etc.)
• Large windows invite light and support open-concept upgrades

Planning an Exterior Remodel: Set Your Goals

Below, you’ll discover essential steps for planning a 1960s ranch house exterior remodel, from defining your design vision to balancing style, budget, and project scope.

Define Your Vision

Decide if your goal is a light refresh or a dramatic transformation. Do you want to enhance midcentury charm, go modern, or create a farmhouse vibe? Each style offers different approaches to color, materials, and landscaping.

Budget & Timeline

• Minor updates (paint, lights): $2,000–$6,000
• Moderate upgrades (new doors, windows, porch): $10,000–$35,000
• Major remodel (additions, siding, roof): $40,000–$100,000+
• Typical timeline spans 1–4 months based on project size and complexity

Before and After: Real 1960s Ranch House Exterior Transformations

Below, you’ll find inspiring before and after examples of 1960s ranch house exterior remodels. This section highlights real-life transformations—detailing the changes in style, materials, and landscaping that turned ordinary ranch homes into modern showpieces with dramatic curb appeal.

Case Study 1: Drab to Dreamy Modern Farmhouse

Before:
A basic 1963 ranch, faded yellow vinyl siding, single step stoop, overgrown bushes obscuring the entry.

After:

• Board and batten siding in crisp white, mixed with new stone veneer accents
• Black double-pane windows, wood front door, and wide porch with cedar posts
• New gable added for dimension
• Modern lighting, brick walkway, trimmed landscaping: instant airy curb appeal

Case Study 2: Midcentury Modern Revival

Before:
Low-slung roof, brown brick, original aluminum windows, narrow driveway, unremarkable entry.

After:

• Large format concrete pavers and minimalist landscaping
• Natural wood siding accents and new frosted glass front door
• Black trim, updated porch with planters and seating area
• Full-height windows and custom mailbox add iconic midcentury punch

What Made the Biggest Difference?

Element	Before	After
Siding	Faded vinyl or dated brick	Board & batten, stone veneer, wood
Windows/Doors	Aluminum, single-pane	Double-pane black frame, custom doors
Entryway	Tiny stoop, poor visibility	Wide porch, bold door, lighting
Landscaping	Overgrown, no structure	Trimmed, walkways, planters, lighting
Accent Colors	Beige, brown, yellow	White, gray, black, wood tones

Top Exterior Remodel Ideas for 1960s Ranch Homes

Below, you’ll discover top exterior remodel ideas specifically tailored for 1960s ranch homes—covering popular upgrades in siding, paint, entryways, landscaping, and more

Siding & Paint Transformations

• Modern Palettes: White, soft gray, or two-tone combinations with black/charcoal accents
• Mixed Material Siding: Pair vertical board and batten with stone, split-face brick, or horizontal lap siding
• Update Brick: Paint for a cohesive look or limewash for a soft, modern finish

Front Porch & Entry Upgrades

• Expand the entry: Add a wide front porch or simple covered stoop
• Replace doors: Go for a bold color, glass inserts, or natural wood
• Update hardware: Modern handles, address numbers, and stylish light fixtures

Windows & Doors

• Replace with energy-efficient options that suit your target style; consider large floor-to-ceiling panes for a midcentury look
• Black frames make a crisp, contemporary impression

Landscaping for Curb Appeal

• Define the path with pavers, pea gravel, or modern concrete
• Install tiered planters, mulch beds, and drought-tolerant plants for low maintenance
• Accent lighting for pathways, entries, and architectural features

Roofline and Garage

• Add a front-facing gable or pergola for dimension
• Update garage doors: Modern glass, carriage style, or match with the new facade

Design Trends: How to Modernize a 1960s Ranch Exterior

• Blending Old and New: Preserve stone or brick details, but add contemporary color and texture for freshness
• Popular Colors (2025): Soft whites, natural wood, soft sage, charcoal/black accents.
• Farmhouse and Modern Influences: Board and batten, farmhouse lights, wide porches, yet with midcentury window grids and planters

Cost Breakdown and Project Planning

Remodel Level	Average Cost	Project Types
Minor	$2,000–$6,000	Paint, landscaping, new lights
Moderate	$10,000–$35,000	Siding, windows, porch, door, roof elements
Major	$40,000–$100,000+	Room additions, full siding, porch, roofline, hardscape

Tips

• DIY can lower costs (paint, landscaping), but structural changes need licensed pros
• Spread investment over a few years—start with most visible impact: paint, entry, landscape

Timeline Considerations

• Minor updates: 1–2 weeks
• Moderate remodel: 1–2 months
• Full overhaul: 3–6 months (permits, weather, contractor availability impact timing)

Conclusion: Ranch House, Modern Outlook

A before and after 1960s ranch house exterior remodel goes beyond superficial updates. With smart planning, you can retain midcentury charm while boosting value, comfort, and neighborhood appeal. Whether your dream is sleek modern, cozy farmhouse, or updated retro, the right changes can turn a dated ranch into a neighborhood standout for decades to come.