Maximizing Curb Appeal with James Hardie Siding in Westwood, KS
James Hardie siding and cedar accents transformed this Westwood home, fixing visual flaws and boosting curb appeal without costly structural work.
Location: Westwood, KS
Renovations: James Hardie siding, custom exterior design, cedar carpentry, garage framing correction, exterior finishing
Reimagining a Narrow “Shotgun” Lot with Limited Curb Appeal
Homeowners in Westwood, KS faced a unique challenge. Their property, built on a narrow and deep lot, offered very little front-facing presence. From the street, the home appeared flat and lacked visual interest.
Compounding the issue was a visibly uneven garage header and a failing front porch element that detracted from the home’s overall appearance.
The goal was clear: create a high-impact exterior without unnecessary structural work or wasted budget. After considering options, the homeowners chose Stateline Exteriors for a more thoughtful, design-driven approach rather than a standard siding replacement.
Strategic Front Elevation Design to Create Visual Impact
With limited frontage to work with, the project focused on making the front elevation do all the heavy lifting. Every design decision was intentional and tied to improving how the home reads from the street.
To achieve this, the team implemented:
- James Hardie shake shingles on the front to introduce texture and depth
- 8.25-inch lap siding on the remaining elevations for balance and cost efficiency
- Custom western red cedar shutters to add warmth and contrast
- An oversized 8×8 cedar column to replace a thin, deteriorating steel rail and visually anchor the porch
This combination created a layered, cottage-style aesthetic that feels more substantial than the lot allows.
Correcting a Visually Uneven Garage Without Structural Tear-Out
One of the most noticeable flaws was the garage opening. The header sat 2–3 inches higher on one side, which became even more obvious with an 8-foot garage door.
Rather than recommending a costly and unnecessary structural rebuild, Stateline Exteriors focused on solving the real problem: visual imbalance.
The solution included:
- Retaining the structurally sound header
- Installing True Exteriors Boral materials
- Using precise shimming and new buck framing to square the opening
- Repainting to match the surrounding trim
This approach restored symmetry while saving the homeowner thousands of dollars.
A Design-First Approach That Avoids Generic Siding Installs
Many contractors default to generic “Hardie-only” siding installs without considering the home’s structure, proportions, or limitations. On a property like this, that approach would have resulted in a disconnected, piecemeal look.
Stateline Exteriors took a different path by treating the project as a complete exterior design challenge. Material selection, texture, and carpentry details were all aligned to enhance the front elevation and work within the constraints of the lot.
This approach ensured the finished home feels intentional, cohesive, and tailored rather than standard or one-size-fits-all.
A Finished Exterior That Feels Larger, Balanced, and Complete
The final result is a cohesive, cottage-style exterior that transforms how the home presents from the street.
Key improvements include:
- Stronger curb appeal despite limited frontage
- A visually balanced and aligned garage
- A grounded, more substantial porch structure
- A unified design that feels intentional and complete
The homeowner recognized the value in avoiding unnecessary work while still achieving a high-end result, reinforcing the importance of choosing a contractor who prioritizes both design and execution.
Start Your Siding Replacement Project
If your home’s exterior feels outdated or lacks curb appeal, the right design can make all the difference. Stateline Exteriors helps homeowners create tailored solutions that fit both their home and their budget.
Contact Stateline Exteriors today to schedule your consultation and explore what’s possible for your home.
Now Offering Pre-Qualification Financing
Our financing options allow you to experience the joy of a stunning and lasting home exterior. We now offer Pre-Qualification Financing with no impact on your credit score.