Renovation of the Month | Annapolis Home Exterior Makeover
Annapolis, MD
This Annapolis home underwent a complete exterior transformation, blending timeless style with modern performance. The project included a full chimney rebuild, new front entry portico, updated roofing systems, and a complete siding refresh using James Hardie® fiber cement products. The result is a durable, low-maintenance exterior that’s ready to stand up to Maryland’s climate—while dramatically improving curb appeal. Let’s get into it!
Home Renovation Before & After: What Changed
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Front entry: From a small, unprotected stoop to a covered gable-and-shed portico with cedar-wrapped columns, tongue-and-groove ceiling, and new lighting/fans.
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Chimney & fireplace: Removed the old brick chimney, built a new concrete-block chimney with brick exterior, and added a stone fireplace face with integrated mantle supports.
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Roofing: Installed Tamko Titan XT® architectural shingles on the main roof and 24-gauge standing seam metal on the new portico for contrast and longevity.
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Siding & trim: Wrapped the home in HardieWrap® and finished with a combination of board-and-batten, shingle panels, and lap siding in crisp Arctic White.
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Architectural details: Extended gable ends for depth and shadow lines, added Hardie trim/soffit, and installed a homeowner-provided front door to complete the look.
Interactive Before & After Slider
Chimney Rebuild & Fireplace Update
The original brick chimney had seen better days, so we removed it entirely along with the brick wall inside. This required carefully cutting back the drywall about twenty inches on the ceiling and adjacent walls to ensure a clean transition when the new materials were installed. In its place, we built a concrete-block chimney that’s clad in brick on the exterior, blending seamlessly with the home’s style. Inside, we finished the fireplace with a stone face that features two protruding stone ledges designed to support a mantle without the need for visible brackets.
To frame and finish the area, we installed new plywood around the fireplace face, added pine shiplap siding, and applied two coats of paint for a polished look. The drywall on the surrounding walls and ceiling was repaired, primed, and painted to tie into the existing finishes, creating a smooth and cohesive appearance from floor to ceiling.
Front Entry Portico
One of the most striking changes to this home is the addition of a spacious, covered front portico. We began by digging new footers and pouring a concrete slab to form a solid foundation. Four structural posts were installed, each wrapped in warm cedar trim, and topped with double framing beams tied directly into the existing eaves. Those beams were wrapped in Boral® trim and painted Arctic White to match the home’s new siding.
Above the front door, we built a gable roof approximately ten to twelve feet wide, which transitions into a shed roof that runs across the rest of the porch. The ceiling features V-groove pine tongue-and-groove boards, primed and painted white with Sherwin-Williams® Duration for long-lasting durability. Lighting upgrades include a central fixture at the entry and two ceiling fans with integrated lights, making the porch as comfortable in the summer as it is welcoming in cooler months.
To complete the makeover, the homeowners provided a new front door, which we installed to fit seamlessly within the updated portico. The crisp black-and-white palette, accented by natural cedar and stone, gives the home a timeless yet modern character. These thoughtful design choices not only elevate curb appeal but also improve the home’s durability, comfort, and overall value.
This project is a perfect example of how coordinated exterior upgrades can completely transform both the look and function of a home. The new portico creates a true arrival experience while shielding the entry from the elements. The rebuilt chimney improves safety and indoor comfort, and the updated roofing and siding systems ensure long-lasting performance in Maryland’s climate. By pairing high-quality materials like James Hardie® siding with Tamko Titan XT® shingles, the homeowners now have a beautiful, low-maintenance exterior they can enjoy for decades.
If you’re ready to give your home a similar transformation, contact Fichtner Home Exteriors today to schedule your consultation.
Where Beauty Meets Protection
At Fichter Home Exteriors, we understand the importance of a well-maintained exterior for your home and continue to research and utilize cutting-edge technology for home protection. If you need elegant exterior solutions that enhance and protect your home, please do not hesitate to contact us – our team of experts is always ready to help!
