If you own a 1970s split level home in Austin, you already know the exterior tells its age. The angular roofline, the dated brick veneer, the horizontal wood trim that has seen better decades — all of it screams 1970s in a neighborhood that has moved on. A 70’s split level exterior remodel before and after transformation is one of the most dramatic improvements any Austin homeowner can make. The gap between a dated 1970s facade and a refreshed, modern exterior is wide — and the cost is often more manageable than people expect.
This guide walks you through what changes most in a split level exterior remodel, what it realistically costs in Austin, and how to choose a contractor who can deliver a before and after result worth showing off.
Austin homeowners updating 1970s split level properties have worked with the NuHorizon Remodeling licensed exterior specialists to plan and execute exterior transformations that modernize the facade while preserving the home’s structural character.
What Makes a 70’s Split Level Exterior Look Dated?
The 1970s split level was designed around specific aesthetic conventions that are now read as dated. Low-pitched rooflines with wide overhangs. Brick on the lower level, wood or vinyl on the upper. Narrow windows with aluminum frames. Minimal landscaping with flat foundation plantings. Vertical or diagonal cedar siding in a warm honey tone that has faded unevenly over fifty years.
Each of these elements individually is manageable. Together, they create a cumulative dated effect that a targeted, planned remodel addresses systematically.
For inspiration on how split level interior spaces can be reimagined alongside exterior work, guide to split level home kitchen remodel ideas demonstrates how interior and exterior updates work together in a cohesive transformation.
What Changes Most in a 70’s Split Level Exterior Remodel Before and After?
Siding Replacement and Facade Modernization
The single most impactful change in any 70’s split level exterior remodel before and after is siding replacement. Removing the original wood or vinyl siding and replacing it with fiber cement, board-and-batten, or modern panel systems completely redefines the home’s character. The choice of color is as important as the material — warm whites, deep charcoals, and two-tone combinations read as intentionally modern.
Fiber cement siding performs well in Austin’s climate — it resists moisture, UV fading, and the temperature swings that Austin experiences between summer and the occasional winter freeze. A 40-year lifespan with minimal maintenance makes it the right long-term choice.
Window Replacement
Original 1970s aluminum windows are single-pane, drafty, and visually heavy. Replacing them with modern double-pane windows in a contemporary profile — black frames, white frames, or natural wood — immediately reads as an update even before any other changes are made. The energy performance improvement is also significant: a 20% to 30% reduction in cooling and heating load in most Austin homes.
Roof and Roofline Updates
The wide, low-pitched overhang common to 1970s split levels can be trimmed or reshaped as part of a comprehensive exterior remodel. Replacing aging asphalt shingles with architectural shingles in a darker, modern tone changes the roofline’s visual weight significantly. Metal roofing — standing seam in charcoal or weathered zinc — creates a contemporary industrial aesthetic that contrasts well with painted siding.
How Does Landscaping Complete a Split Level Exterior Transformation?
The before and after gap in a split level exterior remodel is as much about the landscape as the structure. The original 1970s foundation planting — overgrown junipers, aging boxwoods, and flat lawn — competes with the renovated facade rather than framing it. A landscape design that uses clean, low-maintenance plantings at the foundation, defined pathways, and structured outdoor lighting creates a cohesive frame for the updated exterior.
The outdoor living and landscape projects team integrates exterior remodeling with landscape design as a single coordinated scope — ensuring the finished result reads as intentional from every angle.
What Does a 70’s Split Level Exterior Remodel Cost in Austin?
Costs depend on the scope of work and the materials selected. Here is a realistic breakdown for Austin-area projects:
- Siding replacement only — fiber cement, installed and painted — $18,000 to $35,000 for a standard split level
- Window replacement throughout — 12 to 18 windows, double-pane — $15,000 to $30,000
- Roofing replacement — architectural shingles or metal — $12,000 to $28,000
- Full exterior transformation — siding, windows, roof, trim, and landscape — $55,000 to $110,000
Austin’s market rewards exterior investment with strong resale returns. A well-executed 70’s split level exterior remodel before and after can increase a home’s appraised value by 15% to 25% — and it dramatically increases buyer interest at listing time.
What Are the Most Common 70’s Split Level Exterior Remodel Mistakes?
Choosing the Wrong Color Palette
A color palette that references the 1970s — warm brown, olive, and rust — defeats the purpose of the remodel. You are updating to 2026, not to 1978. Your contractor and designer should provide a contemporary color consultation as part of the project scope.
Skipping the Permit Process
Structural modifications to the roofline, window replacements that change opening sizes, and electrical additions for exterior lighting all require permits in Austin. Skipping permits creates complications at resale and may require costly corrective work.
For a full overview of permit requirements for home remodeling in Austin, the guide to home remodeling permits in Austin covers what requires a permit, what the process involves, and how certified contractors manage permit applications.
How Do You Find the Right Contractor for a Split Level Exterior Remodel?
- Verify the contractor’s Texas license and proof of current liability insurance
- Ask for completed exterior remodel projects you can drive by — not just photos
- Confirm they pull all required permits and manage the inspection process
- Request a written, itemized scope of work with material specifications by brand and grade
You can verify the team’s credentials and review completed Austin exterior projects on the NuHorizon Remodeling Google Business Profile real reviews from Austin homeowners across the metro area.
Ready to Transform Your 70’s Split Level Exterior?
A 70’s split level exterior remodel before and after transformation starts with a free on-site assessment. The NuHorizon Remodeling expert team evaluates your home’s current condition, identifies the changes that deliver the most visual impact, and provides a detailed written quote at no cost or obligation.
For context on how exterior remodeling affects property values across US markets, the National Association of Realtors annual remodeling impact report tracks which exterior improvements generate the strongest buyer response and appraisal lift.
