Renovating and Modernizing a Ranch House

Ranch-style homes are an iconic part of American architecture, known for their long, low-slung profile and sprawling layout. While these homes were hugely popular through the mid-20th century, their aesthetics and functionality may start to feel dated over time. Renovating or modernizing a ranch house presents unique opportunities to update its look and layout to better suit contemporary needs and tastes. Our guide will explore popular remodeling projects and design concepts to help breathe new life into your ranch home.

Assessing Your Ranch House for Remodeling Potential

Before launching into renovations, take time to thoroughly assess your home’s existing structure, systems, and layout. While ranches offer great potential for remodeling, understand limitations posed by the core design.

Carefully examine:

Floorplan – Long, narrow shape with rooms arranged off a central hallway. Assess traffic flow, privacy, spaciousness.
Exterior materials – Original wood, brick, or stucco siding. Check condition and energy efficiency.
Windows and doors – Older single pane versions likely. Evaluate efficiency, daylight, aesthetics.
Roofing – Lifespan of 15-30 years typically. Check material, age, leaks.
Plumbing and electrical – May be outdated or undersized. Test water flow, pressure; check panel amps.
Heating and cooling – Central air or boiler/radiator systems. Age, efficiency, climate appropriateness.
Insulation – Ranches often lack needed insulation. Check levels in walls, attic.
Foundation – Concrete slab or crawlspace. Check for cracks, moisture issues.

Thoroughly inspecting these and other elements will reveal your home’s structural soundness and capacity for renovations. This assessment also identifies any repairs needed to upgrade worn or outdated components before launching new projects.

Setting a Style Direction for Your Remodel

A major advantage of renovating a ranch house is the chance to transform its style. Many homeowners opt to give their home a fresh, modern aesthetic but ranch homes can adapt to many concepts. Consider:

Contemporary styling – Sleek, minimalist design with open floorplans. Popular trend.
Farmhouse vibes – Rustic elements like shiplap, antique accents, weathered woods.
Updated traditional – Livable floorplan with classic finishes and proportions.
Transitional decor – Blend of traditional and contemporary elements for timeless look.
Focus on one area – Concentrate on a particular space like an updated kitchen or master suite vs. whole home redesign.

Think about how you want your refreshed home to look and function. Gather inspiration from magazines, websites like Pinterest, or model home tours. This will guide your renovation plans. Just take care not to mix wildly contradictory design elements.

Improving Floorplans in Ranch Remodels

Many homeowners undertaking ranch remodels want to improve how their home’s space functions – as well as how it looks. Fortunately, the single-story layouts of these homes present great potential to revise and modernize floorplans.

Common ranch floorplan remodeling projects include:

Opening Up Interior Walls

Create more open, free-flowing space between rooms like kitchen, dining, and living areas.
Allows for flexible entertaining and family living.
Consult structural engineer first to assess load-bearing vs. non.

Relocating Exterior Door/Garage Entry

Directly entering a dark hallway can feel unwelcoming.
Relocating door to enter a main living space improves flow.
Attached garage entry could shift to side or back of house as well.

Expanding One Area

Select a room like the kitchen for major square footage expansion.
Bump out footprint, remove dividing wall with adjacent space.
Gained space modernizes room and your enjoyment of it.

Adding a Master Suite

Carve out private master bedroom and bathroom suite.
Lets homeowners enjoy privacy without moving.
Ideal for ranch families needing more bedrooms.

Creating Flex Spaces

Convert unused niches like alcoves or corridors into new utility spaces.
Small nurseries, offices, reading nooks, storage areas, etc.
Increase functionality of available ranch house space.

Modernizing Kitchens in Remodeled Ranches

Along with floorplan revisions, kitchen remodels are a top priority for most homeowners updating ranch houses. Ranch kitchens often feel stuck in the past with small footprints, limited counters and storage, and dated aesthetics. Intelligently renovating a ranch kitchen both honors a home’s architecture and transforms everyday function.

Smart ranch kitchen updates include:

Opening the Kitchen to Adjacent Spaces

Remove walls dividing kitchen from dining or family rooms.
Creates more spacious, open feel suited to contemporary living.
Adds flexibility for entertaining and family activity.

Introducing an Island

Islands dramatically expand prep space, storage, and seating.
Create work triangle between island, counters, and appliances.
Size appropriately – minimum 4 feet wide and leave ample walkways.

Updating Cabinets and Counters

Replace old cabinets with fresh, space-efficient versions with modern finishes.
Quartz or solid surface counters are durable, low-maintenance options.
Consider open shelving and glass cabinet doors for airy look.

Installing High-Efficiency Appliances

Swap out old ranges, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
Choose Energy Star models tailored for your cooking habits.
Research features like convection baking, quiet operation.

Creating a Focal Point

Incorporate an eye-catching focal point like a statement backsplash or new vent hood.
Position to draw the eye while cooking and entertaining.
Tie in any accent colors or materials used in redesign.

Bathroom Updates for Ranch Remodels

Along with kitchens, bathrooms in ranch homes typically show their age. Small, compartmentalized footprints along with outdated plumbing, lighting, and finishes no longer suit most homeowners’ needs. Bathroom remodeling presents great potential to modernize functionality and enjoy updated spa-like spaces.

Smart ranch bathroom remodel ideas include:

Expanding Footprints

Steal space from adjacent closets or bedrooms to expand baths.
Allows for roomier vanities, walk-in showers, and freestanding tubs.
Improves functionality and comfort.

Relocating Fixtures

Rearrange layout to improve flow and space use.
Double vanities no longer need to cram along one wall.
Showers, tubs, and toilets can shift locations.

Updating Plumbing Fixtures

Replace outdated faucets, shower valves, and toilets with fresh versions.
Choose water-efficient models with attractive, modern styling.
Install comfort-height toilets and accessible controls.

Introducing Open Showers

Swap out old tub/shower combos for spacious, inviting walk-in showers.
Frame with glass doors or walls to keep the space open but contained.
Select easy-clean finishes like ceramic tile.

Improving Lighting

Supplement the standard single fixture with layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Light the vanity and shower separately from general space lighting.
Wall sconces, recessed cans, and pendants all add warmth.

Strategizing Exterior Updates in Ranch Remodels

Along with indoor renovations, upgrading a ranch house exterior transforms street appeal and creates curbside wow-factor. Take time to envision your preferred architectural style from traditional ranch to sleek contemporary. Popular exterior remodel projects include:

Replacing/Updating Siding

Older wood or asbestos siding is often worn down or inefficient.
Consider lower-maintenance fiber cement or engineered wood siding.
Fresh paint (even just repainting existing siding) can work wonders.

Swapping Out Windows and Doors

Age, condition, and energy efficiency matter.
New windows and doors transform aesthetics and function.
Research panes, frames, wraps, and door styles to balance traits.

Expanding Square Footage

Bump out footprint for added living space and updated exterior dimension.
Potential to expand master suite, kitchen, garage, storage, and more.
Coordinate with contractors to match construction methods and roofline.

Adding Curb Appeal Elements

Enhance facade with stone accents, planters, benches, lighting, shutters, etc.
Welcoming color scheme and landscaping also vital.
Small touches make a dramatic initial impression.

Creating an Addition to Modernize a Ranch House

One of the most dramatic ways to update a ranch is adding extra square footage via an addition. Whether modest or extensive, additions create space for larger kitchens and baths, expanded master suites, flexible family rooms – and a fresh exterior look.

Sunrooms

Glass-lined sunroom additions deliver light and connection to outdoors.
Can be used flexibly as a sitting room, plant conservatory, or breakfast nook.
Most impactful on ranch back facade but possible other locations.

Master Suite Additions

Adds a spacious bedroom, walk-in closet, and luxury bath suite.
Ideal for empty nesters looking to “age in place.”
Often protrudes off the back for privacy.

Family Room Additions

Expands space for living, entertaining, and family time.
Bump-out footprint and cathedral ceilings add presence.
Flow freely from kitchen and dining rooms.

Attached Garage Additions

Provides protected parking and storage near home’s entrance.
Creates seamless covered access during inclement weather.
Ideal for ranch houses lacking an original attached garage.

Second Floor Additions

Opens up the option for extra bedrooms and baths upstairs.
Allows for a large primary suite on first floor.
Alters overall look but preserves original home’s appeal.

Key Tips for Remodeling Ranch House Interiors

Aside from major additions and floorplan changes, smaller upgrades modernize dated ranch house interiors. Use these tips:

Lighten interiors – Paint walls light neutral colors to counter dated dark paneling. Add ample lighting.
Add architectural details – crown molding, baseboards, and trim inject character. Angle ceilings inject dimension.
Layer lighting – balance overall, task, and accent lighting for warmth and function. Update fixtures.
Offer seating nooks – small bench seats, banquettes, and window seats make use of deep floorplans.
Widen doorways – remove unnecessary walls to improve flow between spaces. Wider doors also create a more open, airy feel.
Open staircases – remove enclosed stair walls and railings to open views and circulation.
Add skylights – inject natural light and add appeal in converted attics or cramped hallways.
Switch up flooring – replace worn carpet with fresh options like wood or tile. Long planks expand feel.

Cost Considerations for Ranch House Renovations

Ranch home remodels allow you to personalize your space and renew its style. But as with any renovation project, they require an investment – often a significant one. Thoroughly research costs involved so your plans align with your budget.

Factors impacting ranch remodel costs include:

Scope of work – size, number of rooms/elements affected
Materials used – higher end finishes cost more
Structural changes – moving walls, additions require more labor
Location – contractors in areas with higher home values often charge more
Specialized needs – energy efficiency upgrades, accessibility features

To maximize your budget, look for ways to get quality function and beauty that align with your goals without unnecessary extras. Get contractor quotes on all projections before setting and approving a final budget.

Balancing Preservation and Modernization

One of the central challenges in any ranch remodel is balancing preservation with modernization. You want to enhance livability and aesthetics while still honoring the home’s origins. Avoid clashing, discordant blend of incongruous features. Thoughtfully weigh each design decision to strike the right balance.

Tips for blending original ranch features with contemporary updates:

Keep classic exterior lines/silhouette but update materials
Enlarge rooms but maintain divisions between key living zones
Add open-concept elements but don’t remove all walls
Introduce modern fixtures but retain some original details like wood tone cabinets
Paint walls and trim light but keep wood-look flooring for warmth
Add new windows but retain classic divided-light style

Thoughtful interweaving of original ranch elements and modern features allows your reimagined home to feel fresh yet familiar.

Hiring the Right Remodeling Contractors

One of the most important aspects of a successful ranch remodel is assembling the right team of professionals. Thoroughly research and vet potential remodeling contractors.

Key traits to look for include:

Extensive experience specifically renovating ranch houses
Displayed sensitivity and skill updating ranch homes in portfolio
Offer design-build services to handle architectural plans plus construction
Have project leads that will remain actively onsite everyday
Use a proven, systematized process for completing projects
Have established positive working relationships with subcontractors
Place high value on open communication and transparency

Take time to carefully interview multiple contractors before selection. Meet in person at your home to thoroughly discuss your vision and what they propose. Vet references thoroughly and review examples of completed work. Investing here pays dividends.

Maintaining Your Remodeled Ranch House

Once your ranch remodel is complete, attention turns to properly maintaining your updated home. Establish and follow a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan. Key elements should include:

HVAC maintenance:

Replace air filters quarterly
Annual professional servicing of units
Clear debris from outdoor condenser unit

Roof and gutter care:

Inspect roof annually – clear debris, check flashing, repair shingles
Clear out gutters seasonally or as needed
Touch up exterior paint/stain

Appliance care:

Use appliances according to instructions
Clean refrigerator coils 2x annually
Descale dishwasher and washing machine
Deep clean ovens yearly

Plumbing upkeep:

Fix any leaky faucets promptly
Flush drains monthly with baking soda and vinegar
Monitor water pressure at fixtures

General practices:

Operate ventilation fans during and after cooking, bathing, etc
Dust lighting fixtures, fans, window treatments regularly
Vacuum out air vents 1x/year

Following proactive maintenance practices protects your investment and helps your beautifully updated ranch home stay looking its best. Reach out to contractors for any issues exceeding DIY expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renovating Ranch Houses

What are the most important things to know before renovating a ranch house?

Carefully assess your home’s structure, systems, and layout along with local permit and code requirements. Set a style direction and realistic budget. Thoroughly vet contractors. Understand challenges like small footprints. Prioritize changes for ideal function and flow.

What are the best ways to modernize a ranch house exterior?

Updating exterior materials, adding stone accents and planters, expanding square footage, installing new garage doors, swapping windows and doors, repainting in a fresh color scheme, and improving curb appeal landscape all help modernize ranch exteriors.

How can you add a second story onto a ranch house?

Adding a second floor involves major structural work but can dramatically expand square footage. Pre-fab dormers or more extensive additions are possible. Placement, roofline coordination, staircase changes, and matching the construction style all require careful planning.

What are cost-effective ways to update a dated ranch house?

Less expensive ranch updates include painting walls and trim, replacing lighting and fixtures, swapping out finishes like flooring and window coverings, minor kitchen and bath remodels, and exterior landscaping improvements. Focus on high-impact areas rather than entire homes.

How do you enlarge a small, cramped ranch house kitchen?

Removing walls to borrow space from dining and living rooms helps. Also adding a kitchen island, updating to streamlined cabinetry, opening sightlines with a pass through, and installing mirrored backsplash all visually expand smaller ranch kitchens.

Should you gut or preserve original elements in a ranch remodel?

Balance preservation and modernization. Keep classic exterior form but update materials. Merge some original details like wood tone cabinets with new elements like subway tile backsplash. Open the floorplan but leave some room divisions. Blend old with new.

Conclusion

Ranch houses are enduringly popular for good reason – they offer accessible single-story living on a manageable scale. But updating dated features helps them function for modern lifestyles. Remodeling also restores curb appeal. Focus on opening up interiors, modernizing kitchens and baths, adding key additions, and blending original charm with contemporary allure. With proper planning and contractor selection, you can authentically re-envision your ranch home.