At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, based in the heart of Birmingham, AL, we know just how important first impressions are. When it comes to your home, the exterior is the first thing neighbors, friends, and potential buyers notice. Whether you’re planning to boost curb appeal or simply want to fall in love with your home all over again, focusing on house exterior design is a smart and rewarding investment. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the most common questions we get from homeowners about exterior design and painting—so you can make the most informed decisions possible.

Who Designs the Exterior of a House?
The design of a home’s exterior is typically the work of a residential architect or a specialized exterior designer. These professionals consider everything from the architectural style of the home to the climate, landscaping, and personal taste of the homeowner. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, our team includes seasoned professionals who understand the regional styles of Birmingham and surrounding areas, allowing us to blend function and beauty seamlessly. Whether you’re building a new home or enhancing your current one, we work closely with you to ensure that your home’s exterior reflects your personality and suits your lifestyle.
How Do I Redesign the Outside of My House?
Redesigning the exterior of your house can feel overwhelming, but it becomes manageable with a clear plan. Start by assessing what aspects of your home’s exterior you’d like to improve—this could be siding, paint, windows, doors, roofing, or landscaping. From there, define your goals: Do you want better energy efficiency? A more modern appearance? Increased resale value? At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we recommend starting with a consultation to help you visualize changes using renderings or mockups. We then help you prioritize updates, choose materials, and manage the entire remodeling process. In the Birmingham climate, we also consider durability against heat, humidity, and seasonal storms to ensure your exterior looks great and performs well for years to come.
What Is an Exterior Designer Called?
An exterior designer may go by several names depending on their specialty and training. Common titles include architect, residential designer, or exterior home designer. Some landscape architects and even interior designers with additional training may offer exterior design services as well. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we often use a collaborative approach—bringing together designers, architects, and construction experts to offer a full-service experience. This ensures that every visual and structural element of your exterior design is cohesive, practical, and built to last. If you’re not sure which professional to call, we’re happy to guide you based on your project’s scope and your goals.

What Do Exterior House Painters Do?
Exterior house painters play a vital role in house exterior design. Their primary job is to refresh or change the color of your home’s exterior, but their work goes far beyond just applying paint. Before painting, professional painters will prep the surface by pressure washing, scraping old paint, sealing cracks, and priming surfaces. They use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure an even and durable finish, even in hard-to-reach areas like upper gables or trim. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we only work with trusted, skilled painters who understand not only color theory but also the products best suited for Alabama’s humid climate. A fresh coat of paint doesn’t just beautify—it protects your home from moisture and pests.
How Much Is Labor to Paint the Exterior of a House?
The cost of labor to paint the exterior of a house varies depending on the size of the home, the complexity of the surfaces, and the region. On average, you can expect labor costs to range from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot in the Birmingham area. For a 2,000-square-foot home, that means labor alone may cost between $2,000 and $5,000, not including materials. Factors that influence labor costs include whether your home has multiple stories, intricate trim work, or areas that require extensive prep. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we provide detailed, transparent quotes so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for—and why. We also help you balance cost with quality to ensure you’re getting long-lasting results without unnecessary expenses.
Is More Expensive Exterior Paint Worth It?
In short—yes, more expensive exterior paint is often worth the investment. Premium paint brands offer higher-quality pigments and binders, which means better color retention, superior coverage, and longer-lasting protection against the elements. Cheaper paints may look good at first, but they often fade, crack, or peel after just a few seasons. In the unpredictable Alabama weather, you need a paint that can stand up to humidity, sun exposure, and temperature fluctuations. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we’ve seen firsthand how investing in high-quality paint pays off in the long run—fewer repaints, less maintenance, and a finish that looks beautiful for years. We guide our clients through paint selection to ensure it fits both your design goals and your budget.

A well-designed and well-maintained home exterior does more than boost curb appeal—it also enhances your home’s value, efficiency, and longevity. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we bring a thoughtful, client-centered approach to every exterior project, whether it’s a full redesign, a new paint job, or a simple upgrade to your trim and windows. We believe that house exterior design should be a reflection of your taste and a source of pride every time you pull into the driveway.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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