A good contractor possesses several traits, some of which include adaptability and knowledge acquired through general contractor license exam training. However, one of the essential characteristics of a good contractor is having a keen eye for design.

If you are building your living as a contractor, you must stay on top of the current housing trends. This way, you can create the most sought-after designs for your clients. While some trends tend to stick around for 10 or 15 years, new ones will emerge every year.

Here are four popular exterior home trends that are thriving in 2020.

1) Elegant Garage Doors

In a majority of residential communities, the garage is a major focal point of a home. With this in mind, try to stray away from the traditional metal garage door. Instead, opt for a decorative piece that makes a statement. Some options you can go over with your clients include:

● Black garage doors with unique textures

● Reclaimed wood garage doors that complement the home’s architecture

● Glass garage doors with high-placed windows

When designing a client’s garage, don’t skip out on the hardware. A simple side bracket or lift handle can pull the final look together.

While the design of your client’s garage is important, also consider going big with the size. If it’s in your client’s budget, make their garage into a three-car one. This feature is guaranteed to increase client satisfaction, as it offers more storage space, a more extensive driveway, and increased resale value.

2) Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendly nature. They are usually made of high percentages of recycled content, so you and your clients can feel good about using them in the construction of a new home. Some specific metals you can use include galvanized steel, copper, zinc, aluminum, and tin.

According to State Farm, a metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, depending on the environmental conditions in your area. This is significantly longer than the lifespan of a roof constructed from traditional materials, which is only around 12 to 20 years. Plus, metal roofs, because of their reflective properties, can dramatically reduce a homeowner’s cooling costs in the summer. A client can reap several benefits from a cost-effective metal roof, so consider discussing this as an option when planning your next project.

3) Revitalize Outdoor Spaces

Clients want to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving all of the comforts of inside behind. To help them revitalize their outdoor spaces, create an area that offers the best of both worlds. You should focus on offering a place where residents and guests can sit and interact comfortably and marvel at the natural beauty around them. Some features you should plan on incorporating include:

● Water features (fountains, waterfalls, bubblers, etc.)

● Lighting features

● Gazebo

● Firepit or fireplace

● Outdoor kitchen

● Swimming pool

Determine your client’s needs and budget to design an outdoor space that they can fully enjoy year-round.

4) Earthy Tones

When it comes to selecting the color of a client’s home in 2020, you can’t go wrong with blacks, whites, and earthy greens. Green accents on the front door, porch, and underside of the stairway will give a home prominence but still allow it to blend into surrounding homes.

As a contractor, you should have a general idea of what’s popular among homeowners in 2020. However, one of your priorities should be to listen to a client’s design requests and preferences. From there, you can incorporate your recommendations, knowledge, and expertise to produce a final result that they will appreciate for years to come.