When we had our extension built, at the time we opted to have it rendered and painted, and it has remained that way since then. However, I’ve never quite been happy with the finished look, for me it is the ‘hard / cold’ finish of having it rendered that I don’t think I like. Ideally, I would prefer something more pleasant, and modern looking.

My idea is to get it cladded, originally I wanted wood cladding, but since I have been researching it and looking over photos, I hadn’t realised the many different options available. You can get Composite cladding, or wood cladding, you can choose brick cladding, stone cladding and other different claddings, each with different individual textures and finishes - and colours.

But how to choose and get it installed.

There are a few ways to start your cladding purchase, for example one way would be via a home improvements company like https://www.threecountiesltd.co.uk or with a builder or a carpenter. I suppose depending on the type of cladding you want to go with, would depend on the type of company to use, i.e. UPVC and composite you could go to the home improvements company, or wood cladding, a carpenter etc.

In the meantime I have also been researching what benefits of exterior cladding can add to your home - I’ve put a few below:

Protection

The most important benefit of cladding is that it provides an extra layer of protection for your house against the elements. Whatever material you use, the cladding will take the brunt of the wind and rain and will be the first line of defence against moisture entering your house.

Insulation

By adding a layer of cladding to the exterior, this can insulate your home. This will help to keep your home warmer in winter and could potentionally lower your usage of heating; and lower energy use means lower energy bills and will also lessen your environmental impact.

Durability

Depending on the type of Cladding, it can be made with durability in mind, most cladding options can be robust and durable; made to be robust against wear and tear. They can last for many years with minimum wear and tear, and minimum maintenance.

Aesthetics

Cladding can completely change and refresh the appearance of the home. By adding the layer of cladding choosing from numerous colours and textures you can personalise the way the exterior of your home looks; this can be from a stylish modern appearance to an old-classic appearance. It will give your home a refresh and new life to the overall look.

My cladding research has convinced me that I definitely want to replace the boring rendering for much nicer looking cladding -I’m moving more towards composite than wood, as it offers better durability and maintenance.

Cladding definitely looks like a pretty awesome feature to add to the home - and that is my main reason for wanting it, the perfect feature for the exterior and all the additional benefits cladding offer are a bonus.