How to Fix Up a Raised Ranch

Replace the house's windows. Change out old windows for larger, dressier and more energy efficient windows. Add two windows flanking the front door to brighten up the foyer. Replace your front door with one that has a window for extra sunlight and a luxurious look.

Give the home's exterior a facelift. Replace the roof's shingles with energy-efficient shingles. Lighter-colored roofing prevents your roof from absorbing so much heat and driving up your cooling bills. If your home has wood siding, paint the house a neutral or earth-toned color and paint all accents, such as dormers and shutters, a darker color that will compliment the roof, such as a dark green or dark blue. For lower maintenance in the years to come, install neutral-colored vinyl siding that will help the house look completely different and new.

Renovate the master bedroom to make it larger. Knock down a wall between the master bedroom and another bedroom to create a larger room that would accommodate a seating area. Install a fireplace in the bedroom or create a deluxe walk-in closet in your increased space.

Move the interior staircase. Find another location in the house that may better suit the staircase and hire a structural contractor to complete the move. Moving the interior staircase will help increase the flow from the foyer into the rest of the house.

Add a deck or patio to the back of the house. Build the deck so that it's just off the kitchen or dining room. Stain and seal the deck to protect it from the elements. If you build a second floor deck, install patio tiles to create an outdoor sitting area beneath the deck.

Landscape the exterior of the home, using paving stones to create walkways into the home and around the yard. Plant flowers and plants along the patio, deck and along walkways. Plant flower beds around the yard near the house to make the home's exterior look more inviting.