House Number Buyers Guide

With decorative house numbers available in so many distinctive styles and finishes, searching for the right house number for your home can become a challenging, albeit enjoyable, home renovation project. As a simple rule-of-thumb, the house number you choose should compliment the style of your home and coordinate well with your home's entry door hardware. Decorative house address numbers are most commonly cast brass which works well for traditional style homes. Brass can also be plated with chrome or nickel for a more contemporary look or powdered coated to produce faux oil rubbed bronze or copper finishes. True solid bronze and copper Arts and Crafts house numbers are popular choices for Craftsmen and Mission style homes as well as rustic style homes.

It may surprise you to learn, however, that appearance may not be the lone criteria to consider when selecting a set of house numbers. Often there are homeowners' association rules or even local ordinances that need to be considered prior to selecting and installing house numbers. Ordinances may dictate the size, appearance, and placement of house numbers. Requirements set forth by local ordinances are intended to ensure that house numbers are clearly visible from the street so that police, fire, and other first-responders can quickly identify addresses in case of emergency.

House Number Size

House numbers generally must meet minimum size requirements. House number minimum size requirements are most often 3, 4, or 6 inches in height. Although less common, maximum size requirements may also apply in some areas.

House Number Color

To improve visibility, house number color should sufficiently contrast their background color. For example, house numbers should not be painted to blend in with the home's siding.

House Number Location

House numbers should be installed facing the street that is named in the house's address. For example if your home sits on a corner lot, your house numbers should be installed facing the street associated with your home's numbered address. Additionally, the numbers should be clearly visible from this street and should not be obscured by trees, shrubs, or other permanent objects.

Conclusion

Style and finish options for decorative house address numbers are seemingly endless. However, a quick study of local city ordinances and a review of any applicable homeowners' association bylaws is a wise first step before beginning the search for the perfect house number.