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So we are under contract on a house with cedar siding. The rest of the homes in he neighborhood are brick, so this one sat on the market much longer even though it's beautiful on the inside. The outside makes it the ugliest house on the block. Now I can paint, add dentil molding, etc. but what about the brick veneer? It looks pretty nice from what I've seen. Opinions?
There's all kinds of brick- surely out of thousands there's one that meets YOUR criteria.
The bigger question- how much are you willing to spend? And is it even feasible? Depending on the foundation of the house it could be relatively easy or very involved. 1. The brick has to have something to sit on (brick ledge), which is usually made into the foundation whether it be a slab or other type foundation. If its not there, don't bother. I see more after-thought brick jobs go awry because of that than I care too recall.
You do have other options-
Hardi- lap board siding
Stucco
Cultured stone
And/or combinations of the above. And there's no worry with an after-thought ledge for brick.
What about brick veneer? Is that as difficult to install?
All brick in today's residential construction is a veneer. It has no structural bearing to the building itself.
You're referring to "thin brick veneer"- don't bother! When done properly, costs as much as a modular/queen brick veneer. And you're certainly not getting the benefit of "real brick"; nor would the resale value be there.
The technique for applying is basically the same as cultured stone (as I previously mentioned) but I certainly wouldn't use it to facade a whole house. It's more of an accent- to go with other claddings.
It's just that the other homes are very stately from the outside and they are all brick.
This one isn't so it makes it look very plain from the street.
Cedar siding is bad?
We have cedar siding and love it.
Is it just the wrong style house for the siding?
Indeed, I think cedar siding is gorgeous....unless, of course, it has become terribly rundown looking.
A brick house would be lovely, but only if it were an older looking matte glaze and with the classic rose-orange color. There are veneers with that classic look.
But if the house with its present cedar siding looks fine, I would never consider changing it simply because it didn't fit the cookie-cutter look of the neighbourhood. The fact that it was distinctive and of a traditional type of building material would strongly incline me to leave it alone and be grateful.
Could it be painted? I am not one that has to be like everyone else, so I would rejoice that my house was different. However, I can see that not every house looks "just right" in it's situation.
Good luck with what you decide is best for you.
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