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MichaelG · Jan 5, 2007, 06:38 PM

I'm currently remodeling a 1500 sq. ft. ranch house. I've already gutted the interior. The outside of the house has brick veneer that is very unattractive. Call me crazy, but I prefer the look of vinyl siding.

Here's my dilemma: This remodel will include several changes that could be accommodated much easier with the brick removed. Installing new vinyl would also be easier with the brick removed. However, removing the brick would be quite a task.

I'm doing all of this work myself and I'm prepared to do whatever is most beneficial. Just wondering whether I should remove the brick or vinyl over it and attempt to complete improvements with brick in place.

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Michael
South Carolina

s2tp · Jan 5, 2007, 07:01 PM

I apologize for responding and not having any actual advice...

I just found it very funny that at first glance I read 'What to do about butt-ugly CHICK' as the topic sentence... LOL.

So are you remodeling this house for resale or to live in?

I would say if you are just going to sell it, to leave the brick, maybe paint it.. but if its something your going to live in I would want to go all the way.

Is it brick all over or just the bottom half? I have a cousin that renovated their new house and it was pretty ugly before... they have the lower half with brick. But after replacing the vinyl siding above the brick, and giving the brick a pressure wash.. it looks fantastic!

labman · Jan 5, 2007, 07:10 PM

I would talk to a Realtor about dumping the brick house and picking up a non brick one. You may not be crazy, but in a substantial minority. Brick houses are worth more. And please don't paint it.

It is like me and all the #$%*&#$%& gadgets on my car. I despise the electric windows.

s2tp · Jan 5, 2007, 07:14 PM

I think it would be pretty hard for him to dump this house when he has already gutted the interior

MichaelG · Jan 5, 2007, 07:21 PM

Thanks for the reply. My better half and I have been together for 31 years now. She's definitely not butt-ugly. Can't say the same for her husband, though.

As for the house, it has brick veneer from top to bottom. This house previously belonged to my inlaws. My wife and I are remodeling it and plan to live there when the project is completed.

My instinct is to just remove the bricks entirely and replace the siding as if it were new construction. It's not that I don't like bricks, I just don't like the bricks that are currently installed (looks like something from an old factory).

I like vinyl because it's very low maintenance and I can intall it myself. However, I'll still have to install a curtain wall of new bricks from the floor level down to achieve a good look with the siding.

Decisions, decisions.

Michael

s2tp · Jan 5, 2007, 07:26 PM

Aaaah OK, well... I guess it depends on how dedicated you are and how much time/money you want to spend.

For me, if it's a house I plan on moving into and living in for a long time... I would want to drive up and smile when I see it, not frown and wished I had done this or that when I had the chance...

I say go for it!. and uuugh Good Luck too:D