How Badly A Rundown Brick Exterior Scares Off Buyers (& Is It Worth Refreshing It?)
Having a brick exterior for your home can instantly create classic charm. However, if your brick is looking more drab than fab and has seen better days, your house might actually look neglected and outdated. If you're considering selling your home either now or in the future, a rundown brick exterior can seriously scare off prospective buyers. Unfortunately, having less-than-stellar brick isn't just a cosmetic issue — it can also indicate underlying structural problems. Instead of seeing the charming brick facade that you envisioned, homebuyers will see potentially extensive and expensive repairs in their future. The visible condition of the bricks, like extensive cracking and overall discoloration, can tank the "curb appeal" of your home and scare off even the most DIY-savvy homebuyers.
A neglected brick exterior sends a strong, negative message to anyone considering your home. If the brick exterior is in bad shape, are there moisture issues within the walls? Are there other potential structural issues that will need to be addressed soon after moving in? If potential homebuyers think that the exterior brick is in rough shape, you might notice a lack of offers on your home, or worse, offers that come in lower than your asking price.
How much of an impact you'll see
Just how much is that rundown brick costing you? Even minor grime and damage can shave a decent amount off your home's potential sale price. If your brick has a lot of extensive damage, like significant cracking or surface peeling, you could see a noticeable hit to offers. Buyers will immediately factor in the substantial cost to repair or replace the brick, if they even make an offer at all.
There is some good news, though. The return on investment for refreshing your brickwork is very positive. Having a brick exterior alone can increase your home's value by as much as 6% — but if the brick exterior is damaged, that higher home value likely won't be realized. Addressing any damage before listing your home to sell will dramatically enhance your curb appeal. Since the long-term effects of brick on home resale value are generally high when the brick is in great shape, this is often a smart renovation that pays for itself.
Smart refreshing and cost considerations
Instead of listing your home with a less-than-attractive brick exterior, take some time to refresh the bricks and get your home's exterior back to tip-top shape. A proper cleaning is a great way to get started. You can use a pressure washer to remove dirt and mildew buildup, but it is important to be careful so that you don't damage the mortar joints. Using distilled white vinegar is another effortless way to brighten up your outside brickwork. It both cleans and kills mold and mildew, giving your brick exterior a revitalized look without harsh scrubbing or specialized equipment.
If there are very minor cracks, professional tuckpointing (where the old mortar joints are replaced with new mortar) should be done. This will not only help make the overall appearance look pristine, but it will also stabilize the house's structural integrity. Neglecting these small cracks can lead to more significant issues down the road, since water can seep in and cause further damage to both the brick and the foundation.
The cost you'll pay to make your home's brick look like new will vary depending on the extent of damage you have and whether it can be repaired or has to be replaced. A professional cleaning can cost just a few hundred dollars, while tuckpointing can range from $5 to $25 per square foot. The cost to paint brick exterior will range from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, so plan your wallet and budget accordingly. If you need to replace a few bricks or if you have a significant moisture issue, it will be more of an investment. Remember that this cost up front will help to protect your home's value, potentially attracting a bid for your house that is more than your asking price.