Asked on Jun 06, 2013

ICK! What to do with the brick on this house?

Jasmin
by Jasmin
Looking for suggestions on repairing this brick and then after that .... Paint? Stain? So many ugly flaws and no clue what to do. Masonry is deffo not my forte but there has to be some sort of great DIY solution to this aside from paying 257437575 bajillion dollars to have it re-surfaced professionally.... any thoughts? A lot of the brick has been eroded from years of neglect. Curious how you might cover them over and look alright - Labour and hardwork are no issues .... just looking for a decent product or idea. Thanks so much!
Look at the next few photos to see the close up of the bricks - for those saying nothing is wrong with the brick lol . oye yoy yoy ... its bad,
the far right side of the house
the bottom right corner of the front door
extreme close up of the brick - now eroded further behind the mortar levels.
over the front door
  97 answers
  • John John on Jun 06, 2013
    Well, if you don't like the brick you can always paint it using a masonry safe paint. I'd look to fill in that horizintal gap above the door with some spare bricks if you can find them. I'd also dress up the entry way with some nice trim work to wrap around the door.. should make it looks more substantial. Good luck!
  • Fran H Fran H on Jun 06, 2013
    I'd paint it brick red and then add a porch and roof.. to cover gap put porch all the way as is but only one set of stairs...
  • Lisa Webinger Lisa Webinger on Jun 06, 2013
    Stained glass in the gap above the windows. Punch up the doors and add shutters like the above commenter mentioned. Get rid of the stair case that leads to the door and extend the railing
  • Dria @ Dio Dria @ Dio on Jun 06, 2013
    I agree with Anne I love the color of the brick and the charm it has as is, I'd just add other things like the shutters or large molding around the windows and as John said dress up the entry with trim, I'd go with large trim!!
  • Jessica C Jessica C on Jun 06, 2013
    I too love the color and the aged look of this building. Colorful shutters and a colorful front door would do wonders. Paint the mailbox and the chair on the porch to match. If you don't like the faulty brick around the door, you could construct a trellis and plant a vine on it.
  • Bev Bev on Jun 06, 2013
    Definitely one stair way, Paint the dental shaped bricks a contrasting color, roof line over the door, which could extend outwards a bit. And I agree with the others about the stained glass , shutters and panting the deck.
  • Lorraine F Lorraine F on Jun 06, 2013
    I think the brick is a good color also. I agree with shutters. Chop off those 4x4 posts sticking up. Paint the railings. Consider a pretty awning over the door as an alternative to a porch roof. Some neighbors here have a rounded black awning over their door and it's SO charming. If you want to fill the crack over the door use Quikcrete and get the brick color matched so you can paint in the area. While the Quikcrete is wet, make impressions to match the brick pattern as much as possible. Once the rest is spruced up, it probably won't be noticeable.
  • Lori Farquhar-Bryenton Lori Farquhar-Bryenton on Jun 06, 2013
    I would use a product called 'Allguard'. It's an exterior coating that goes on like paint (roll it) and the added bonus is it will prevent further deterioration to the brickwork from water/freeze/thaw cycles. It comes in a lot of colors (3,000 I think) and makes a building look like new. We have used it on high end condominiums (my husband's an exterior renovation contractor) and it can make even the most run-down exterior look amazing. Add some shutters (and def. do something about the deck/porch) and it will look absolutely beautiful. I have used it on 2 homes we've renoed. HIGHLY recommend it. If you need any more data, just ask. I believe it's an American product, but it's available in Canada too.
  • Tracy Doughty Tracy Doughty on Jun 06, 2013
    I'd add a different railing too. ;) Black wrought iron would really give it a punch with all of the other suggestions made.
  • Louanne Tempich Louanne Tempich on Jun 07, 2013
    I would paint the brick, then in a contrast colour put shutters around the windows and a pedamnet around the door to make it stand out. It is lossed in the brick and the windows. the double entry to the deck can make it confusing as to where the front door is. I love this old Victorian look
  • Well before you go about changing colors & stuff, let me recommend you find a really good mason to fix any issues & give it a good cleaning - burying an issue won't make it go away & could make it worse You may also want to see if they can redo that area around the door to make it blend in better whether you decide to paint it or not because as it is, it will always stand out Just remember, as soon as you start down the paint or stain arena, there is no going back & the required maintenance required goes up
  • Somewhat Quirky Somewhat Quirky on Jun 07, 2013
    I agree with the bright shutters and door. And an awning would be great!
  • Jasmin Jasmin on Jun 07, 2013
    Thanks everyone for the comments so far! Main thing is the bricks are deteriorating and need something to fix them up ... if you look along the far right edge - you can see how bad it is. That was from a lack of eaves trough for so long. So deffo need to find something to fix that up. The porch is another issue - the 2 sets of stairs were built so the mailman had a nice flow for walking up and over when he delivers mail lol. I know, strange, but kind I guess!? AND main issue - there is a grandfathered clause, when the porch came down, nothing was allowed to be rebuilt that was attached to the house, so a roof is a no go .....
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 07, 2013
    You might be able to work the "historical angle" clearly there was a porch, perhaps some type of overhang roof thingy over the front door could be added. Not a full porch but a simple portico to keep the rain off you head while you fetch out your house keys..the deck on the other hand is just weird. I would flip sidewalk to the door side and just have the single set of steps.
  • Steph Mike Steph Mike on Jun 07, 2013
    maybe your local historical home society would have the inside track on the masonry work? I'm sure those folks have seen it all in the home restoration department. :) good luck keep us updated!
  • Linda H Linda H on Jun 07, 2013
    Put the porch back on and make the deck with one set of stairs. The side with the window make it the outdoor seating area. I agree with KMS Woodworks.
  • Robin Roderick Robin Roderick on Jun 07, 2013
    I love the brick! Looks like there was a wooden porch supported by large corbels above the door, explains the difference in color on the brick facing. I would go with a Federal Blue wood porch and corbels, with touches of a cheery yellow, painting the landing and rails the same.
  • Robin Peterson Robin Peterson on Jun 07, 2013
    Love the original colour - if you can't re- build the covered porch - try a pergola at the same height that it was before- that isn't attached to the building just the deck :) - Need to add height to make it more formal entrance. You can hang planters in the summer and lights in the winter. a few planters with tall cedars or boxwood on each side of a Bright Gypsy Red Door :), Remove the stairs by the door and add to the existing railing to create a lovely deck. Plant a Red Japanese Maple in a Planter by the window :)
  • Saleh CM Services, LLC Saleh CM Services, LLC on Jun 07, 2013
    it depends on your budget. I would build a roof over the two bottom doors, and place a 36" railing to create a balcony then I would replace two upper window with French doors, and place stucco on top of the bricks.
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Jun 07, 2013
    @Jasmin I think @SLS Construction Solutions is right.You need a professional opinion on the mason work, or you could eventually end up with water leaking into the house and bricks falling off. Once you have that assessed and any problems fixed, you could consider putting some siding up to the level where the overhang used to be. This might be a diy project (I know how talented you are) and there are many carefree sidings available, some might even go with the period of the house. The brick above this area looks ok to me, but then I am not looking from it from a birds eye view. If you want something to protect you on the deck there are all kinds of gazebos available. We just erected one that is permanent with a metal roof - loving it. Do remember to update us with pics - I am always impressed with your work :)
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Jun 07, 2013
    I have no clue but I love the possibility of this- and hope you'll keep us updated through the work.
  • Flora Flora on Jun 07, 2013
    Hello from a Canadian living in Florida... the color of the brick is fine but this house obviously had a porch built over the door at one point.. it needs to be replaced and get rid of the stairs on the right side..one set of stairs is enough and that would make more room to make a nice porch... then but up some shutters and paint the door & shutters a nice bright color.>>> as for the corner brick it can be replaced with some found bricks of the same color.. Good luck with your project. It has so much potential.
  • Lori J Lori J on Jun 07, 2013
    I love painted brick, so if you really dislike the color, you might look into that. Try googling painted brick houses before and after.
  • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Jun 07, 2013
    Paint it white..then sand off some to give it a more over all distressed look. Then paint the trim a dark gray and the Door a green, put some shutters up and flower boxes. It would look really cute, clean without losing its charm. Oh and the porch only needs one set of steps...taking one set off by the window you could have a nice place for a chair and table...
  • Tina Tina on Jun 08, 2013
    I agree with some of the others... 1 set of steps. A covered front porch the length of the front would be beautiful and add an outdoor room! Love the color. If the brick is too difficult to make pretty again, choose a similar color. It will be an easier job to paint! Big chairs, fun fabrics, potted plants and flowers, cup of coffee or glass of iced tea!
  • Jennifer Stanley Jennifer Stanley on Jun 08, 2013
    PAINT IT!! So many beautiful colors to choose from, soft tones of yellow would look good with your white window frames...I'd change the outside light to something from an antique mall, then paint that wonderful door Teaberry Red!
  • Deb oleary Deb oleary on Jun 08, 2013
    Could have someone retuck point the bricks, and change out the bad ones, we have a brick home, and are having that done right now
  • Jennifer Stanley Jennifer Stanley on Jun 08, 2013
    It looks like there used to be an awning or some sort of rooftop over the entry door, I'd reinstall something there to hide that scar...and I'd do away with the steps in front of the door and replace that whole section with lattice and some great landscaping...maybe some shutters...?
  • Add a piece of architectural wooden molding where the awning used to be.... and grow some roses or wisteria on your house! Wisteria will not be invasive in your climate, and it would look really beautiful in front of that neutral brick color.... Take out all of the grass and plant it with Catmint and Sedum 'Acre' (see here: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/walkways-paths/curb-strip-plantings-with-nepeta-sedum-and-iris-1597970)....Add some Clematis on for the porch railing. It would be straight out of an English garden magazine! :)
  • Karen Young Karen Young on Jun 08, 2013
    Get a mason to replace the bricks on the corner, paint the house a pale yellow, put white shutters around all the windows, put beefy columns around the door coming out about six inches and about a foot wide with a pediment on top. Get a much bigger porch light, move the house numbers to the middle of the house or in the glass above the door. Cut off the tall posts, make one entrance to the front door, put newel caps on the entrance stairs to the porch, paint the porch white, all the trim white, the front door red and put window boxes on the front rail with red geraniums and ivy.
  • Bonnie Bonnie on Jun 08, 2013
    In addition to all these great ideas, I would accent the decorative brick work with a complimentary color over the windows and door, the dental work, and the brackets under the eaves, so it doesn't blend in so much. I saw the brick problem issue addressed on HGTV's Income Property just recently, may want to investigate there. I can see this house as a beauty when it's done. Please post pictures.
  • Nest Furnishings Nest Furnishings on Jun 08, 2013
    Everyone has the right idea on the porch. Eliminate the left set and extend your railing across. Build a roof over your porch. Treat the brick as you would anything else and paint it. A nice look would be a taupe with white trim and black shutters on all windows. Don't forget to pull out the dated landscaping and start need and fresh. Easy and will make a world of difference
  • Marci N Marci N on Jun 08, 2013
    I would think a good cleaning and them perhaps building a covered porch in the front, Maybe trying to echo the detail on the third story. It looks quite washed out perhaps a coat of sealer would being out the beauty of the brick again?
  • Ronda Ronda on Jun 09, 2013
    I would paint it different shades of terracotta and try for a tuscan look, similar to some of the older farm home that are around that area.
  • Debby Boyle Debby Boyle on Jun 09, 2013
    You can paint them!! They make paint for brick. Go to your hardware store and ask about the paint!!
  • Jami Huntsinger Jami Huntsinger on Jun 09, 2013
    Brick red shutters. It will bring color to the home. Attention must be paid to the door -- the window above it needs some stained or etched glass, the door needs to be painted and adorned with jewelry -- nice knob, kick plate, door knocker. These few changes will go a long way in improving the structure. Finally, a pretty railing will make all the difference. I'd start here.
  • Chris Frazier Chris Frazier on Jun 09, 2013
    I'd stain them, leave the flaws. adds to the charm. Just dust them off well before staining. Really bad breaks, add mortar to it before staining. Or some kind of putty.
  • Ilene Pedersen Ilene Pedersen on Jun 09, 2013
    could you stucco and then paint? I like the idea of putting a covered porch with stairs going completely across or just on the door side. Shutters would also be nice.
  • Peabutton's Mom Peabutton's Mom on Jun 09, 2013
    So many wonderful ideas that echo the same sentiments! I agree about the whole porch step problem and to put back up either a covered porch or a pergola. Either way, it would definitely give it some character. Then perhaps some climbing floral or ivy. Brick can be stained, painted, bleached, or covered completely. Check your options locally and online. I look forward to seeing pics of your future decision!
  • Addie D Addie D on Jun 09, 2013
    I would paint it a pale yellow or a lovely sage green, where the brick ledge is I'd paint that a darker shade above it perhaps, along with the vertical pillars on the third floor and that horizontal area perhaps that same dark color. Above the door I'd build a pergola and color the door a striking color. Shutters eventually if you're into that look in a constrasting color with the green black and around the windows too. But if you put up the pergola ~ I'd skip the shutters. The transims above door and widow, I'd do a faux stained glass or glass mosaic with the address above the door. Perhaps an English garden???. The house has amazing bones!
  • Debbie Debbie on Jun 09, 2013
    I would repair the brick as needed but only a cleaning would be done on the brick otherwise. Now the front door area would need to be a covered porch from one side to the other side. Matching corbels if possible and a copper roof effect on the porch. One entry to the front door so the rest becomes a patio with iron fencing and comfortable seating. Lots of plants for street appeal. A lot of trim colors will go with that brick as it is your neutral. Have fun!!
  • Pia Low Pia Low on Jun 09, 2013
    Spray it white with royal blue shutters and flowers boxes under each window. The front door bright glossy red. The porch loose one set of stairs(by the door). Beautiful light beside door. And yes a nice climbing plant where damage is around the front door. Re hash front yard.
  • Diane Murray P Diane Murray P on Jun 09, 2013
    The brick would look awesome with a touch of country cottage Yellow, green trim and white rails on the porch, white flowers in the garden beautiful
  • Mary Bergin Mary Bergin on Jun 09, 2013
    I would paint the brick red. Probably go with a burnt reddish color. I would rebuild the front porch, including a porch roof (match the porch roof with the same color as the shingles on the house). Take away the right staircase. Refinish and stain the porch area (in wood, lighter stain). I would also add shutters to each window (in white) and paint the window frames (in white). I would add flower boxes to each window as well (maybe in a darker red shade) and also paint the front door in the same color as the flower boxes (and add some flowers to each box). I would also add a couple of pieces of furniture to go on the new porch, including a swing (in front of the window area). Then I would fix up the front yard landscaping with a lot of flowers and shrubs, and possibly some decorative rocks. I would also do the underside (trim area) of the roof in white.
  • Beverly Cooley Beverly Cooley on Jun 09, 2013
    I think I woud go for a pergola instead of a regular porch roof and plant some klind of flowering vine so it would spread over the top. Close off the window side of the deck and remove the steps so there is a true entertainment area. Put flower boxes at the second floor and attic windows. The sidewalk will have to be re worked so you may as well clean up the front yard, too. All of this should be a lot cheaper than sandblasting and repairing the brick. If the brick still bothers you, paint the brick under the pergola a color that will blend with the upper brick. If the front of the house is going to require some definite repair, perhaps doing this will buy you some time to save up to cover the cost.
  • Susanne Patterson Susanne Patterson on Jun 09, 2013
    Flower boxes are a great idea under the windows
  • Debbie Prince Hudgins Debbie Prince Hudgins on Jun 09, 2013
    I don't know anything about brick, but redoing the porch and the little yard could make a big difference.
  • Denise Ryczek Denise Ryczek on Jun 09, 2013
    Never paint brick! Have them sandblasted or chemically cleaned and but the porch back. Get rid of the deck. This should never have a deck like that. You have a really jewel in the ruff.
  • Diane Navarro Diane Navarro on Jun 09, 2013
    definite needs to be painted and needs some focus points in the front like taking away one set of stairs closing in the porch with a cute railing and some beautiful potted plants,add some shutters to each window and flower boxes on upper windows rework the gardens with a cute walk way. oh lala alot can be done on a budget but the first is to pressure wash and paint which can be done for a fraction of the cost if done by home owners would love to see completed
  • Linda Nelson Linda Nelson on Jun 09, 2013
    I would make the staircase longer to match the faded brick, take out the stairs on the right. Put up a pergola. Distressed finish on brick facade,maybe red brick with white chalk paint softly rubbed on? Black or wooden door. Rip out landscaping. Bring in flowers in planters.
  • Debbie J Debbie J on Jun 09, 2013
    I am not for painting the brick... but in this case in order for the brick to be blended, I see no other solution. Also I would get rid of the double porch entrance and make it only one, where the front door is,to showcase the new front door, and a screen door to allow the residents to have the door open in the spring and fall. I would also put a roof on the porch that goes with the period of the house. Bring in some new plants and flowers to bring a bright and colorful ambiance to the entrance.
  • Nita M Nita M on Jun 09, 2013
    I would try to find a brick to match to fix hole outside the left window. If you can't then remove one fron the center between the windows. Add mortar and add a nice wrought iron something you would like. Where mortar is missing to the left I would fill it in where it is needed. Then I would go completely across the front just under the windows up top and have yourself a covered porch. You do not have to remove the steps you have. It will look fine. Paint your doors a different color then your painting your brick, which should be a darker color. Also I would trim your door and windows out with a lighter color. And put you some nice house numbers in between the door and window under the porch. Which can also be made by yourself. Just make them larger than they are now. You can checkout Pinterest on the details of making your own numbers for your home. Good luck and you have an awesome home !
  • Lorene Lorene on Jun 09, 2013
    i would try a good cleaning and paint freshening. and the outstanding features of the home. also, reconstruct the and add to the cover over the door and porch area. also possibly removing the steps from the window side of the porch. putting the steps and the sidewalk on the doorside of the porch would make more sense. adding some decorative window shutters and color to the windows. gray is a good color these days and a lot of different colors will pop and bring life to the house. i also think adding rails made of wrought iron rather than wood would be a good idea. with a good construction of the steps and porch area, landscaping would be simplified. definitely getting rid of the stone borders and putting in plants that are more complimentary of eachother as well as the home. i think the house itself is lovely and has character that just needs to be nourished instead of subdued
  • J.Calom J.Calom on Jun 09, 2013
    Definitely paint that ugly brick, white or light beige. Put navy blue shutters on the 3 lower windows and front door. Navy blue awning over front door. Paint trim on upper window navy blue. Eliminate one set stairs on the right (front of window.. Relandscape front yard.in low growing plants. Take out concrete walkway, Install slate walkway to remaining stairs. Stain railing around porch in a navy blue or pecan color. Add brackets to front railing to hang pots of trailing geraniums. .
  • Vickie Robertson Vickie Robertson on Jun 09, 2013
    Here's where I differ. Remove the deck or extend it all the way across the back. Remove the steps and center them on the deck (one set). Add a pergola that goes up just below the windows. Cover all that with some vines....wisteria are ok if you like bees.... Paint brick whatever color you like but understand that if you paint brick you will have to keep painting it....if you can leave it natural and cover it with plants etc that might be better. Install shutters on upper windows in contrasting color from paint.
  • Michelle Templin Michelle Templin on Jun 09, 2013
    first of all to maintain the homes integrity I'd make sure that the morter is no eroding, if that is the case it would take lots of very tediousness work to fix that problem. quick crest has a great product to stucco this home and you could stain it or paint it any color you'd like. with a ladder and some tips from the DIY website you and a few friends could do it yourselves
  • Susan Leslie Susan Leslie on Jun 09, 2013
    Clean it and repair it, it could be it's old beautiful self
  • Michelle Templin Michelle Templin on Jun 09, 2013
    that was meant to say Quick Crete
  • Nancy H Nancy H on Jun 09, 2013
    I would leave the main body the color that it is. Paint or stain the brickwork accents to bring them out. Add shutters to the windows and replace the front door with something a little larger and inviting but keeping with the charm of the house. Close of the right side stairs so you have a larger porch and add some kind of roof/purgola over the whole front area including the door. As far as colors I'd use ones from the period that the house was built. Can't wait to see it finished with who ever's idea you choose.
  • Jenny Spiller Jenny Spiller on Jun 09, 2013
    I would clean the brick and then paint it a little darker beige. Then I would paint the dental molding type brick and the columns at the top on each side a chocolate brown accent color. Also paint the eve of the house, and around the windows chocolate brown. It would be hard to add shutters to the downstairs window with the porch in the way. I would put a copper roof patio cover over the whole front porch. Add shutters in chocolate brown on each side of the upstairs windows and planter baskets under them. Do not add vines as they eat into the mortar of your brick. Paint or stain the front door a nice burnt orange like the item hanging on the right patio post. Plant lots of pretty flowers in front of the porch and to the right side. Enjoy!
  • Cheryl Murray Cheryl Murray on Jun 09, 2013
    Some bricks, as well as mortar, appear to be in bad condition. It seems to me that just paint or stain would not solve the problems. Stucco might be a reasonable solution, along with some colorful trim, a nice door, shutters, window boxes, new lights, and a porch or overhang. The upper section of bricks (above the brick trim) looks in better condition. Maybe you could leave the bricks there and paint them a complementary color to the new stucco.
  • Verna Degraffenreid-Hull Verna Degraffenreid-Hull on Jun 09, 2013
    It needs a porch, and white trim around the windows to match porch and paint the steps and rails white. Lovely
  • Carol Carol on Jun 09, 2013
    Replace and repair the brick and mortar, replace the windows with double paned vinyl windows with grates, build a (white) covered porch with centered extra wide steps (consider black wrought iron railings anchored between the white frames of the porch and steps), new door with a glass panel in the middle of the front door, add window boxes to the second floor windows and fill with flowers and greenery, add (black) shutters to the upstairs windows. Paint the brick a dark or medium moss &/or sage green or light mocha, black trim and shutters, white windows and the wood on the porch, and a colorful vertical floral and greenery arrangement on the front door. The yard needs to be cleaned and landscaped with a neat walkway up to the steps of the house - lots of green plants and flowers of yellow, purple, and pink. Add a white wood swing and post in the yard opposite side from the front door.
  • Laurie Souza Laurie Souza on Jun 09, 2013
    I would paint the house in a creative shade of white and let it distress with time, not really worrying about the condition of paint on brick; at this point who cares, I then would add dimension with trim around the roof edge as well as the windows and door frame. In fact I would really bring the trim around the door out by over scaling it with a large a robust style. I would use black as the second color using a French country theme. Installing valances over the door and windows of black and white stripped print on a Sunbrella canvas fabric. Paint the door black with gold hardware, add a colorful stain glass insert. Make subtle repairs on the porch then paint it a beautiful color of your choice, mine would be a brick shade of red.
  • Joyce Alexander Joyce Alexander on Jun 09, 2013
    If you have the funds, add a deck above the door and extend those windows to be single doorways leading to the deck from the bedrooms on the second floor. Great place for viewing the morning/day. Remove most of the deck in the front - start half way between the door and window and remove to the end of the home on the right side. go with concrete or enclose steps leading to the front door, give them a curve appeal - wide at the bottom and narrowing on the way up accenting the entrance. Flower bedding area under the right window drawing the eye to the center of the home, with a brick laid walkway leading to the steps.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jun 10, 2013
    start by professional cleaning, repair and re-tucking...they can help you make the next descision based on condition and cost paint or not..I wouldn't but, if they say its so bad then do it.. I'd keep with period style fixtures, wrought iron railings and period colors, look into historical photographs for the area.If painting, I'd choose maybe a med dove soft gray, white trim, black shutters, planter boxes, light fixtures and railings. and a POP of color on the door.. Some type of porch will help the rain and dirt from inside, new walk to front door. Not being sure which side drive is yours, If its on the left, access steps from that side also. Change the deck, I would : remove the walk and steps, expand it a bit if possible, lower it by about half the height it is now, put 2-3 steps being parallel with the driveway. Porch access would be between the door and window, down a step or two. This would create an outdoor room, 2-3 step down would seperate it from the entry area, add some privacy with either trellis or lattice work on the side by the car. Window boxes on the upper levels and or shutters, off black or dark gray.
  • Jmauermeyer Jmauermeyer on Jun 10, 2013
    i agree with professional cleaning, repair ...some shutters perhaps (a period color ) and a pretty front porch with flowering bushes/ greens ....it needs color ! not painting the brick ...tht never seems to look right ?? enjoy the challenge !!
  • Freda Freda on Jun 10, 2013
    I would repair the brick , you don't want to take the character away from the house I would have the house professionally done. it looks as if over the door there used to be a roof of some kind, I would build that back. build a new deck area, you only need one set of steps leading to the house, use some kind of manufactured decking. clean the yard completely(everything) have the walkway to the other side so it goes directly the door some type of door to let light in and beautiful from the outside and don't forget to paint it. lay new sod after the deck is done you have an new area for plants, maybe some window boxes,, shutters would be nice if you have the space. if you could extend the roof all across the house a nice old fashion swing would be nice. simple furniture so that the flowers add the color and maybe add a tree , I think that would look pretty ....
  • Pam W Pam W on Jun 10, 2013
    cover it up with a portico roof
  • Myra Hyde Myra Hyde on Jun 10, 2013
    I would paint the bricks and lose the steps on the right and put a porch across the front. Dont forget to paint door a poping color!
  • Debbie Esker Debbie Esker on Jun 10, 2013
    I wo uldn't paint the brick but I would add some dark colored shutters and change the door. Painting the trim, adding a rich red door and shutters would be great!
  • Tammy M Tammy M on Jun 10, 2013
    I think the brick needs to be painted. It's not a very pretty color and is in bad shape. I would paint it and add a porch roof across and take out the funky looking deck rails and the stairs. It is too modern looking for the house and doesn't suit the age of the home. You have a diamond in the rough there. It will be beautiful if you do it right. Please post pics. I hate never seeing the end result. Haha
  • Linda Wingert-Turiak Linda Wingert-Turiak on Jun 10, 2013
    First, take the deck down. Power wash or sandblast the brick to clean it up. Do not paint the brick. Build a new covered porch across the entire front of the house. Take the clear glass out of the windows over the front door and the downstairs window and replace it with stained glass. Add some shutters in a medium muted color gray and paint the front door cranberry or plum. I add a front porch swing, furniture and some potted plants going down the new front porch steps. To finish it up, add some landscaping and a new walkway. Almost forgot, the two accent pieces of wood under the eve of the roof of the house paint the same color as the front door.
    • Rita Doyle Rita Doyle on Feb 01, 2014
      @Linda Wingert-Turiak yeah~ I'm with you ! draw that ey UP away from that front yard mess!
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jun 10, 2013
    another thougth I'd pass on....I LIVE IN A BRICK HOME,,,,1949 vintage...Get a PROFESSIONAL CONSULT. DO NOT CLEAN the BRICK yourself.. You may further damage what needs to be repaired and its a MUCH BIGGER JOB than it looks,,,It will be so worth in in the final results Use you energy and time elseware in this project,,,it will be stunning..please take lots of photos and let use see your results....
    • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Nov 22, 2013
      @Wanda sinnema Agree! Brick has a glaze that if sandblasted or pressure washed can become damaged...leading to more deterioration!
  • Jasmin Jasmin on Jun 10, 2013
    Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas. Specifically to people that have tried any do it yourself brick repair products and what works best. I understand consultations would be best, but curious about products more so.
  • Nita M Nita M on Jun 10, 2013
    Hun your going to have to wash the brick with a pressure washer. Then fill with mortar yourself. After its dried you can paint the whole house. Where there was a Dormer over the door it will be covered by the wood you are using to put you a roof across the front of the house. I would also dress up the window in the front or take it out and add a door for more of an appealing look. Another idea...... Stucco the whole house. Also we have had brick problems ourselves, and on one house we took the brick off and put siding. The other we did stucco. I like the stucco best.
  • Magpye Magpye on Jun 10, 2013
    paint each one a different color -- psychedelicize the entire thing. But that's just my opinion.
  • Vicki Vicki on Jun 10, 2013
    Hi, I would have all the damaged bricks replaced with new bricks, odd colors would be fine if you intend to plaster over or paint the bricks.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jun 11, 2013
    BRICK s and MORTAR are tricky....I would get a consult.....WHY? they were not made like to day, techniques have changed,INGREDIENTS a nd STANDARDS also,, his house was built there were NONE. Last thing you want is a repair and find yourself 6-7 yrs later redoing the redo.. the mortar can have a reaction, where it gets a crusty white hard coating,,,looks like a hard mold,, its the lime seperating out. Power washingCAN get it off,,but more of the mortar too, causing more damage...GET A PRO CONSULT pay more now ,REWARDS will be LATER, you may even be able to work with them, having them teach you the correct repair on this. Replacing damaged bricks on a project this size is not easy, its not like decking or a window....SEVERE WEATHER may be the problem,,,,if you arer still determend to do it yourself,,,,check with others in the area, DRIVE AROUND look for same problems TALK to owners.....
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jun 11, 2013
    After looking at more of your photos,,,,,you have quite a mess..... combined severe weather in your area, with old old workmanship and techniques.... its TIME thats taken its toll....I'll say it again,,,,, CONSULT first,,,,, they May be able to fix the major things(around the door) show you the techniques, or tell you the next step...Maybe after, repaied an epoxy latex paint to over the brick to keep it from you having a pile of sand instead of mortar..I think not being a pro at this,, its weather damage,,issue is now HOW TO STOP MORE from happening..We have some as we live by PUGET SOUND and have wind and rain...the side that getsthe heavy wind and rain,,,,is damaged, luckily not as bad as yours..As a do it yourself-er....bite thebullit and call someone......
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jun 11, 2013
    WE painted the foundation of our house with MASONARY PRIMER AND PAINT.... you are a long ways from that step..
  • Gayle P. Gayle P. on Jun 11, 2013
    I would fix the bricks then stucco it in a nice clay or lighter color. It's got to be hard trying to work with masonry. Things here are brick or wood. I have seen some pretty stucco homes though, then do landscaping to set it off. It looks like a much older home. I love older homes they have bones and character.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jun 23, 2013
    OLD type stucco is not good in a damp climate,,, that being said, there is a newer type way of doing it that has a (latex ?) product in it making it fine for your area, if thats what you choose. Here in Puget Sound region, the a COMMUNITY COLLEGE trades program is useing it. We saw it a few years ago at a home and garden show. Just a though for you..
  • Phillip Williams Phillip Williams on Aug 29, 2013
    Wow! What are those bricks made of? I have never seen anything like that! You definitely need a local professional to assess the damage and determine why this has occurred. If the home is of true brick construction and not just veneer you may have a serious structural issue. I would really like to hear what has caused this.
  • Sandy Sandy on Nov 21, 2013
    I would start with a professional consultation. They are usually no charge and there are several questions that they can answer: type of brick and type of mortar as well as a cost estimate. That will help you research and develop a plan of attack. Then you can decide if DIY is the answer. Looks like there was a porch with a ceiling over part of the front and it would be great if you could replace that at some time. I believe the front door needs the frame replaced with period wood. Also the front door and one window that has a transom would look great with stained glass at the top of each. Once you find out the materials in your brick and mortar you can decide whether to bring it back to the original look or, if stucco would be a better option. Great house with lots of potential. Let us know what you do.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Nov 22, 2013
    Depending on your budget and your expertise as a DIY person. This is one of those houses that could be stunning! I would repair the brick and wash it down...gently...to avoid any further damage or seepage into cracks. If you are opposed to painting, this style would lend itself to a whitewashed look...were it me, I would paint it to protect the brick and cover the flaws. Build a deeper, more useble covered porch all the way across the house with the steps at only the side where the door is located. I would not put the steps going up in front of the door but would make them go up sideways toward the left and turn on the last couple of steps toward the door. That way, the porch would be more private. If you want more privacy, instead of rails, put up some posts a little over 4' tall for the railing and then lattice for privacy. A couple of sheets of lattice put up 8' tall would also add some privacy and a beautiful climbing rose could be planted to run up on it! You can get lattice in white plastic! Posts and railing too...no painting, no upkeep! Additionally, I would accent the door and windows in the Federal Look to make it even more stunning!
  • Rita Doyle Rita Doyle on Feb 01, 2014
    Any newer photos of what you've done?
  • KathrynElizabeth Etier KathrynElizabeth Etier on Feb 01, 2014
    I understand that you don't want to pay to have it professionally resurfaced, but there aren't too many options that WON'T cost a lot of cash. I would bite the bullet and get an estimate on resurfacing. If it can be done, it's probably the quickest solution.
  • Katie Katie on Feb 01, 2014
    It looks to me like someone has sandblasted the brick in the past which has lead to the horrible condition they are in today. Sandblasting was very popular in the 70's and many beautiful Victorian homes have suffered enormous damage as a result. Repairing this brick would be extremely costly, if it could even be done. My suggestion would be to get a consultation about wrapping the house in a layer of insulation, then Tyvek; strap it and cover t with board and batten. You can do that for anywhere from a relatively low cost on up to however much money you have to spend. You can get a natural wood and paint/stain it or let it age naturally. You can also buy it made with other types of materials that are pre-painted. You could also add a roof to the entire front porch and a little gingerbread later if you wanted an older look. GOOD LUCK! I would love to see before and after, whatever you decide.
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Feb 01, 2014
    if you live in a larger city they may have a school of masonry.have them do the repairs that need it done the most !or cut out the broken pieces and try to do it yourself?I. Have done some in the past.it can be difficult to make it look perfect?One day I saw a mason teaching a younger man how to do it and hired them to do some work.once they or you finish the brickwork,I would power wash the house then prime and paint the lower part of the house a lighter gray or grayish white paint from the 2nd floor window ledge. Top half of the house is beautiful.You could tie in the house by painting the top corbels of the house the same color as the lower section.paint the window trim,door and deck a soft pastel color.Window boxes on all 3 railings.A fountain between the 2 staircases.flags on the posts?dress up the upright posts with finials?great house?Don't forget to add some big fancy house numbers and a wreath on the door!paint the dental at the top of the house the same color at the bottom.the eave trim under the roof is beautiful!That should be painted the same color as your door and window trim!Almostmissed the trim! add some window boxes to 2nd flood windows or shutters,Same colors as door and window trim-love pink,love light blue or light aqua.
  • Cindy Moore Cindy Moore on Feb 02, 2014
    I would bite the bullet and get some professional to help with options. I don't mind the color of the brick. Patching with like-colored stucco would look OK as well. The porch area I would change. Take out the two sets of steps. Bring a roof over the length of the deck and just use the side in front of the door. New landscaping to lend itself to the new porch. Good luck. That's a ton of work!
  • Nivasi Frankly-Speaks Nivasi Frankly-Speaks on Feb 03, 2014
    After repairing broken brick and mortar, I would paint it bright yellow, give it a happy color. If you don't want to paint it, vinyl it.. It has lots of potential.Porch cover over the entry .. clean up the over growth up front and make the porch welcoming with a large flower box. I agree, take out one of the stairs.Would love to see what it looks like after the repairs!
  • Cyndie S Cyndie S on Sep 22, 2015
    Is it full size bricks or that brick veneer they make? If it's on good and tight, you could stucco over it maybe. I think I'd rip it off and start over. You could do the front with a more costly fix and the sides and back with siding or something more cost effective. I agree tho, call a pro first for ideas and estimates. Hoping you got a good price on your home considering the issue.
  • EL Hoard EL Hoard on Jun 03, 2016
    You may try slurry over the old brick. Color can be added to the slurry as well. This would allow the brick shape to show through keeping the older character of the building intact.
  • Ardell Ardell on Sep 28, 2016
    after repairing brick by the best and sensible money ways idea i woud remove set of stairs on right, make this a porch and add a slanted roof. paint the house with appropiate type paint in a sage green and add shutters on the two side by side windows in a cream color.
  • Sandy Sandy on Jan 10, 2019

    Get this house inspected to see if something is wrong with the foundation.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 21, 2022

    Have the Walls Rendered!