What is the best way to refresh an older brick house?

Ok, this made me laugh! Thank you! 😍 Without a photo it is hard for me to make a suggestion. Here are the pros and cons of painting a brick exterior.

http://beckiowens.com/pros-and-cons-painted-brick-exteriors/

https://www.networx.com/article/the-problem-with-painting-a-brick-house

And here are examples of before and after of houses that have had some sort of updating.

https://www.homestoriesatoz.com/decorating/home-exterior-makeover-before-and-after.html

See what you think?

I would first do a power wash on the brick (which you would need to do before painting anyway). Sometimes brick is just dusty and dirty and looks faded. Let it dry fully and live with it for a few weeks before deciding whether to paint. I am not a fan of painted brick as it does tend to look like a blob, and the paint will wear and chip with time. Best of luck.

Don't do it. Once you do paint it, you can never go back. Having dealt with painted brick, it often peels and chips, and becomes a constant maintenance chore. Also, I would be very careful about power washing brick--it is often soft and porous, and will be damaged with the force of a power washer. If you must clean it, I would rather use a car-washing brush or something like that.

Before you do anything, read up on it and perhaps consult a mason who can tell you about your particular brick and the best way to handle it.

Hi Tonyia,

I'd give it a nice bath with a power washer and see how it comes up first.

Secondly I'd look at repainting the window frames and eves, columns ect as this will give instant update without painting the bricks as it can peel and once its painted you'll have difficulties removing the paint off the bricks.

Thirdly I'd look at repointing the mortar joints between the bricks, but this is a big job and it depends on the age of the house as you need to have space between the bricks available to be filled.

Fourthly I'd look at updating your landscape around the house, the removal and addition of some nice flowers or greenery is always nice and refreshing.

Good luck from the Land Down Under

Sara

Hello Tonyia, Maybe, if you just dry brushed the bricks or at least some of the bricks, it would give it the lift you are after. Or why not add Shutters or Window boxes or Trellis etc......to give you a new look!

I can honestly say that I hate painted brick. Weathered brick is nice,gives home character. Maybe it's the lack of or too much foliage around that needs updating. I would never buy a home with painted brick. It's like a deck,to much maintenance. Think hard and long about this major change.