Brick Home Renovation: Modernizing Your Traditional Estate

Renovating a brick home can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can modernize your traditional estate without sacrificing its charm. Brick homes have a timeless beauty that can be preserved and updated to suit your style.

One of the most significant advantages of brick homes is their durability. As mentioned in the article, brick can last for centuries with minimal maintenance, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners.

Brick homes also offer excellent insulation, reducing energy costs and keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In fact, a study cited in the article found that brick homes can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.

The back of a 1970's brick home, like the one featured in our example, can be a blank canvas waiting for transformation. This home had a red/orange brick exterior, red roof, and rust/red shutters.

A concrete patio and porch on the back of the house were in need of renovation, as were the overgrown shrubs surrounding the property.

The transformation of this home into a dream house took several years, showcasing the potential for a brick home renovation.

The front of the house was made of red brick in great condition, but it wasn't the look they wanted.

The owners had a clear vision for their home's transformation, aiming for a modern farmhouse appeal.

They started by painting all the brick white, which was a bold move, but it immediately gave the house a fresh and clean look.

Metal roofs and overhangs were added to give the house a rustic yet modern touch.

New doors and light fixtures were also installed to complete the transformation.

The back of the house can be a neglected area, but it's a great opportunity to make a statement. A concrete patio and porch on the back of the house can look outdated and worn out.

The red/orange brick and red roof can give the back of the house a dated look. Overgrown shrubs can also make the space look cluttered and uninviting.

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders on a brick exterior, but it's not the only solution. Metal roof and overhangs can also be added to give the back of the house a modern look.

In some cases, the back porch may need a complete renovation. Choosing the right paint application and product can extend the life of the outdoor space.

Brick homes can be a great canvas for renovation, and one way to do it is by adding new elements that complement the existing architecture.

Adding a brick façade to a penthouse addition can make it feel like it's always been there, as seen in the Classical Rooftop Conservatory example.

Carefully working with your design team is crucial to ensure that the new elements blend in seamlessly with the rest of the home.

Updating a traditional two-story red brick home can be as simple as adding fresh color accents. Benjamin Moore paint colors can provide a fresh color palette, such as Revere Pewter on the trim, Dragon’s Breath to stain the wood siding, and Black on the windows.

A darker color on the roof can add a sophisticated touch. New wood-look garage doors can also make a big impact. Copper gutters are another elegant final touch that can dress up the exterior.

Consider using a contrasting material like paneled wood or lap siding for a new addition to a brick house. This will look natural and far better than trying to match the brick.

A brick home works beautifully as a "base" and naturally looks good with a "lighter" material above it.

Adding an addition to your brick home can be a great opportunity to try out new materials and give your home a fresh look. You can juxtapose the addition by pairing it with a contrasting material like paneled wood or lap siding.

If you're adding to your brick home by building an addition, this can be a great chance to try out a new siding material. It's a unique opportunity to create a harmonious balance between old and new.

A contrasting material like paneled wood or lap siding can look natural and far better than trying to match the brick on the new addition. This is especially common on Tudor homes.

You can easily switch to a different siding material at the addition, especially if you're adding a second floor to your brick home. Brick works beautifully as a "base" and naturally looks good with a "lighter" material above it.

Consider the overall look and what sort of siding might be appropriate for your addition. With a little creativity, you can create a beautiful and functional addition that complements your existing brick home.

When renovating a brick home, it's essential to inspect the exterior walls for cracks and damage before starting any project. This will help you avoid costly repairs down the line.

Most brick homes have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years, but this can be shortened if not properly maintained.

To ensure your renovation project stays on track, create a detailed timeline and budget, including contingencies for unexpected expenses.

A typical brick home renovation project can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to complete, depending on the scope of the project.

Discover more: Home Renovation Project Manager

Don't forget to inspect and replace any damaged or rotten wood, such as window sills and door frames, which can be a common issue in older brick homes.

In many cases, brick homes have a hidden cavity wall, which can be a challenge to renovate, but with the right expertise, it can be done efficiently.

Always hire a professional to inspect and repair any structural damage to your brick home, as it can be a safety hazard if not done correctly.

Porch renovations can make a huge difference in the curb appeal of your home. Painting the brick is a great way to give your porch a fresh new look.

DIY projects can be just as effective as hiring a professional, as seen in Rachel's renovation from Shades of Blue Interior. She painted the brick, installed wooden columns, and changed the flooring of the porch, all on her own.

Choosing the right paint application and product is crucial to extending the life of your outdoor space. This was a key consideration for the author of Home Stories A To Z, who chose a paint product to bring their back porch back to life.

A refreshed exterior can completely transform the look and feel of your home. Painting the siding and trim in Benjamin Moore's Kendall Charcoal is a great way to add contrast to your red brick.

The right door and hardware can make a big impact. Installing a new double front door and metal awning in Onyx can add a touch of sophistication to your home's exterior.

A darker roof can help tie everything together. A roof that's a couple of shades darker than the original can create a sense of continuity with the rest of the house.

Don't forget about the small details. Upgrading your windows and gutters can make a big difference in your home's overall appearance.

Discover more: Outdoor Home Renovation Ideas

Porch renovation can be a great way to give your home's exterior a fresh new look. Painting the brick on your porch is a popular DIY project that can make a huge difference in curb appeal.

Rachel from Shades of Blue Interior completely changed the look of her porch and home with a DIY renovation that included painting the brick, installing wooden columns, and changing the flooring. This renovation was a huge success and really made a difference in the curb appeal of their home.

Choosing the right paint application and product is crucial to extending the life of your outdoor space. Outdoor spaces can become dingy after a short period of time, but with the right paint, you can keep your porch looking great for years to come.

We painted our home twice in a relatively short number of years, and both times it was because the paint had deteriorated drastically. The first time, we painted the whole house because the paint had worn off and needed to be replaced.