Did you know that brick homes tend to have higher appreciation rates than the competition? Since 2017, brick homes have often appraised 6% higher than homes with other exterior finishes. Thanks to being a low-maintenance and long-lasting building material, homebuyers often seek out homes with brick exteriors vs others, such as wood siding. While it may be due to cosmetic preferences, there are financial ones as well.

Increased Curb Appeal

A home could have the most beautiful interior, but if the outside is suffering cosmetically or structurally, it may be a deal-breaker. When trying to sell your house, or create a forever home you never want to leave, it needs to have curb appeal.

A brick or stone exterior can increase curb appeal thanks to its durability. When people drive up and see masonry materials used for siding or walkways, they’re relieved they don’t have to budget for replacing rotting wood slats or cracked vinyl siding. Since brick and stone don’t need to be painted, using them as an exterior material also means reduced costs since there won’t be any need to sand, paint, and seal the siding in the future.

Additionally, a sturdy brick chimney, smooth concrete walkways, and hardscaping that’s been well-cared for indicate the home’s interior may be in good shape as well. Drawing in a buyer with a welcoming exterior, or creating a home you like returning to each day, increases both its monetary and sentimental value.

How Masonry Affects Energy Efficiency

Homeowners may not realize it, but a brick home, or one clad with stone or stucco, can be more energy efficient than one outfitted with vinyl or wood siding. Of course, insulation plays a part, but masonry itself acts as an insulator. It absorbs heat from the sun, preventing it from seeping into the home and raising inside temperatures. In the winter, it can help retain interior heat to avoid the house being susceptible to cold, outside temps.

Combined with other energy-saving practices such as strong seals around doors and windows, using Energy Star rated appliances, and switching light bulbs to LED can reduce your utility bills significantly each year.

Return on Investment

Studies have shown that some specific masonry features can have a big impact on your home’s resale value. Some projects have a bigger return on their investment (ROI) than others, so be mindful when making your to-do list.

BRICK SIDING

While it may cost a big chunk of change to refurbish your home’s brick or add brick siding, you could see anywhere between an 83% to 92% ROI. Brick gives any home a timeless look, and it’s a material that won’t be going out of style any time soon.

PRIVACY FENCING

A wooden or stone fence or wall that offers privacy may offer a 100% return on your investment. Be sure your wall meets city code, and that it does not exceed the maximum height limit based on its placement. If you have a crumbling brick or stone wall already on your property, consider restoring it or using the bricks elsewhere on your property to add value and maintain the home’s history.

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

Whether you add a stone fire pit, paved walkways, or pour a patio, you can expect to see a pretty decent ROI. It’s estimated that a patio will garner about a 55% return on investment, whereas a deck may return a rate of 80% when it’s time to sell. The materials you use can make a difference; natural stone, rock, and brick may cost more upfront but also offer higher ROI. if you already have historic masonry such as brick pavers, it’s worth the investment to bring them back to life in your outdoor areas.

DRIVEWAY RESURFACING

No one likes a cracked or pitted driveway. It’s a pain to shovel in the winter and is a sore sight the rest of the year. If you want to add value to your home, it might be time to refinish or resurface your existing driveway or parking areas. If you’re working with historic brick, pavers, or stone, have it cleaned and resealed to give it new life. Or, if you have a typical concrete slab for a driveway, accent it with historic masonry materials reclaimed from your property or elsewhere. Fixing up a driveway can offer an ROI ranging from 45% to 75%. 

Many home buyers want a home with history, as well as updated conveniences. Original masonry features such as a brick fireplace or stone hearth, hand-laid pavers in the garden, or a meandering stone wall can be a big draw.

If you’re interested in increasing your home’s value by giving new life to your historic masonry, we specialize in adobe, brick, concrete, stone, terra cotta, and the mortar that holds it all together. Get in touch with the Abstract Masonry experts HERE today.