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June 19, 2009
Lower Facade Restoration
We are looking to have the lower facade portion (Garden Floor front side) restored. Note, top 2 floors are covered with vinyl siding. The houe is a frame type home in the South Slope. Currently it has this old, unpleasing brick veneer over the original brick. I'm looking for suggestions on what to do:
1. Should I rip a section of the brick veneer off to see what's underneath (worried if i do this that I may be forced to take action right away, with water penetration and/or worst...)
2. If I don't uncover what's underneath, will I be able to get a good quote on the type of restoration I want, ie...re-point original, and if necessary, paint for asthetic reasons.
3. Is it best to go with 1 contractor to do both removal of the brick veneer and restoration? And what type of contractor should I solicite bids from?
Any assistance or suggestions on contractors would be great.
Thank you in advance.
JF
Comments
I'd probably go with one contractor. It doesn't sound like removing the veneer is that big a job to hire two different people. You may even be able to do it yourself, or roll it into the price for refinishing.
I would recommend Z. Abedin. He's a great mason, specifically with facade refacing with both brick and brownstone. You can reach him at 917-903-0196. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.
Good luck!
Posted by: cmontgom at June 19, 2009 2:58 PM
I agree, a decent mason can do both jobs but you may well do the demo yourself. Mason may want to remove veneer so he can judge the extent of the work needed. VinRoy Barronette is excellent - 646 554 4513
Posted by: Arkady at June 19, 2009 3:20 PM
OP here, forgot to add...there is an old "wall thru" Air conditioner through the facade that we want removed and have the existing penetration brick'd up.
Posted by: jfel at June 19, 2009 3:20 PM
seems odd to go through the trouble on the base and to leave the vinyl siding. It is better and cheaper to just take out a construction loan and do the whole facade.
you should remove a section of the brickfront to see what is underneath. If the brick looks relatively intact you are in luck. all you will have to do is remove the old brickface and repoint the brick. you will need to match the brick to fill-in the a.c. sleeve. the repointing will help make everything blend in better. If the brick is unsightly and won't clean, you should probably paint after repointing it. pick a color similar to the color of the brick.
As for the siding, the original siding is probably underneath the vinyl. it just needs to be exposed,repaired and repainted although sometimes trim pieces such as projecting lintels and sills, the bits and pieces that make old facades so attractive, were removed and will need to be replicated. None of this is brain surgery but if you are really busy or not that good with contractors, hire an architect to help you out. that's what they do. the best jobs are usually supervised by architects. I know its all money, but that's what being an owner is all about. All property costs money to maintain properly.
Posted by: sam at June 19, 2009 3:37 PM
I also agree to go with a one contractor, definitely a better deal who could do a perfect job. You may call Bhuyan.718-666-7679. The guy is great ,he will provide you with a good reference. positively he will work the best. i was satisfied. good luck!
Posted by: sPecific at June 19, 2009 6:24 PM
I got a photo from the 1940's of what my currently vinyl sided house originally looked like. (The Historical Society can provide these to you) Using that as a template, I got a quote from a "hardy plank" company on restoring my facade to what it originally looked like. Hardy Plank is a cement board siding that looks like wood. If you walk around the South Slope you will a lot of housed that like they were restored with wood boards, but it's actually hardy plank.
Posted by: kirbykat at June 20, 2009 7:53 AM
Thank you to everyone for all the suggestions...
Kirbykat; if you dont mind me asking, what was the estimated cost to restore with hardy plank? We'd love to go this route but can't imagine what it would cost...
Posted by: jfel at June 20, 2009 6:33 PM
hardyplank is a good product. It is even approved by the landmarks commission. The cost to you will mostly be the labor. the hardyplank itself is not expensive. Be sure to use the smooth hardyplank not the kind that has the faux wood grain.
Posted by: sam at June 20, 2009 7:31 PM
I'm currently using M Rahman Construction to restore my lower 2 floors and the stoop stairs. We're about 1/2 way done so far and I'm very pleased. After working with a less than honest contractor on the inside renovation, I'm thrilled to have someone professional, pleasant AND competent. Why is that so hard to find today? Anyway, you can reach Rahman at M Rahman Construction - 347.768.9938
moziburrahman@msn.com or www.brownstonefacade.com
Feel free to email me directly for photos - I'm excited with the progress.
Posted by: ewoodward at July 21, 2009 6:04 AM
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