Exterior spruce up on a budget?

Hello! We have bought a house, and are putting every last dollar we can into the inside of the house, but the more I think about it, the more I really want to do something to the outside too! It’s such a sad, old exterior. I have no idea what options we have, or the costs. I am sure I should start by calling people who actually do this work, but as a first step…I wanted to start with you guys! It is a landmarked building… Here is a picture:

kcc414

in Exteriors 9 years and 2 months ago

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kcc414 | 9 years and 1 month ago

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How much does it cost to strip the brick? That is different that re-pointing? All of the suggestions for window boxes, new doors, new lights, awning gone sound just right? What kind of contractor does this work? General or a specialists? Any recommendations?

dorkofwindsor | 9 years and 2 months ago

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new doors (can be secondhand and painted, just not so fugly), new lights, ditch the awning, new modern paint colors for exterior and cornice to match. Flower boxes would be a nice touch. I would leave the masonry stripping option for later when budget permits given your scarcity of capital.

peaceout | 9 years and 2 months ago

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If you cannot afford to get rid of the painted brick, brownstone the sills, repair and paint the cornice black. If you are able, have a new door milled out (and ditch the awning). Window boxes are always lovely and spruce up buildings nicely. Get lots of estimates, because every contractor thinks people who own these buildings have money to burn. Get recommendations/ask to see their work. This is a busy time of year, so prepare yourself for aggravation with pinning down workers. And, of course be patient.

mozeeatupu | 9 years and 2 months ago

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Get rid of that awning

runt876 | 9 years and 2 months ago

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Window box planters! They make a world of difference. It’s better to invest in really nice ones in the long run, but you can get relatively inexpensive ones. Throw in some easy, fast growing plants like coleus and sweet potato vine and you’ll be impressed!

Arkady | 9 years and 2 months ago

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Look in the archives for suggestions & get at least 6 estimates- prices vary widely & some that are more expensive for one kind of job may not be for what you want.

kcc414 | 9 years and 2 months ago

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perfecto – yes, that would be awesome! Any idea how much that costs?

neweco | 9 years and 2 months ago

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I would strip the masonry to bare and refinish the cornice . I never liked painted brick .