What should I do with siding?

Question

I recently purchased a singly family home as a rental property and am trying to figure out what to do with the siding. There is a lot if different things going on as you can see below in pics. Any suggestions on what to do to add curb appeal for refinance? Had a bank tell me they wouldn't touch it simply due to outside appearance. Should I paint the brick? Put vinyl siding over the brick? Trying to be as cost effective as possible. Thanks in advance!

Jamie Derasmo · Answer

Without fully knowing your use or goal for this space, I’d say residing the whole place is money wasted. Before doing anything cosmetic, make sure everything is structurally sound and water (and rodent) tight. Looks like a lot of cut corners in previous updates. As Mike said, make sure that column is still supporting the necessary load. Wrap the column in cedar. Repour the steps. Do a thorough inspection of the outside and seal any holes and repoint the brick as necessary. I would paint the brown stone, siding, and those little access doors black, as well as the facia. Consider painting the window trim black as well but try it out on a digital platform first to make sure it doesn’t look off with the white window frame. Give the front door a bold color to stand out against black. If the deck in back is in good condition, paint it black and add a safety rail for the stairs going to the basement. If it needs to be redone, I’d do it in cedar. Overall, It will be a very industrial look and make all the red brick stand out but not be overwhelming.

Are you updating the white windows or are they in good condition? If not, I would replace with black windows and though it’d be more expensive, I would do them the full height of what I suspect to be the original openings if the cost justifies the end goal. I think this could be an awesome looking property, post pictures when you're done!

Are you updating the white windows or are they in good condition? If not, I would replace with black windows and though it’d be more expensive, I would do them the full height of what I suspect to be the original openings if the cost justifies the end goal. I think this could be an awesome looking property, post pictures when you're done!

Account Closed · Answer

If that's a sincere question and I'll assume it is, the color of the brick is the least of your worries.

I'd get a support post under that roof on the porch before the whole thing goes and I'd repour the porch & steps.

Evan Polaski · Answer

@Sean Wagner, as a tangent to your question: did this used to be a commercial property?  It feels like all the siding is simply filling in what used to be panes of glass.

Given the bars on the screen door, I assume this is a high crime/low rent area?  If so, I would paint brick and stone the same color and an accent color on siding.  But I am not sure your lender is specifically talking about the siding being the issue.  As others noted, the rest of the condition of the property draws more attention than old brick, blue siding and stone veneer.

Sean Wagner · Answer

As others have mentioned, yes I am planning on addressing the steps and support posts. Main concern here was what to do with siding, specifically to increase curb appeal. Think I am going to repoint and paint it black. Appreciate all of your suggestions! Will post updated pics when work is complete.

Will Barnard · Answer

As others pointed out, the entry steps are a serious tripping hazard, the support posts may need to be reinforced and the bricks should be filled/sealed in all bad areas and then painted (your most inexpensive option). If this was in CA, I would stucco over all the bricks. The siding looks like it was done very poorly and completed for the windows the previous owner must have installed. Painting the bricks and the siding could make a world of difference on curb appeal. I would be more concerned over the entry and porch for liability purposes.

John Teachout · Answer

fix the steps, leave the siding as is. It's not that bad.

Craig Parsons · Answer

I really think I would paint the brick at least the front anyhow.  If you only do the front at least you wont have 3 different colors going on that don't match.  You can pick a color that works with the red brick for the front.  or paint it all. I think  re-siding is an extra cost that just is not necessary.

What should I do with siding?

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