Are you looking for a way to dress up your home and increase curb appeal? One of the best things you can do is get rid of that plastic siding and invest in a stone or brick facade. This project will give your home a more expensive and elegant feel and increase the value immensely. Here are some ideas to get you started.

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Brick Exterior

If you are looking for a classic, clean look, try red brick veneer. This will give your home a traditional, New England feel. It goes with many different trims, color schemes, and outdoor window treatments, so you can dress up your home exactly how you want. Brick is an especially great idea because it is energy efficient. In the summer, brick will keep the cool air in the home and in the winter it will keep the cool air out. This will help you save on utilities all year long.

Painted Brick Home

If you like the idea of brick, but not of red, it is easy to paint your brick siding whatever color you want. You can go for a more neutral gray or white and accessories the home with complimenting trim and plants. If you are more interested in a bolder look, you can paint your brick a bright color such as yellow, blue, or even purple. In this case, it is probably best to choose a neutral color, such as white, for trim and outdoor window treatments. Another idea for brick treatment is to white wash it. This is very easy to do and will give your home a more country cottage feel.

Stone

Just like brick, stone comes in many different sizes and textures. You can use different size stones to add a rougher, uneven look to your house. If you want a cleaner look, add stones of the same size and texture. Depending on the stone and style you use, your house can have an outdoor feel or a classic, modern feel. Natural wood works well with trim. You can also use neutral colors such as red or brown to compliment the natural look of the stone.

Installing Facades

The installation process will be different based on the existing material on your home. If you have siding, you build a brick wall in front of it, cementing it to the ground at the bottom. If you are adding stone to a flat surface, you'll need to power wash it, and apply mortar when damp. Start at the bottom and build your way up, cutting the stone to the right size as you go. Use aluminum scaffolding to make the job easier.

Adding a stone or brick facade to your home can really increase the home's curb appeal and subsequent value. Take time to look for the right material for your home to make sure you are happy with it. Do plenty of research on how to install if you are doing it yourself, and be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Have fun with your new walls!