How to Modernize an Old Brick House Exterior Without Losing Character

Your old brick house carries decades of character and craftsmanship modern homes can’t replicate—solid construction, genuine materials, established landscaping—yet somehow looks tired, dated, and frankly embarrassing next to renovated neighbors who figured out how updating historic charm without destroying what makes older homes special and valuable in first place.

Old brick houses need different renovation approaches than newer builds because you’re balancing preservation with modernization, respecting architectural integrity while addressing genuine functional problems like failing mortar, outdated systems, or unfortunate past renovations somebody thought looked great in 1985 but definitely don’t anymore.

We’re covering 10 old brick house exterior makeover ideas specifically for homes built pre-1960 addressing common challenges—deteriorating masonry, mismatched additions, inappropriate updates, and dated details—while preserving historical character, architectural authenticity, and the craftsmanship that makes these houses worth saving rather than demolishing like short-sighted developers constantly suggest.

What Makes Old Brick Houses Different

• Original Craftsmanship Deserves Preservation: Hand-laid brick, quality materials, and period details represent irreplaceable craftsmanship adding value and character modern construction can’t replicate. It’s like antique furniture where original quality exceeds contemporary equivalents. The preservation approach respects historical investment and superior construction methods.
• Structural Integrity Usually Remains Excellent: Old brick houses often feature solid walls, quality foundations, and durable construction outlasting newer builds despite cosmetic deterioration. It’s like vintage cars where mechanical soundness exists beneath surface rust. The solid bones justify renovation investment delivering decades more service.
• Period-Appropriate Updates Maintain Value: Sympathetic renovations respecting architectural style preserve and enhance value while inappropriate modern additions diminish character and marketability. It’s like restoration versus modification where authenticity determines worth. The sensitive approach protects investment and historical significance.
• Weathering Patterns Tell Stories: Patina, aged mortar, and worn surfaces create authentic character that shouldn’t be erased through overly aggressive restoration. It’s like aged leather developing beautiful patina. The balanced approach maintains character while addressing genuine deterioration.

10 Old Brick House Exterior Makeover Ideas

Revive historic charm with these old brick house exterior makeover ideas featuring preservation-focused practical renovations.

Professional Brick Repointing

Address deteriorating mortar joints through careful repointing using lime-based mortar matching original composition and color. Modern cement mortars damage old brick through excessive hardness trapping moisture and causing spalling. Hire masons experienced with historic buildings understanding proper materials and techniques preserving brick integrity.

Remove damaged mortar to appropriate depth—typically 2-3 times joint width—without damaging brick edges. Match original mortar color and texture maintaining authentic appearance rather than obvious new repairs. The critical maintenance investment costs $15-30 per square foot preventing further deterioration and preserving structural integrity. Address repointing before cosmetic updates since scaffolding access facilitates other facade work simultaneously maximizing efficiency.

Gentle Brick Cleaning

Clean decades of grime, pollution, and biological growth using appropriate gentle methods—low-pressure washing with mild detergents or dry ice blasting—avoiding aggressive sandblasting damaging brick surfaces permanently. Old brick features softer composition than modern versions requiring careful treatment preventing irreversible surface damage.

Test cleaning methods on inconspicuous areas first ensuring acceptable results without damage. Remove paint carefully using appropriate chemical strippers or gentle abrasives preserving underlying brick. Professional cleaning costs $3-8 per square foot transforming grimy facades into glowing warm brick revealing original beauty hidden beneath decades of accumulation. The dramatic transformation often eliminates perceived need for painting or rendering once clean brick reveals inherent beauty.

Restore or Replace Historic Windows

Restore original wood windows through reglazing, weather-stripping, and proper maintenance rather than replacing with inappropriate vinyl alternatives destroying character and value. Quality restoration costs comparable to replacement while preserving irreplaceable craftsmanship and maintaining historical authenticity crucial for period homes.

Repair rot, replace broken glass, add storm windows improving energy efficiency without removing original units. When replacement becomes unavoidable due to severe deterioration, choose wood windows matching original profiles, proportions, and divided light patterns. The window investment—$800-2,000 per unit restored or replaced—dramatically improves appearance and functionality while preserving architectural integrity and property value.

Period-Appropriate Front Door

Replace dated or damaged entry doors with historically appropriate solid wood doors featuring proper proportions, panel configurations, and hardware matching home’s architectural period. Victorian homes suit ornate paneled doors, Craftsman bungalows need simple Arts and Crafts styling, Colonial revivals require traditional six-panel designs maintaining historical accuracy.

Choose quality materials—solid wood or fiberglass convincingly replicating wood—with appropriate finishes and hardware. Add storm doors only if historically appropriate and designed sympathetically. The focal point investment—$2,000-5,000 installed—creates immediate positive impression and sets tone for entire renovation demonstrating care and historical sensitivity. Include quality locksets, house numbers, and lighting completing cohesive welcoming entry sequence.

Sympathetic Porch Restoration

Restore original front porches removing inappropriate enclosures, rebuilding deteriorated floors, and replacing damaged columns or railings matching original designs. Research historical photos, examine remaining original details, or study intact neighboring examples guiding authentic restoration versus guessing producing inaccurate results.

Use appropriate materials—wood for most periods, stone or brick for Colonial styles—matching original construction methods. Paint using historically accurate color schemes consulting preservation guidelines or original paint analysis revealing authentic palettes. The substantial investment—$10,000-30,000 depending on scope—restores architectural character and functionality while increasing property value and neighborhood appeal through proper restoration respecting historical context.

Appropriate Color Schemes

Choose exterior colors respecting architectural period and style rather than trendy contemporary palettes inappropriate for historical homes. Victorian homes suit rich complex schemes with multiple accent colors, Craftsman bungalows prefer earthy natural palettes, Colonial homes require traditional whites and muted tones maintaining period authenticity.

Consult historical paint companies offering researched period-appropriate palettes or hire color consultants specializing in historic buildings ensuring suitable choices. Test samples on actual surfaces viewing different lights and times before committing to final selections. The relatively modest investment delivers substantial transformation when colors complement rather than fight architectural character creating cohesive authentic appearance.

Landscape Maturity Enhancement

Enhance rather than replace existing mature landscaping adding value impossible recreating quickly. Prune overgrown foundation plantings, remove dated species, add period-appropriate plantings complementing architectural style. Victorian homes suit cottage gardens, Craftsman bungalows need prairie-style natives, Colonial homes require formal symmetrical arrangements matching historical context.

Retain mature trees providing irreplaceable scale, character, and environmental benefits. Update hardscaping using appropriate materials—brick for Victorian, stone for Craftsman, concrete for mid-century—matching architectural period. The thoughtful landscape investment—$5,000-15,000—frames home beautifully while respecting established site character and mature plantings representing decades of growth impossible recreating instantly.

Gutter and Downspout Upgrade

Replace failing gutters with quality systems properly sized for roof area and designed sympathetically. Half-round copper gutters suit Victorian and historic homes beautifully aging with attractive patina. Aluminum or steel systems work for less formal styles when shaped and colored appropriately matching architectural character.

Size downspouts adequately—minimum 3×4 inches—ensuring proper drainage capacity. Route downspouts away from foundations using underground drainage or attractive rain chains appropriate for architectural style. Include gutter guards reducing maintenance while ensuring proper function. The critical infrastructure investment—$2,000-6,000—protects building envelope, prevents foundation damage, and improves appearance through properly proportioned thoughtfully designed weather management systems.

Chimney Repair and Restoration

Rebuild deteriorating chimneys addressing cracked mortar, spalling brick, missing caps, and damaged flashing preventing water infiltration and structural failure. Old chimneys often feature decorative corbelling, interesting brick patterns, or distinctive caps worth preserving through careful restoration rather than simple replacement with basic modern designs.

Hire masons experienced with historic masonry understanding proper materials and techniques. Include proper chimney caps, flashing, and moisture management preventing future deterioration. The safety-critical investment—$3,000-10,000 depending on height and condition—prevents dangerous structural failure while preserving architectural features contributing significantly to home’s character and roofline interest.

Remove Inappropriate Additions

Remove unfortunate past additions or modifications—aluminum siding covering beautiful brick, enclosed porches destroying proportions, mismatched additions disrupting massing—restoring original architectural integrity. Vinyl or aluminum siding often hides deteriorating conditions while destroying character and value making removal worthwhile despite added costs.

Carefully document removal process discovering original details informing restoration. Repair exposed brick, restore uncovered architectural elements, and recreate missing features using historical photos or remaining evidence. The corrective investment varies dramatically but restores authentic character and often reveals superior original construction hidden beneath misguided past “improvements” installed during eras favoring maintenance reduction over architectural preservation.

Preserving Character While Modernizing

• Research Architectural Style Thoroughly: Understanding your home’s specific architectural period and regional variations guides appropriate restoration decisions preventing inappropriate modifications. It’s like historical research where knowledge prevents mistakes. The informed approach ensures sympathetic updates respecting original design intent and historical context.
• Prioritize Structural Issues First: Address foundation problems, moisture infiltration, and failing systems before cosmetic updates ensuring solid base supporting aesthetic improvements. It’s like medical triage where critical issues receive priority. The practical sequence prevents wasting cosmetic investments on structurally compromised buildings.
• Maintain Original Proportions: Preserve window-to-wall ratios, roof pitches, and architectural massing avoiding modifications destroying balanced proportions and character. It’s like plastic surgery where restraint preserves better than excess. The proportional discipline maintains architectural integrity and beauty.
• Document Before and During Work: Photograph extensively, save removed materials, and record discoveries providing historical record and guiding future work. It’s like archaeological documentation where evidence informs understanding. The careful recording preserves historical knowledge and guides appropriate restoration decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Brick House Exterior Makeover

Should You Paint Old Brick Houses?

Generally no—original unpainted brick should remain unpainted preserving authentic character and avoiding maintenance trap since paint requires reapplication every 10-15 years. Clean brick first revealing inherent beauty before considering paint.

If brick was originally painted or severely damaged beyond repair, quality masonry paint applied properly over proper preparation provides acceptable solution. However, painted brick decreases value and historical authenticity making this last resort after other options exhausted.

How Do You Update Old Brick Without Painting?

Clean brick professionally revealing original color and texture. Repoint using appropriate lime mortar. Update windows, doors, and trim using historically appropriate replacements. Refresh landscaping and hardscaping complementing architectural period.

Add appropriate shutters, lighting, and house numbers enhancing without altering. Address roof, gutters, and chimneys improving function and appearance. The comprehensive approach modernizes without destroying character maintaining historical integrity and value.

What Mortar Should Be Used On Old Brick?

Use lime-based mortar matching original composition—typically Type O or Type K for pre-1930 buildings. Modern Portland cement mortars damage old brick through excessive hardness and impermeability trapping moisture causing deterioration.

Hire masons experienced with historic masonry understanding proper materials and mixing ratios. Match original mortar color through sand selection and pigments maintaining authentic appearance. The appropriate materials ensure preservation rather than accelerating deterioration.

How Much Does Historic Brick Restoration Cost?

Basic cleaning and repointing costs $8,000-20,000 for average homes. Comprehensive exterior restoration including windows, doors, porch work, and systems upgrades costs $50,000-150,000+ depending on condition and scope.

Phased approaches spread costs allowing strategic investments over time. Prioritize structural and weather-protection issues first preventing further deterioration. Quality restoration preserves and enhances value justifying investment through improved condition, reduced maintenance, and increased marketability.

Can You Modernize Old Brick Houses Appropriately?

Yes—through thoughtful updates respecting architectural character while addressing functional needs. Update systems, improve energy efficiency through appropriate methods, add modern conveniences sensitively hidden from exterior view.

Choose contemporary additions clearly differentiated from original construction rather than fake historical details. The honest approach respects original building while acknowledging contemporary needs and intervention creating layered architectural history rather than confusing false historicism.

Preserve History While Creating Modern Comfort

Old brick house exterior makeover success requires balancing preservation and modernization respecting irreplaceable craftsmanship while addressing genuine functional needs. The sensitive approach—proper maintenance, appropriate repairs, historically informed updates—maintains character and value while creating comfortable livable homes serving contemporary lifestyles without destroying what makes these houses special.

Start with critical maintenance addressing structural and weather-protection issues preventing further deterioration. Research architectural style informing appropriate restoration decisions. Implement phased approach tackling priorities systematically building comprehensive sensitive renovation honoring historical significance while meeting modern needs through thoughtful sympathetic interventions.

Which restoration priority would you tackle first on your historic brick house? Share your preservation challenges or success stories below!