In an age where many new homes are built with cost-efficiency in mind, vinyl siding and other exterior housing materials reign supreme. This means that any brick or stone house you see was probably constructed decades ago. There are indeed many homeowners who will spend their hard-earned money on these materials, but they are becoming increasingly rare. For this reason alone, owning a home that features exposed stone is a treasure in itself.
Given their rarity, the market value of these properties will only continue to rise. You cannot deny the awe-striking beauty of a vintage or modern stone home. The appeal is even greater in neighborhoods where brick houses are limited in number. Take advantage of your home’s distinct character and uniqueness, especially if you have plans to sell in the near future. Do not hide or attempt to cover up a defining architectural feature that could very well catapult your equity!
The Appeal of Exposed Brick and Stone
Wood and metal certainly have their place in today’s housing market and offer an ideal blend of function and aesthetic qualities, however, stone was one of the first building materials and is also the most durable and long-lasting. Here are a few reasons why you will want to consider revealing your home’s existing stone construction, or making the material your No. 1 choice for any additions.
Virtually all of the downsides to building with wood are nonexistent with brick. Issues like fire hazards, material rot, structural integrity and lifespan have never been a problem with any stone structure. So long as routine cleaning procedures (i.e. pressure washing for exterior surfaces) are kept in check, these products only get better with age! For that highly sought-after rustic look, stone is the material of choice.
We have already discussed why brick is an attractive building material, and its appeal is only enhanced by its low maintenance. Siding replacement, expensive repainting services and general exterior repair are all things stone homeowners never have to concern themselves with.
In terms of the real estate market, what is better than a charming, low-maintenance property that automatically increases in value over time?
