What’s So Hard About Picking A Brick?
March 21, 2010 by Neil
Filed under Design & Planning
I recently had a conversation with someone that was getting ready to remodel their home. They knew exactly what they wanted to do but at the same time, they didn’t. They knew the general concept of what they wanted to accomplish – remove the Dryvit stucco from the exterior of their house and replace it with brick. What they lacked were specific details of what that would look like. That’s why they called on us.
There is an almost infinite supply of exterior stone and brick to use on a house. There are also a multitude of siding materials to choose from. Now put all those combinations together and you have some serious information overload!
You can see how a project as simple as replacing your stucco with stone can quickly become complicated. That’s when the services of an architect/designer are valuable. We have been busy gathering feedback and information from the client to help select materials that fit their needs/lifestyle. We are considering colors, value, sustainability, maintenance, style of the home, neighborhood style, size, and pattern. All of these decisions will affect the finished look and life of the home. I am amazed that often times these decisions are made with the brick mason or salesman. So many pieces of the puzzle are never even considered!
But even more important, might be the need to visualize these changes. Seeing the samples is one thing, but seeing it on your house is something different. Using software that will allow you to see your house in three dimensions with different materials and colors is a great way to see your completed project before you commit to any particular selection. Below are some photos of an existing house and a computer-generated design that will allow the client to envision the finished product in the early stages.
Exterior Front Elevation Before
Front Elevation 3D Design
What a great way to make decisions for your project! Don’t make a purchase this large without seeing what you are buying. If you want to ‘see’ your project before you start – please give us a call.
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I totally agree with you in that you have to look at th whole picture and not just one piece of the puzzle for your home. The 3D software that shows you what your home will look like is an invaluable tool. One of the reasons we did not build a new home 7 years ago is that my husband had trouble visualizing how all the pieces would look together – interior and exterior. With the 3D – you can put the pieces together and change colors allows people who have trouble visualizing the ability to see before you decide. It is alot cheaper to make changes before you start than after you start and you don’t want to live with something that clashes or you really don’t like because you can’t afford to change it.
You’re so right, Angie. Many people just aren’t visualizers. The software really helps them understand what their home will look like. We use it for interiors as well.
Thanks for the input!
Neil I appreciate your understanding on this issue, however I believe that the right advice from the right masonry contractor is a step that should be valued. As a contractor who could refuse the ability to sit down and offer 30 minutes of experience based advice on materials that he has had a lifetime of learning nothing but. I say explore as many avenues of advice necessary until a confident decision is made.