| For those who live in a home with a brick exterior, | | | | removal of the brick. As mentioned earlier, a plan that |
| there may come a time when it is necessary to put | | | | includes new brick should always include careful |
| new brick out there for everyone to see. While this | | | | consideration of the trim. Removal of wood trim |
| step is not often called for, there are times when | | | | around windows and doors, for example, should be |
| replacing the mortar (tuck pointing) is simply not | | | | done very carefully if some of that trim is to be |
| enough to bring the beautiful brick exterior back to | | | | reused. Of course, if all new trim is in the works, the |
| its original status. It is at this point that the | | | | removal can proceed much more quickly. Keep in |
| homeowner may have to "rebrick the house." | | | | mind that wood on older homes will probably have to |
| If the quality of the mortar and bricks was poor | | | | be replaced unless it is in perfect condition. |
| enough from the start that replacement is necessary | | | | Replacement of brick exteriors (and other exterior |
| years later, there may be no other choice. In recent | | | | materials) will also involve planning for careful removal |
| years, some homeowners have chosen to install | | | | of trim and masonry if there are arched areas above |
| siding made from a new material instead of investing | | | | doors and windows. This step will involve attention to |
| in new brick. But if the homeowner feels that only | | | | detail if the original appearance of the home is to be |
| new brick will suffice for the home, it is time to start | | | | preserved. Of course, the brick and labor will account |
| looking into the bricks that are available (and checking | | | | for most of the cost of the project. However, these |
| on costs too). | | | | special areas will add somewhat to the overall cost. |
| Gathering some basic information is a good first step: | | | | With many home renovation projects, the |
| Get a good measurement for the overall size of the | | | | homeowner and family members may be able to |
| home, get a list of the color and quality of brick | | | | take care of some of the labor (significantly reducing |
| available from area suppliers, and spend a good | | | | cost). However, this may not be possible with a |
| amount of time talking with experts who could | | | | project involving removal and reinstallation of brick. |
| perform this task. While planning the brick | | | | Many masonry/brick contractors will have their own |
| replacement, the homeowner should make sure to | | | | crews and will prefer to do all the work themselves. |
| include plans for windows and doors, soffit and other | | | | However, sometimes the "demolition" steps can be |
| trim items. Having this information available will be | | | | performed by homeowners and family members to |
| more than useful. It will be absolutely necessary for a | | | | reduce the overall price. For example, family |
| successful project. | | | | members may be able to remove wood trim, |
| For most homes with a brick exterior, the walls were | | | | especially if it will not be reused. But the homeowner |
| completed before any trim was put in place (window | | | | should be careful coordinate this work so that the |
| and door trim, edge trim etc.). If this is the case, it | | | | structure is ready when the new brick arrives. |
| will be necessary to carefully remove the trim before | | | | |