Expert: Joan Miller - 12/7/2008

Question
Hello Joan!
I read your profile blurb and thought you might be able to answer this question.

We are considering buying a brick home because we really like the potential inside, but I'm not a huge fan of the brick.  I would love to re-face it with more of a stone look.  What options are available to us in Canada?  

This would be a long-term project, not something we would anytime soon, but the windows would need replacing in the meantime.  Is there anything we need to keep in mind with the windows that could pose problems with the re-facing that we may eventually do?

...and how much does re-facing cost??? (ball park)

Thanks, I really appreciate any advice you have!

Sarah from Hamilton Ontario


Answer
Hello Sarah,

Thank you for your question. With regards to the replacement of the windows on your future home, it is important to remark to the representative that you have brick installed on your project. They will provide you with the necessary information with regards to the appropriate width size of these. Brick and stone usually have the same bed size, that is 3 5/8" width, so you may start with the windows, then go ahead with with the masonry part.

That being said, the only concern I may have is that when bricklayers take off the old masonry, they often damage the new windows. Even though they may protect them the best they can, there is always a little damage being done. As you are taking the old windows down, best is to have the brick torn down at the same time. The new windows are installed and you can wait later to have the new masonry installed. I don't recommend that you should wait years inbetween both procedures, because your home won't be insulated as much. If you plan the new windows first, then a few years later for the new stone, do take off that brick with extreme precaution. It can be done.

As for stone suggestions, being in the Hamilton area I definitely recommend to you Shouldice Designer Stone from Shallow Lake Ontario. They do have distributors in your area. That will enable you to visit a showroom and see the many possibilities with that kind of stone. In the meantime do visit their website at www.shouldice.ca and you will be amazed with the wide variety of choices of style and colors. See the Newport, Saratoga, and the new Shale Stone. Amazingly beautiful!

As for the budgets to expect, I am not familiar with the numbers in Ontario. To tear the old brick down, see a bricklayer first, because in that field, the prices vary too much. It depends always on how much to do, and in how much time it can be done. I know for a fact that stone prices go inbetween $5.00 - $6.00/sq.ft in the prefab concrete products, such as Shouldice. To have that installed, again the bricklayer will have the last word, but $15.00/sq.ft or less could be a good number. Again it depends on how much is there to do.

I hope this helps!

Joan