Question: Hello there, Robert. I am a first-time homeowner, living in Saugus in an older home. So far I’ve been able to manage doing small things on my own, to brighten up this very dated home without breaking the bank. For now, I am just doing cosmetic things so it is more enjoyable to live here, whilst saving money for bigger projects.
It seems (fingers crossed) as though the main parts of the home are in good condition; it just hasn’t been updated. With that said, my question is, how can I update/brighten up a brick fireplace hearth/wall/mantle, without having to do demo on it just yet? What is the best route to take? Thanks for your insight.
— Joseph P.
Answer: Joseph, congratulations on buying your first home, and good for you, saving and planning for renovations while being patient. There are a few things you can do. The easiest and least expensive, if in the end you are going to demo this brick and not use it, would be to paint it.
It would need a good cleaning and primer, then paint. Please do your own research on this first and be sure you’re using the proper products. If you’re not a fan of the brick-look at all, you can do a couple different things. Easiest would be to add tile over it – thin-set mortar will easily adhere to the brick and then you can add a mantle.
Another option, though more detailed, would be to build a fascia to cover all of this, from wood. You’d need to have the proper tools and some know-how with wood working, but it could be done. Personally, I’d spend the least necessary to keep you happy for now and do a complete reno on it once you’ve saved enough. Best of luck.
Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].
