Brick Vs Vinyl Siding

[Charles Mikols]

Writing from Charlotte, NC .............. In this market, I have noticed that two new or near new houses of the same plan, comparable condition, same square footage and in close proximity but one is vinyl and the other brick will sell drastically different. The vinyl will sell quickly but the all brick home will lag on the market until the price is reduced to a level I consider to be undervalued for this area. I did have a realtor tell me that buyers in this area tend to go for more square feet per dollar in their purchasing decisions without regard to exterior material or construction quality.

QUESTION: When this occurs wouldn't the value of brick homes trend downward which in turn also adversely affect the value of vinyl houses due to the higher cost, durability and supposedly higher desirability of brick?

I do not want a plastic house but I think purchasing a brick home would be sticking my neck out should I sell in a few years (5 to 7 yrs).

 

[Walter Kirk]

In many cases a brick house is higher quality construction ( higher materials cost, higher labor cost) than a vinyl sided frame house. Compare a Mercedes Benz to a Hundai, both may be the same size and both perform the same task but the Benz is of much higher quality, which is reflected in it's market price.

 

[wyecoyote]

Maybe just your market area. Here I have noticed that Brick houses sell for more than other house.

 

[Scott Kibler]

Big big market preference for brick over frame here.

 

[Caterina Platt]

Brick preference here as well.

I'm curious, though.....does this lack of preference for brick in Charles' market cover all value ranges, or just the lower end of the market? Sometimes in the entry level developments I have a hard time proving any sort of trends.

 

[Farm Gal]

Charles:

Proximity is not always equivalence in terms of location and desireability.

There may be (and I'd say quite probably is) some other factor in terms of neighborhood specifics: schools, interior quality, interior amenity, lot size, etc. which is causeing what you *think* you see.

~How old are these homes?
~IS the brick 'real' brick or faux brick.
~Is the insulation in the brick homes really equal to that of the vinyl sided? Check relative utility bills for each style. Are the windows the same or is one set more prone to being leaky? Lots of potential reasons 'why'.

MOST markets would value a well made REAL brick exterior over vinyl siding every time.

If you are really curious, go ask a couple local appraisers what is going on. Offer to provide some nominal compensation in a mutually agreed upon amount for a little quick education on this matter. Our office is a lot omroe forthcoming when restaurant gift certificates/coupons are presented upfront :lol:

If you are considering the purchase of what is likely to be your most expensive investment, get an education first! You can get part of your education by carefully considering your lifestyle requirements FIRST, then gaze into your crystal ball for what you think the future might bring in terms of other peoples desires AND after getting personally educated by more than just a few days of prowling around with a sales agent.

Sales agents typically want to SELL the most expensive house your lender will qualify you for... not necesarly to educate you as to what is is YOUR best interests. <_< Remember their commission is tied to what you spend!

 

[SteveVuillermet]

Brick construction typically sells at a higher price in this market. Cost to construct is higher, quality is better than an average frame, and exterior maintenance doesnt require as much attention as stucco or siding. (i.e., painting, scraping, etc.)

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

While cost does not necessarily equate to value...it can be a start to an answer to your question. Compare Marshall and Swift cost figures for brick vs vynal siding. Go to a few builder's sales offices and get their price sheets and see if a premium is paid for brick construction.

I have found very few all brick new construction in this market. In some of the older areas all brick homes seem to bring a premium of from $3,000 to $8,000 over non-brick, depending on size and features.

 

[moe cohen]

Having built all brick houses, I can tell you that the cost is over $1.5 per brick for normal flat areas. Yes they do count them when they bill you and 2 halves constitute 2 bricks.
Moe

 

[Sean Wagle]

Consider your location, and buyer's perceptions. The brick industry is very strong in N.C. and brick is "just another building material", in a sense. And there is such a large stock of housing from the 1930s on up with brick facing, that it just isn't all that unique.

I just sold a stock 1980's vinyl sided house that I rehabbed. One of the biggest draws, I learned, was the vinyl. The buyer *really* wanted to do as little maintenance as possible.

A brick house can have less true interior space, than a similar sized GLA of a different siding material. And it's more expensive to remodel, if you want to add on or widen windows, etc.

No, I'm not an appraiser. But I do have two pennies. B)