Stick Versus Masonry Homes: What You Need to Know

Whether you're building or buying a home, you'll have to make a multitude of decisions as you acquire your new home. Two of the most common building materials are brick and wood. Knowing the differences between these two materials can help you decide which one is right for you.

Brick Homes: Advantages and Disadvantages

If you're a home buyer who is thinking about purchasing a brick home, there are many factors to consider.

Pros:

• Brick homes have a traditional stately appearance that some buyers appreciate.
• They never need to be painted.
• Brick retains heat well and can stay warmer for longer in cold weather.

Cons:

• Brick is more expensive than wood.
• Because brick is never painted, the home will always look the same.

Some home buyers assume that brick does not need to be maintained, because it cannot be painted. This isn't true. Mortar deteriorates much faster than brick. Over time, the mortar between bricks will crumble and fall out. If the mortar is not replaced (a process known as tuck pointing), the brick itself may also start to deteriorate. Homeowners with brick properties should be aware of this and watch for signs that their brick needs maintenance.

Stick Homes: Advantages and Disadvantages

Wood frame homes, also known as stick homes, are very common. If you're thinking about buying a wood frame home, here's what you need to know:

Pros:

• Wood can be painted in a variety of colours, so the appearance of the house can change from time to time.
• Wood is a relatively inexpensive building material, especially compared to brick.

Cons:

• Pests that eat wood can do serious damage to the structure of a stick home.
• Wood can become structurally unsound if it sustains water damage.

Wood needs to be painted from time to time. In fact, many wood homes need to be painted every five years. This can be expensive, and for many homeowners, painting the exterior is a difficult DIY project.

Which One is Right For You?

If affordability is important to you, then a wood-frame home may be the right home for your needs. Be prepared to maintain your wood siding by hiring an experienced and reputable contractor to repaint your property from time to time.

If you would like a traditional home that does not need to be repainted every five years, then a brick home is an excellent choice. If you're thinking about building your home from brick, look into different types and colours of brick. Bricks don't have to be red. In fact, some types of brick come in varying shades of cream or brown. Work with your home building contractor to choose the right material for your property.

Contact Your Real Estate Professional

When you're buying a North Calgary home, there are many choices to make. Your real estate agent can help you make the tough choices. By working with a real estate agent who knows the difference between each type of material, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different types of homes, you can have a more successful home buying experience.

To get started with your home purchase, interview experienced and reputable real estate professionals in your area. Pick the one that makes you feel comfortable, and who can answer your questions to your satisfaction.