At Dream Construction NYC, as we work on various brownstone projects in Brooklyn, we come across a lot of questions from our clients who want to understand the brownstone repair and
brownstone restoration projects that are being done in their homes. As you are on the task of renovating your home, it is usual and even suggested that you get involved in your brownstone home projects to be more familiar with the steps and to make sure you are getting quality work delivered to you. While it may seem complex, as you understand the common topics related to brownstone repair or restoration projects, owning and maintaining a brownstone home will
become more feasible. Here are top 10 questions that we usually come across at Dream Construction NYC from our clients and our answers for them:
1. What are the common issues found in a brownstone that needs restoration or repair?
Some of the common issues found in a brownstone that needs repair are damaged masonry, water damage, cracks or holes in the brownstone facades or brownstone stoops, and deteriorated or damaged cornices. Some repair work might also be needed in
ironworks such as fixing stoop railings, fences, and window grills. For brownstones in order to be fully restored, large sections of the brownstone facades or stoops are usually damaged or the entire facade or stoops have not been worked on for decades.
2. How are brownstone facades and brownstone stoops repaired or restored at a high level?
For Brownstone facade and brownstone stoop restoration work, the entire damaged layer of the brownstone is meticulously removed or chipped off to get to the solidstone that
exists under the brownstone. Following this, there is a two-step stucco application
process where a scratch coat is added for binding purposes followed by new layers of brownstone layers. For brownstone repair work, in tasks such as facade repair or
brownstone stoop repair work, which is a spot target treatment, a lot of patchwork is involved. The damaged areas are carefully chipped off and new layers are added meticulously which requires extra attention to detail to match the brownstone color and texture.
3. What is a typical timeline for a brownstone repair or restoration job?
The typical timeline for a total brownstone restoration particularly for facade restoration usually takes up to 6 – 9 months whereas for stoop restoration takes about 2-4 months.
However, for repair work, the timeline varies and is much shorter depending on the scope of the repair project.
4. What are some of the benefits of restoring a brownstone compared to replacing it and vice versa?
Restoring a beautiful brownstone facade or brownstone stoop is a time-consuming and costly project but it will renew the exquisite charm and timeless beauty of the building. It will also make your brownstone’s durability long-lasting and as a result, will require less upkeep over the years. It will also increase the overall value of your brownstone home.
Brownstone repair work however is a specialized spot treatment at an affordable price point. If you pick a good enough contractor who can match the color and the textures seamlessly during the patchwork of the damaged section, it will not be obvious that the patchwork has been done and the result is a seamless brownstone layer. If you want to choose an affordable option, especially for brownstones without big damages or deterioration, brownstone repair work is suggested rather than investing in a full and complete restoration.
5. Can the Brownstone restoration or repair project be done in phases?
Yes, brownstone restoration or repair projects can indeed be done in phases.
6. How will the entryway be accessed during stoop projects?
For brownstone stoop steps repair works, the area will be temporarily inaccessible for small periods in the restoration process. When brownstone steps repair work is being done, it is recommended that you use the ground floor gate located underneath the stoop during these periods.
7. What work is involved in repainting a cornice?
For Brownstone cornice work, the cornice surface is usually scraped for all paint that was previously there. Then the repairs are done after which the entire cornice is meticulously primed and painted.
8. How are brownstone buildings washed and cleaned?
Brownstone buildings are typically washed and cleaned through power washing methods. For older or weak brownstones, hand washing is a better and safer alternative method recommended. However when dealing with some stubborn stains in the brownstones, a diluted muriatic acid solution can be used to spot and treat the stains.
9. What should I do with deteriorating and rusty ironworks in my stoop rail, fence, or windows?
The intricate and detailed brownstone ironworks that exist in various forms such as stoop railings, fences, and windows in brownstones need to be regularly maintained so that they don’t become too deteriorated. If ironworks become rusted enough the old paint needs to be stripped off completely, have sanding done, and applying primers and fresh coats of paint need to be applied.
10. How can I budget for my brownstone project?
A brownstone project estimate may involve costs for material, labor, permits, and unexpected costs that may arise. We highly suggest reaching out to Dream Construction NYC to get free project estimates and prioritize important repairs first. Dream Construction NYC provides reasonable affordable price points tailored for brownstone projects.