Rendering is one of the most popular options to brighten the street appeal of a brick house or apartment block.
Over the past decade, many suburbs have been fundamentally changed in character by owners who have either rendered existing houses or rebuilt with a render finish. But is it a good investment?
Render gives a home a modern appearance and is worth considering if your interior design has been updated. But if you’ve retained its architectural origins, it’s value is questionable. For example, it would be a crime to render a traditional Federation home because the brickwork is part of the heritage styling.
However, consistency reigns in architecture. A property with a “bit of this and a bit of that” usually jars and many brick colours and styles that were popular in the 1950s to 1980s are no longer popular.
Rendering costs can climb to $20,000-plus for an average-size home so it’s a considerable amount to outlay and it will require regular maintenance.
Before you decide, it can be worthwhile speaking to your local real estate agent. No one is better positioned to guide you on the hot sales buttons in your area. If buyers are seeking homes with a rendered appearance rather than brick frontage, the option may be worth considering.
Here are some ideas to consider when making your decision.
- Render improves the thermal performance of the walls.
- Carefully consider the colour scheme before you render. It should match your roof and window trims. Or maybe go for an entirely new look and give everything a makeover.
- At least a third of the rendering cost will be spent on painting. Render sucks up the first few coats of paint.
- When getting a quote, ask about the various materials used for render – cement, polymer, acrylic and modified cement render. (Many recommend acrylic.)
- Remember, rendering requires maintenance. Expect to spend up to $10,000 on a repaint once a decade.
- Poor rendering and issues with guttering quickly create visible damage that dramatically detracts from the image you’re trying to achieve. Prospective buyers will see a renovation cost before they’ve even entered the home.
Some alternatives to rendering if you want to distract from the brickwork
- Paint the roof, guttering, window trims and any fretwork.
- Install a new fence and hedge at the perimeter to smarten your street appeal.
- Update the garden to create a wow factor. If your house is dark brick, make sure your selection of flora is light and bright.
- Resurface the driveway and paths.
- Add awnings above windows as these give the property a feeling of depth.
This article is provided for general information only and does not take into account the specific needs, objectives or circumstances of the reader. Before acting on any information, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your personal circumstances, carry out your own research and seek professional advice.