http://bloodsweatandpigsears.blogspot.ca/2012/03/weeping-mortar-joints.html

Mortar joints aside, that house is never going to be traditional.

I agree with Ellsworth. I do not mind the sloppy mortar. Most people will not notice it unless they are right up near the house. I would focus on improving the landscaping and replacing the front door. Is it possible to get rid of those tall, skinny Windows? I find those the most offensive aspect. What is that "holey" brick wall on the left??

Really nice house. We have one in our neighborhood that has weeping mortar that I admire when walking by it.

Your house is really nice! Spend money and landscaping and you'll feel so differently about that brick!

I think that's the wrong house if you want a traditional style.

Definitely the wrong house for you. It would look pretty cool if it had better curb appeal, but it will never not be 70's.

some landscaping would really work here. it's a cool house. maybe something like this walk way, the fencing somewhere and then a black door

We plan on building out the front door. Similar to this.

Mainly I hate the color of the brick but contractors have said it shouldn't be painted until something is done with the mortar.

This is a house you need to embrace the way it is. This will never be traditional no matter what you do unless you rip it down and start over. IMO painting that brick would immediately lower the value of the house so if that doesn’t bother you then go ahead.I would do some landscaping for sure and the windows could be changed to get more light inside .

The windows are actually amazing! They allow so much light in and I wouldn't dream of changing them.

Thanks for all of the comments. Not buying it isn't an option now...haha. We go to settlement on the 30th. And I'm going to embrace as much as I can but also make it our own

We're definitely going to redo the landscaping to make the house brighter. And I know no matter what we do, it's going to be a house we love.

There is no easy way around this. This style joint is called "weeping mortar joint" it was popular right about that time your house was built.

If you going to grind the joints it will be a messy process and most likely you will damage the brick. If you want to preserve the brick, you have to chisel all the projected mortar and tuck-point the joints. They have a special saw equipt with a tuck-pointing blade and it will cut the mortar joint deep enough so it can be refilled with new mortar.

That being said, in your case they mortar is closer to the colour of brick, so maybe after chiselling is done it might not that look bad after all and it will look good and if you have deep pockets, you can fill them with exterior sanded grout which can be easily matched to the color of your mortar and that will save you a bundle.

I was working on the house with the same issue, but they had very light mortar and it was all over the brick, we tried to chisel a small area of the most obvious spot and used muriatic acid to clean up the face of the brick, it came out OK (better than I thought it would) but the Homeowner decided to leave it alone because it was just too much.

Good luck

The strong slope of roof line makes this a modern house. Building out the doorway as you have shown above would add a very traditional element. I would recommend against it. I don't think you will be happy with the look when you are done.

Maybe you should consult with an architect to resolve whatever issue you are trying to solve with the doorway. I am sure there is a solution which would result in a better look than what you are proposing.

We are meeting with an architect before doing any work.

Anyone have any suggestions how to break up the roofline? We considered dormers but thought building out the front door would be more cost effective. We don't need to gain any space inside because it's a pretty big house. And it's super bright inside, so additional light isn't necessary.

You bought this home so I'm assuming the interior satisfies you. LEAVE the exterior "as is". Spend the money for a Landscape Architect (not a landscaper) and the changes he / she recommends. I love your home, weeping mortar and all.

I'm sorry but "breaking up the roofline" on this house is exactly what not to do. It was likely designed by an architect, and it was designed well. It is very well proportioned. And the porch you want to add is not correct either.

I very much appreciate all of the comments.

I lean toward very traditional design but there is something about this house that I love. It's in a phenomenal neighborhood and has a great yard for my daughter.

I look at this house and, in my opinion, it looks very dreary. I want to brighten it up. I don't want to add anything that is going to take take away from the home. Rather, I'm trying to find something that compliments it. If that can be done with landscaping, then so be it. If it can be done better by adding something structurally, then I will go in that direction. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

We're going to meet with a designer, as well as a landscape architect, but I thought this was a good forum to get ideas outside of my "box" of thinking.

Telling me what I've come up with is wrong without suggesting a well designed alternative isn't very helpful, now is it? If I felt my ideas were great, or even suitable, I wouldn't be here asking for advice, would I? Thanks, in advance!

The weeping mortar detail is something you don't see much of these days. It was often installed by one builder in our town, but it was ALWAYS painted white or off white and coupled with shutters and X cross railings. It's a style and can be quite nice when installed well.

I think staining the brick or painting the brick enhances the appearance.

Beverly, just this morning I found some photos of painted houses with weeping mortar and REALLY love them! I'm just wondering if there are additional details I should add to accentuate the style that won't contradict the architectural design of the house.

Embrace this lovely home and create a unique hybrid style.

Also the exterior appearance of this home can change quite a bit with some creative landscaping. The pine tree is too large and probably has to be removed. The birch? is too close to the house and should be relocated. Use lots of perennial grasses, hostas, daylilies etc. I would recommend cutting the amount of grass by perhaps as much as 1/3. Establish a master plan from a good landscaper and implement as funds become available. Use lots of perennials to keep your maintenance over the years down.

Create a unique pattern on your front door.

It's easier to say what not to do, than to do, with this house. It's doesn't seem like it needs any exterior changes, especially ones that try to make the house into a style that it is not. I wish I knew what style this house is! I'd try and find some inspiration from similar houses. Are there more in the neighbourhood or city? Can you find out who designed it? Really I'm with everyone who is suggesting Brett landscaping

I feel like the house looks closed off from the street. Very private and maybe uninviting. Adding slightly more prominent steps and path could help. Also try opening the curtains.

The red door is not a good color with the brick. I like the brick color.

The path to the front door could be made more interesting with a variety of levels, landscape lighting and planters.

I love your home and I think Beverly is spot on. Grinding your mortar down will not get the look you want. It will never look traditional. Go with the mortar and paint everything out. You will have a beautiful cohesive look with texture. Pick quiet sophisticated colors, jazz up your walk way, landscape. It will be a killer house.

Thank you so much, Beverly! I love your ideas!!

There are no other houses like this one in the neighborhood. It's quite the mix of styles in our neighborhood but none like this one.

Beverley has great ideas. I have seen a house with this mortar painted light grey, with door painted black and it looked stunning. The contrast of the mortar colour against the red brick is what looks too messy/busy, but once painted just becomes a textural feature. I really love the painted brick examples that Beverly shows and accessories. Good job.

I hope your project is successful and you are pleased with the final product.