Is “Whitestone” the New Trend in Brownstone Brooklyn?
Bright white has swept the design world for several years, and Brownstone Brooklyn is not immune to the trend. If you’ve seen some of the brownstones that have gone white recently, you’ve no doubt noticed how modern and crisp they look.
But before you make any decisions about your home’s exterior, consider the pros and cons as well as the reviews and permits you’ll need for the project.
Pros and Cons of Going Whitestone
Like anything else, painting your brownstone has its pros and cons. And what works for your particular property may not work for another. With brownstones, you’ve got to keep the entire row of houses in mind. That said, let’s consider some factors.
Pros
Painted brick is having a moment. For the last decade, painted brick images have flooded Pinterest boards, and the trend is far from over. While we’re seeing some neutral paint shades like gray and green, white has the benefit of standing out, looking crisp, and blending well with virtually any neighboring color.
Another pro of going whitestone is that paint can hide a multitude of sins. From stains and chips to cracks and discoloration, a thorough coat of white paint can cover a worn-out exterior and make it look new.
Finally, if you’re comparing the cost of painting your brownstone versus restoring the original look, painting will probably come out ahead. But you have to be careful with your calculations because painted masonry requires ongoing maintenance, which we’ll cover in the Cons section.
Cons
White-painted brick and stone require more regular cleaning than you’re probably used to since dirt and mildew are more visible. Most people find that hosing it off on a regular basis is enough to keep their whitestone building looking crisp and fresh.
You’ll probably have to repaint or at least touch up your white paint job every 3-5 years. To stay on top of maintenance and avoid large paint retouches, keep an eye on areas close to the ground. These spots tend to retain more moisture, which leads to bubbling and chipping.
And last of all, painting your brownstone white is a long-term commitment. Returning your brownstone to its original color takes a tremendous amount of work, and it isn’t cheap. So don’t paint your masonry on a whim, but if you love the look and think you’ll love it for the long haul, go ahead and take the plunge!
Reviews and Permits
Because exterior paint jobs are not considered “construction work” by the city, you don’t need to obtain any permits or approvals from the Department of Buildings (DOB). That’s great news as the permitting process can slow projects down.
However, if you live in a designated historic district, you’ll need to obtain approval from New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission to turn your Brownstone into a Whitestone. Permissions are required for any change to the exterior of a building that has landmark status or is situated in a historic district.
The organization has created the LPC Permit Guidebook to help you with the application process. In addition to the forms, you may need to provide supporting materials like photos, drawings, and color samples.
You can find more information about the LPC here, along with links to applications and information about hearings.
Learning More
If you have questions or concerns about how to improve the exterior of your Brooklyn brownstone, reach out to us at Z. Abedin Construction. We have years of experience in the area and can help you sort through the pros and cons of different options. Whitestone may be an excellent option for you, or you might also want to hear about other solutions for giving your historic home new life.
Together, we can create a plan that will allow you to personalize your home while keeping in harmony with the area’s timeless appeal. We look forward to talking with you!
