Top 5 Masonry Upgrades to Increase Resale Value in Chicago Buildings
In Chicago, brick buildings are everywhere — from courtyard layouts to flat-roof walkups and mid-sized mixed-use properties. They’ve stood for decades, weathering everything from snowstorms to scaffolding. But when it’s time to sell, even the toughest masonry needs a touch-up.
Masonry upgrades aren’t just about appearances — they directly impact resale value, marketability, and your building’s ability to pass inspection without haggling or last-minute repair demands. A well-maintained brick exterior sends a signal to buyers and investors alike: “This building has been cared for.”
As a masonry company in Chicago for over 20+ years, we’ve helped many real estate professionals prepare their buildings for sale or restore buildings they’ve just purchased. If you're preparing to list a Chicago building, these are the five masonry improvements that matter most — and why you should consider tackling them before handing over the keys.
Boost Your Building’s Value With These Masonry Improvements
1. Tuckpointing: The Foundation of First Impressions
Tuckpointing isn’t flashy. In fact, when done right, you won’t even notice it. And that’s exactly the point. When mortar joints start to crumble or wash out — something that's all too common in aging Chicago masonry buildings — they create pathways for water, heat loss, and deterioration.
A fresh tuckpointing job restores both the visual consistency and the structural integrity of your building’s exterior. For buyers, it means fewer surprises. For inspectors, it means fewer red flags. And for you? A cleaner, faster transaction.
It’s a high-impact fix that adds immediate value — especially if the work is visible along the street-facing façade. Properly repointed mortar can extend a wall’s life by decades and help avoid moisture intrusion that silently damages your asset.
2. Stone Accents and Protective Veneer Work
Buyers don’t always know what they’re looking for until they see it. That’s where thoughtful masonry upgrades come into play.
Adding stone accents or selective veneer to entryways, stair bases, or exposed wall sections can help protect aging brick from further weather damage — while also improving curb appeal. Veneer adds texture, contrast, and polish. It subtly turns a basic structure into one with stronger visual presence.
This kind of upgrade isn’t purely cosmetic; when done correctly, it also helps shield vulnerable areas and extend the building’s lifespan — a double win for resale.
3. Chimney Repair: Silent Risk, Smart Fix
If your building has a chimney, it’s worth a closer look — especially if it hasn’t been serviced in years. Chimneys are one of the most common sources of masonry failure in Chicago buildings. Cracked flues, deteriorated mortar, and leaning stacks can all indicate deeper problems. Worse, they can delay sales or lower appraisals when flagged during inspection.
Restoring or rebuilding a chimney in Chicago doesn’t just remove a safety concern — it helps protect the roofline, prevents water damage, and keeps your exterior envelope sealed. Buyers may not notice a flawless chimney, but they’ll definitely notice a damaged one — and so will their lender.
4. Parapet Wall Repair: A Chicago-Specific Priority
Let’s talk parapet walls. They’re a defining feature of flat-roof Chicago buildings — and often one of the first areas to fail.
Parapet damage is frequently overlooked from the street, but inspectors know to look for bulging brick, cracked coping, and signs of water infiltration near the top courses.
Repairing or rebuilding parapet walls improves not only the building’s structure but also its resale presentation. More importantly, it reduces the risk of future leaks, helps with energy efficiency, and satisfies many common city code concerns.
Don’t wait until a buyer requests a credit. Do the work now and retain control of your pricing.
5. Lintel Replacement and Repair
When it comes to building inspections and resale value, lintels are often overlooked — but they shouldn’t be. A failing lintel (the structural support above windows and doors) can lead to serious cracking, sagging brickwork, and even water infiltration.
Replacing corroded or damaged lintels strengthens the structure and restores the appearance of masonry openings — two things that make a big difference during a property sale. Lintel replacement is a core part of masonry restoration in Chicago to prevent future costly damage. Plus, proactive lintel repair helps you avoid expensive emergency fixes later — a win for both you and the next owner.
Bonus: Minor Masonry Repairs Pay Off in a Big Way
You don’t need to overhaul your entire exterior to make an impact. In fact, small things — like replacing a few spalled bricks, resealing masonry joints, or fixing a sagging lintel — can quietly save thousands in post-inspection negotiations.
These repairs may not make the listing description, but they do make deals go smoother. And for buildings that haven't been evaluated in years, a quick masonry inspection can identify low-hanging fruit that’s easy to address before the walkthroughs begin.
Prep Your Building the Right Way with Krisbud Construction
At Krisbud Construction, we’re Chicago masonry contractors that help building owners prepare for resale with strategic, results-driven masonry services. Whether it’s refreshing the façade, restoring aging brick, or fixing hidden structural issues, we do the work that buyers notice — and inspectors appreciate.
Our team has decades of experience working on Chicago masonry buildings, and we understand what sells. We don’t just do repairs — we improve value.
👉 Schedule a free consultation today and get your building ready to make its best first impression — before it hits the market.