If you live in Stonebridge Ranch and have thought about painting your brick, you may remember when the answer was no. Stonebridge Ranch previously prohibited painting brick, but its current guidelines allow eligible homes to be considered for approval. That opens up another option for homeowners who want to refresh their home’s exterior.
As a longtime Stonebridge Ranch resident and Broker/Owner of Tye Realty Group, I appreciate having more options to update our homes while preserving the character of our neighborhoods. A thoughtfully chosen exterior color can give a house a fresh look and help its architectural details stand out.
However, permission to paint brick comes with specific requirements. Before scheduling a painter, here’s what you should know.
Which Homes Can Have Painted Brick?
Under the current guidelines, homes that are entirely brick, or brick homes with less than 15% Hardie siding, may qualify. Any qualifying Hardie siding must be painted the same color as the brick. Homes incorporating stone, stucco, EIFS, or more than 15% Hardie board are not eligible under the association’s published guidance.
What Paint Colors Are Allowed?
The permitted colors include muted earth tones and shades of off-white, tan, and gray. Bright white, black, pastels, and bright primary colors are prohibited for painted brick.
The color must also have a Light Reflective Value, or LRV, between 30% and 68%. LRV measures how much light a color reflects, so choosing something that looks neutral on a sample card does not automatically mean it qualifies.
Approval Comes Before Painting
Homeowners must submit a modification application and receive approval before work begins. Village requirements may be more restrictive, and the association considers surrounding homes and the number of painted houses already on a street. Approval is handled on a case-by-case basis.
The painted-brick application requirements include paint specifications and an LRV number, photographs of your home and nearby houses, contractor contact information, and documentation explaining the painting process.
Consider the Ongoing Maintenance
Painting brick is a long-term maintenance decision. Stonebridge Ranch requires professional application and a breathable coating that allows moisture to escape. Its guidelines advise homeowners to anticipate repainting approximately every three to five years. Limewash, whitewash, German smear, and messy mortar are prohibited under the current guidelines.
Is Painting Your Brick the Right Move?
For some homes, painted brick can be a beautiful update. For others, the existing brick may work wonderfully with refreshed trim, improved landscaping, or a different front-door color. Before committing, consider the entire exterior, the project’s cost, and the maintenance you are willing to take on.
If you are preparing to sell, it also helps to discuss whether painting makes sense for your particular property. A major exterior project should have a clear purpose, and a fresh look does not guarantee that you will recover every dollar spent.
At Tye Realty Group, we help Stonebridge Ranch homeowners think through improvements with both everyday enjoyment and future resale in mind. If you are considering an update or getting ready to list your home in McKinney, we would be happy to help you decide where your efforts could make the biggest difference.