As the title says, looking at a house that needs to have the terribly done German schmear removed or at least taken down to the face of the brick. Whoever was hired to do it put it on way too thick.

Thoughts? TIA

My initial thought, lacking any basis in experience, would be that if it bothers you that much, you may need to look at a different house. I can't imagine how much of a PITA that would be to remove, only to get back to somewhat clean brick.

I dunno, but there's a house for sale in my hood (Timbergrove) where the addition brick didn't match the original, and it was just enough to contrast. They initially attempted a light schmear, and when that didn't work, came back heavier or with paint, hard to say.

I write that all to say you might not like what you find underneath.

Appreciate the quick responses. I know I should avoid it but the inventory seems historically low. Can't hardly look at a house right now and it's already gone.

As a contractor I can probably find someone to remove it but at what cost and difficulty I do not know. Just hoping someone may of had experience with it.

If I can offer something low enough to make it worth my while it might be worth it. Just don't know what it Williams cost to remove.

Post the address

Why not just make a couple calls to the people you would contact if you did buy the house? They should know and, better yet, can give an idea on price.

I've accidentally removed it before. It was on a rental that I was cleaning up to sell. The lower third of the wall was pretty dirty, so I grabbed the power washer and went to town. I didn't realize until I was almost done that it was taking off the schmear. Luckily, having a third of a side wall that was a different color didn't seem to affect the sale price any.

YMMV

It looks stupid and is usually the key telltale sign of "flip house." Can't blame you for wanting to remove it but can't imagine it ending well.

If it's a real schmear done with mortar, it would probably be difficult to remove. I would think either a real power washer or a media blaster would be required. Worst case, you could soften any heavy mortar and paint.

R&R the brick, send the bill to those two in Waco that throw out all the bad design advice.

apply more and just have a stucco look?

Fur out the wall and put barn wood on it. Hang you a Lone Star Beer neon, and pretend you're at The Chicken........profit..

Hope this isn't OP

https://memyselfdiy.com/need-know-before-german-smear-project/