1970s Brick Ranch Remodel: Before, After, and What It Really Cost

2025 Update: It’s been a five (!!!!) years since I tackled this brick ranch as my first experiment in flipping and real estate investing, but I still get questions about this remodel all the time — and for good reason. The transformation was dramatic, but we kept it budget-conscious and true to the home’s original charm. If you’re sitting on a dated ranch and wondering if it’s worth the work, I can tell you: it 100% is. With the right updates, these homes can feel fresh, modern, and full of character.

In 2025, midcentury ranches are still having a moment, and honestly? They’re a smart investment. The layout is functional, the bones are solid, and the curb appeal is easy to boost. If I were doing it again today, I’d focus on energy-efficient upgrades (hello, new windows) and using paint + lighting to make the biggest visual impact. Scroll for the before-and-after photos — they still make me smile.

Brick Ranch Remodel Before and After

It was REALLY fun to take a look back through these old photos. Nearly four years later, I had forgotten a bit about what all we did to this 1970s cutie during our brick ranch remodel. She'd only had one or two owners (IIRC), and the exterior needed some attention. Even though the finishes were outdated, she was in GREAT condition!

The basement level had a full third bathroom which is what really sold me on this home. Third bathrooms in this area of town are rare and add incredible resale value.

Below, the primary suite got reconfigured to allow for a wider entry and better closet.

Brick Ranch Remodel: The After

I made the mistake on this flip (my first, and also my first time selling a property as a licensed agent) and did not invest in professional listing photography. Later the following summer, the ones I did for this flip were amazing and I'll never take photos on my phone again.

A small change I made to maximize space is to widen every doorway from the main living areas to make it feel more open and modern without having to put up a supporting beam.

When I initially chose the main blue color for all the living spaces, I freaked out. It felt *too* blue, like a baby's nursery. But in the end I came around and I think it made the space feel really lovely.

I kept the original floors and vanity and shower surround in here to save money, but freshened everything with paint, new counters, and new fixtures.

The snazzy floor tile in the basement bathroom was my favorite part of the house.

There were also a number of exterior projects we did on this house that aren't pictured that contributed to the total $70k cost — a new deck (the old one was rotted). Putting a mini split in the sunroom so it could be a proper part of the house, and fixing some of the brick on the exterior.

Brick Ranch Remodel Before and After: The Numbers

I have more details on what I spent here because it was my first flip and I documented it RELENTLESSLY. (My other flip was right before my divorce happened so the numbers are a bit more ambiguous. I know I barely made any money on it.) But for this one, my first, I did really well.

The real estate investing phrase, “you make your money when you buy” is totally true and I believe that is why this flip was more lucrative than the first. I was hungry to keep my momentum going and completely overpaid.

Expenses

• Purchase Price: -122,500
• Buying Costs: -500.00 (attorney's fees)
• Holding Costs: -2434.04 (Insurance and utilities)
• Selling Costs: (3% commission to buyer agent and closing concessions) -12,786.00
• Renovation: -78,745.35
• Sales Price: +255,000.00
• TOTAL PROFIT: 38,034.61

The TL:DR on my First Brick Ranch Remodel

This was such a sweetheart of a project. I got a great deal on the buy, we had very few (if any, again — it's been so long I can't remember) major hiccups on the renovation, and I was able to sell it quickly to a really great couple who had family a few streets over. For close to $38k profit, my ROI was 31.9%. (I used this calculator to help!) I had such great beginner's success on this flip, I decided to turn right around and invest the profits in another. You can read how that went, here.