The cost to replace existing siding with brick varies widely by home size, brick type, and labor costs. Typical drivers include brick veneer versus full brick, wall height, and weather-related preparation. This guide provides practical price ranges in USD to help buyers budget accurately.
Assumptions: region, house size in square feet, existing wall condition, and local labor rates. All figures below are ranges and include installation as of current market norms.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick Veneer Installation (1) | $12,000 | $22,500 | $35,000 | For a typical 1,500–2,000 sq ft exterior; veneer plus framing prep. |
| Full Brick Siding (2) | $28,000 | $60,000 | $100,000 | Heavier installation; greater masonry work and structural considerations. |
| Labor per Sq Ft (3) | $9 | $14 | $22 | Includes bricklaying, reinforcement, and mortar. |
| Foundation/Structural Prep | $1,500 | $6,000 | $12,000 | Repairs, damp-proofing, or tying new siding to structure. |
| Permits & Inspections | $200 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Local requirements may vary. |
Overview Of Costs
Total project ranges depend on brick type and scope. For a standard home, brick veneer typically runs lower than full brick. A common assumption is a 1,500–2,000 sq ft facade with existing sheathing in good condition. Per-row estimates show Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours. Veneer projects often fall in the $12,000–$35,000 band, while full brick can range from $28,000 to $100,000 or more for larger homes.
Cost Breakdown
Table summarizes key cost components. The following table uses both total project costs and per-square-foot guidance where applicable. Units and costs assume standard residential construction in the U.S.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6,000 | $18,000 | $40,000 | Brick type, mortar, ties, flashings. |
| Labor | $9,000 | $20,000 | $60,000 | Masonry labor, scaffolding, cleanup. |
| Equipment | $1,000 | $4,000 | $10,000 | Scaffolding, lifts, mixers. |
| Permits | $200 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Local authority fees. |
| Delivery/Disposal | $500 | $2,000 | $5,000 | Brick, debris removal. |
| Accessories & Flashings | $300 | $1,500 | $4,000 | Waterproofing, corners, venting. |
| Warranty & Contingency | $500 | $2,500 | $6,000 | Contingency for unforeseen work. |
What Drives Price
Key price drivers include brick type (veneer vs full brick), wall height and complexity, and structural prep needs. The most impactful variables are brick weight and bond pattern and the required support structure. For example, taller two-story homes demand more scaffolding and longer labor hours, while intricate corner work or custom arches adds to time and material costs.
Cost Components
Understanding where money goes helps identify opportunities to control the budget. The major drivers are materials and labor, followed by permits and site prep. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> A typical veneer project allocates more budget to skilled masonry labor, while full brick projects allocate disproportionately to materials and structural reinforcement.
Factors That Affect Price
Regional differences shape bids due to labor supply, climate-related needs, and local code requirements. Age and condition of the existing structure influence prep costs, such as removal of old siding or remediation of rot. Higher-end brick options, unique colors, or specialty profiles also raise the price.
Ways To Save
Cost-saving strategies include choosing brick veneer over full brick, optimizing wall layout to minimize handling, and bundling work with other exterior projects. Contractors may offer mid-season discounts or promotions for off-peak scheduling. Consider staged replacements on large homes to spread costs over multiple seasons.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material availability. In the Northeast, expect higher installation costs driven by climate sealing needs; the Midwest may show moderate costs; the South often presents lower labor rates but may require additional moisture protection. A typical regional delta is ±15–25% from the national average depending on the market.
Labor & Installation Time
Installation duration depends on project scope. Veneer can often be installed faster than full brick, reducing labor hours by roughly 20–40% on comparable facades. For a 1,500–2,000 sq ft house, veneering might span 4–8 days, while full brick could require 2–4 weeks with more crew coordination.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs include scaffolding rental, temporary protection for landscaping, and potential lead or asbestos considerations on older homes. Unexpected structural repairs discovered during prep can add to both materials and labor. Always budget a contingency of 5–15% of total project cost.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenario cards illustrate typical quotes for common cases. Three cards below reflect Basic, Mid-Range, and Premium configurations to help calibrate expectations.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
- Basic — Veneer, 1,600 sq ft, standard color, minimal corner work. Materials $7,000; Labor $12,000; Permits $400; Total $19,500; $12.2/sq ft veneer.
- Mid-Range — Veneer with enhanced drip edge and better color match, 1,800 sq ft. Materials $12,000; Labor $18,000; Permits $700; Total $30,700; $17.1/sq ft veneer.
- Premium — Full brick, custom profile, 2,100 sq ft, extensive prep. Materials $40,000; Labor $32,000; Permits $1,200; Total $73,200; $34.9/sq ft full brick.
Note: Warranty coverage varies by brick type and contractor. Always verify workmanship guarantees and material warranties before signing a contract.
