Brick homes have been a staple of architecture for many reasons. From their looks to their feel, there is nothing quite like living in a brick home. But the older those homes get, the more they need a facelift in the form of brick pointing.
Brick pointing, or just repointing, is a technique by which the mortar in your home’s old brick walls is replaced with fresh mortar. Old age, weather, and other factors can wash off or deteriorate the mortar, so it needs repointing. The cost of this project tends to vary depending on various factors.
In this article, we will tell you how much it costs to hire brick-pointing contractors. We will also discuss the factors you need to consider to determine the actual cost. Finally, we will end the article by reviewing how to hire the cheapest but best brick-pointing contractors for yourself.
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Average Costs of Brick Pointing
So, how much does it cost to hire brick-pointing contractors in Brooklyn? On average, the cost per 100 square feet will be $1,450. But depending on many factors, you might have to pay as low as $400 or as high as $2,500 per 100 square feet. Many factors do or will change the cost.
Remember that quality brick pointing will give you results that are quite long-lasting. In some cases, you might not have to do brick-pointing again for 30 years, so it’s a worthwhile investment.
Factors Affecting Brick Pointing Costs
While you know how much does it cost to hire brick-pointing contractors, you need to know how to calculate the cost properly. As we have mentioned above the final cost will depend on multiple factors. Here are some of those factors:
Mortar Condition
Depending on the color and mixture of your mortar, you might have to pay extra. Proper brick pointing involves professionals matching your existing mortar, and that requires mortar analysis. This process can and does cost between $200 and $500. If your home wasn’t built before 1900, you might instead need to do a mortar color analysis, which will cost between $100 and $300.
Anyone living in those old homes will need traditional mortar, which is more expensive but more durable, so it will last longer. People living in what are called historical homes will need professional color matching and mortar analysis, so the cost may double.
Materials Used
The mortar-making process isn’t one size fits all, so different materials are needed, which can vary your final cost. If your home uses old-school mortar, then your overall cost will be higher, but you will get more durability. Color matching and weather resistance are amazing features to add, but they will cost more as well. Consult with professional contractors to figure out what to do and which materials to add. Find the balance between cost and quality.
Labor Cost
Labor is another big cost factor. The skill level and experience of your brick-pointing contractors can easily increase your final cost. Typically, brick-pointing costs around $50 to $100 per hour, but it can change depending on the company. Brick-pointing contractors will also charge you for any patch-ups they might have to do. This can cost between $300 and $2,000, but it might be higher if they charge per square foot.
Project Size
The size of the area to be repointed directly impacts the project’s total cost. Larger surfaces require more materials and labor, leading to higher overall expenses. Contractors typically charge per square foot, so the more extensive the area, the greater the cost. However, economies of scale may apply to larger projects, resulting in slightly lower costs per square foot compared to smaller-scale jobs.
Power washing
Powerwashing, or cleaning the brickwork before repointing, is an additional step that can affect costs. While not always necessary, power washing helps remove dirt, grime, and loose mortar from the surface, ensuring better adhesion of the new mortar. The power washing cost may vary but typically between $1 and $4 per square foot. However, investing in this step can contribute to the overall success and longevity of the repointing project.
Tips for Hiring The Cheapest and Best Brick Pointing Contractors
You now know how much does it cost to hire brick-pointing contractors on average and how to calculate the precise cost. Now it’s time to learn how you can hire the best brick-pointing contractors:
- Research Multiple Contractors: You won’t find the right ones on your first try and shouldn’t hire the first ones you find. Instead, look for as many as you can and compare them. Check out their reviews and ratings or ask for suggestions from friends or family. Make a list and narrow it down.
- Obtain Detailed Quotes: With a shortlist, you can contact them and ask for quotes. In most cases, this will be free, so you can also get a better idea about your final cost to hire. Compare all the prices and pick ones that will match your budget and needs.
- Check Credentials and Experience: With a list and quotes, you now need to check their credentials and experience. Ensure your choices are licensed, bonded, and insured. The better their records are, the higher on the list they should be.
- Inspect Past Work: If possible, check your potential contractors’ work. Check how good they are and ask clients if they are easy to work with. This will give you an idea of their skill level and attention to detail.
- Negotiate Terms: With all that done you are ready to choose. Go over pricing, payment schedules, and any guarantees or warranties offered. Tell them what you are looking for and what your budget is. Negotiate where possible, but remember that quality needs to be a priority.
Conclusion
The cost to hire brick-pointing contractors can change, but in 2024, it will be on average $1,450 per 100 square feet. However, if you are looking for a more precise cost, you will need to consider various factors. From project size to labor cost and materials used, various factors can impact the final cost.
Another part of the answer to how much does it cost to hire brick-pointing contractors is the contractors themselves. If you are looking to hire the cheapest but best brick-pointing contractors, then follow our guide. You will save money while repointing your brick walls effectively.