Budgeting for Brick Wall Repointing: What to Consider

Avoid being ripped off when it comes to brick wall repointing projects?

Budgeting for your repointing brick walls is easier than you think. However, it is crucial that you fully understand the reasons behind repointing costs and do your homework so that you get great value for your money.

Before we get started, here’s the ugly truth about repointing brick wall costs…

The vast majority of homeowners know nothing about the costs involved with repointing brick walls. There are hidden costs, unforeseen circumstances, expensive mistakes and professionals taking full advantage of an individual’s lack of experience.

Not you though. By the time you finish reading this complete guide, you will be able to budget like a pro and plan for all eventualities.

In this guide, we will cover the following…

Table of Contents

What you’ll discover:

Understanding Real Brick Wall Repointing Costs
Hidden Costs That Surprise Homeowners
Smart Budgeting Tips for Your Project
When to Call in the Professionals

Understanding Real Brick Wall Repointing Costs

Before you get started it’s important to know this fact…

The cost to repoint a brick wall can vary hugely based on individual circumstances. There’s no “set” price and what you pay could vary by 10x depending on multiple factors.

According to industry statistics, the average cost to repoint bricks on a house is between $3 and $15 per square foot. This is a huge range and can make all the difference if you’re not prepared.

But what’s more interesting is that homeowners average about $1450 for a typical brick wall repointing job.

Keep in mind, the total cost of repointing brickwork will fall anywhere between $400 for simple masonry repairs and $30,000 for a whole house exterior project.

Why such a large difference? Well, it all comes down to these 4 factors…

Size of Project – Small chimney vs an entire home exterior
Access – Ground level work vs scaffolding required
Condition of Existing Mortar – Refresh vs full removal and redo
Brick and Mortar Type – Standard materials vs specialty matching

Just so you have an idea of what the costs are, most contractors typically charge between $10 to $25 per square foot specifically for repointing a chimney. That means a simple 20-square-foot chimney section would cost $200 to $500 to repoint.

As for the really expensive repointing work, things like structural repairs and foundation work cost easily over $1,000 just to fix major cracks.

Hidden Costs That Surprise Homeowners

When it comes to planning your budget, this is the part that most budgets go wrong…

You can factor in the costs of the actual repointing work, but then life happens. With any masonry project, there are additional costs that come along with the job.

Scaffolding and Access Charges

The average mason will charge anywhere from 20% to 40% more for work above 8 feet. This is due to scaffolding, additional time, and equipment needed to safely reach those higher areas.

If your brick wall runs up two stories or you have a tall chimney, it’s best to factor this 20-40% premium into your budget right away.

Mortar Analysis and Matching

If you want your repointing work to look professional, then you will need to get the proper mortar analysis. Matching existing mortar is key to a quality job.

This costs between $200 to $500 for composition analysis, or $100 to $300 to get a color match. Sounds expensive right? However, using the wrong mortar can lead to structural issues down the road which will end up costing you thousands of dollars to fix.

Power Washing and Prep Work

Your mason will most likely power wash the brick surface prior to doing any work. The average cost to power wash a house is $310 however, you might be charged more for detailed prep work.

Waterproofing After Repointing

Quality contractors recommend waterproofing your new repointing job. This is especially important in harsh climates with a lot of freeze and thaw cycles.

Waterproofing costs another $1 to $4 per square foot for your project, but it will significantly extend the life of the new mortar.

Smart Budgeting Tips for Your Project

Now that we’ve covered the real costs involved, here are some tips on how to approach your project budgeting…

Apply the 20% Rule

Whatever your initial quote is, tack on 20% for unexpected issues. If there’s one thing about repointing, it’s that something always comes up!

Get Detailed Quotes

Don’t just ask for an overall price, get quotes with itemized breakdowns. Things to include are:

Labor costs per square foot
Material costs and product details
Fees for scaffolding and equipment
Any additional prep work needed
Project timeline and payment terms

Think of the Long-Term Investment

When you factor in the costs, professional repointing work will last 25 to 30 years. It’s an investment so calculate the cost per year and you’ll get a better sense of real value.

For example, if it costs $5,000 for professional repointing that will last 25 years, that comes out to just $200 per year. Not bad for protecting your home’s structural integrity.

Plan for Seasonal Timing

The best time to do repointing work is during mild weather. If you can plan for a spring or fall project, you might be able to save money and get better results.

When to Call in the Professionals

DIY repointing work can save you money, but it’s a huge risk.

Improperly done work can actually damage your brick and lead to very expensive structural issues. Professional repointing should include:

Proper Mortar Removal without damaging surrounding masonry
Correct Mortar Composition based on your needs
Weather Appropriate Curing for maximum durability
Warranties and Insurance that protect your investment

Your DIY repointing work will likely need to be redone every 10 to 15 years vs the 25-30 year lifespan of professional repointing. Just do the math…

DIY Repointing Warning Signs That Need Professionals

Structural cracks or wall shifting
Large areas of deteriorated mortar
Historic or specialty brick with specific techniques
Work above ground level with scaffolding needed

Planning Your Repointing Timeline

Budgeting also includes planning a realistic timeline for your project…

Small repointing jobs like a single wall or chimney can take 1-2 days. Bigger projects of multiple walls or a whole house exterior take 4-6+ days.

Keep in mind, weather delays are very common. Mortar needs time to cure and rain or extreme temps can slow down your project.

Factor in potential for delays into your timeline and budget. Contractors might charge extra for rush jobs or weather related issues.

Getting the Best Value for Your Money

The cheapest contractor is not always the best value…

Look for contractors that provide detailed warranties, use quality materials, and have experience with similar projects as yours.

Some questions to ask are:

What type of mortar are you using and why?
What is your warranty on labor and materials?
Do you have references for similar work?
What happens if weather delays the project?

Value Indicators for Contractors

Detailed written estimates with material specs
Proper licensing and insurance coverage
Portfolio of completed repointing work
Clear communication and process explanation

Wrapping It All Up

Planning your budget for brick wall repointing costs doesn’t have to be difficult. If you follow the tips above and plan for all eventualities, you should find your project stays on budget.

The key things to take away here? Expect to pay between $3 to $15 per square foot for the work itself, add 20% for contingencies, and don’t try to save a few bucks by skimping on quality.

Professional repointing is an investment in your property’s future. It protects your home value and structural soundness for decades to come.

Plan properly, get detailed quotes and find experienced contractors. Your wallet will thank you.