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Architecture/walls - brick or rendered, cost?

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Expert: - 5/21/2005


Question
pretty basic question this.  which is more expensive, an outside rendered or brick wall?  Thank you.

Answer
Karen:

Thanks for your question!

You almost had me there with "rendered" - in the US, we call it "stucco" (I assume you're in the UK somewhere?).

Let's start with a couple of assumptions, the first of which is that I can only answer regarding local construction techniques in the Midwest USA (although I'd guess that the cost difference of rendered vs. brick is similar in the UK).

Second, in both instances the finish (brick or render) is applied as a veneer over the same backup (wood-framed or masonry wall).

In those instances render/stucco is far less expensive than brick; the material costs are much less; the labor costs are much less, and the rendered wall doesn't require the foundation support that a brick-veneer wall does.

That isn't to say that local conditions won't close or expand the gap somewhat - but generally speaking, a render finish is less expensive.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architect, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomedesign.blogspot.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

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I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

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American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

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Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

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Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
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2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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