There’s a reason they say building a home is one of the most stressful and most exciting things you’ll ever do. Every detail has to be perfectly thought out, and with the cost of materials rising, every decision carries more weight. One decision Auckland homeowners have to make is Brick Veneer vs Block Cost Auckland
There are pros and cons to each. It’s best to consider construction methods, insulation, and maintenance when making your decision. You’ll also want to take your lifestyle into account as well. Are you looking to raise a family? Are you looking for a low maintenance option? Once you’ve identified your needs, you can better evaluate methods of construction.
At the end of the day your home is more than just the walls. Our mission is to provide peace of mind for homeowners by identifying masonry construction methods available and by assessing the quality of work performed.
What Is Brick Veneer vs Block Cost Auckland Construction?
Brick veneer is a wall cladding system. It consists of an outer layer of bricks with a frame wall (typically of timber or steel) located behind the cladding system. Brick veneer construction allows for a wide range of external cladding designs and finishes.
- A lite-weight construction method is used.
- A system of water drainage and ventilation is incorporated.
- Very little maintenance is required.
- It is adaptable to various modern housing designs.
The cost of brick veneer construction in Auckland depends on the brick, the quantity, the conditions of the site, the availability of labor and scaffolding, the detail of the cavity, and the design of the building as a whole.
Block construction benefits from the use of a variety of masonry units to construct walls of various heights and thicknesses. Blocks can be faced with various materials and surfaces. Block walls may be used to provide thermal mass and other properties that enhance the comfort of the occupied space. Block construction may require a combination of reinforcement and other special features including engineered foundations and site preparation.
Brick Veneer vs Block Cost Auckland each have their advantages and disadvantages. In some situations brick veneer may require a more complicated framing system. Block construction may require a more complicated system including concrete and other special features. The least costly system may not be the most appropriate over the life of the building.
Cost Drivers of Brick Veneer Construction
- PRICE OF BRICKS
The price of bricks varies with each different type and quality.
- SIZE OF WALL
The larger the wall area, the higher the material cost and labor cost.
- DESIGN OF WALL
Brick walls with complex designs, such as curves or openings, may increase the time and cost of construction.
- SITE CONDITIONS
Difficult site conditions with obstructions may increase the cost of the labor.
- FLASHING DETAILS
To prevent moisture from getting behind the brick veneer, proper flashing details are essential to a well-designed brick veneer system.
- OTHER COSTS
Because of differences in the cost of labor and transportation, the costs of construction may vary in different locations in the Auckland area.
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH BLOCK WORK CONSTRUCTION
- COST OF BLOCKS
Blocks may vary in price due to differences in their size, strength and finish.
- CONSTRUCTION COSTS
The cost of construction may increase due to the use of larger blocks, or blocks which require special reinforcing and grouting. Some block work, particularly walls of significant height and thickness, may require a special form of construction.
- OTHER COSTS
The cost of site preparation, including excavation and drainage, may increase the total cost of construction.
Brick Veneer vs Block Auckland: Construction Methods Compared
When considering the long-term costs of maintenance of each type of construction, brick veneer construction is generally less costly.
- Repair and maintenance of brick veneer construction
Mortar joints between the bricks may break and bricks may crack or deteriorate over time. Inspecting the brick work and repairing these deficiencies from time to time is recommended. Other problems which may occur include clogged drainage openings and moisture problems.
Promptly inspect any damaged masonry for repairs. Repairs may consist of replacement of masonry units, repair of mortar joints, or remedying of deficiencies in construction.
- Block Walls
Masonry units may be formed by a variety of materials, and block units are formed by cement, concrete, or gypsum. The types of finishes and locations of block walls will influence the type of maintenance required. Block walls may be exposed, and if exposed, should be inspected for deterioration. If block walls are exposed to soil, the block walls may require maintenance to relieve hydrostatic and lateral pressure. If block walls are formed by concrete, they may require a higher volume of maintenance and repair, and if formed by gypsum, they may not be suitable for use in all masonry wall situations.
Brick Veneer vs Block Cost Auckland wall systems are fast becoming the preferred wall cladding systems in the residential and light commercial construction industry, especially in the Auckland region. The perceived cost of a brick wall cladding system and the perceived benefits of Brick Veneer vs Block Cost Auckland.
- Traditional brick
Traditional brick systems have influenced a large shift in the market toward the use of brick veneer systems. Traditional and contemporary brick designs may be achieved with brick veneer systems, and brick veneer systems allow for the use of a wide range of colors and textures in brick designs. Routine maintenance of brick veneer systems is easier compared to other systems. Brick veneer systems are more acceptable in lighter framed construction systems, and brick systems are more acceptable in heavier masonry construction systems.
Brick veneer and block systems differ from one another and each should not be considered an alternative to one another. Each has distinct ways to integrate them into a structure and ways to protect a building from the elements. Your design professional and building professional can verify the appropriate system for the project.
Importance of Professional Brick and Block Laying
Laying brick and block work requires planning and attention to detail, for example, selecting the correct mortar for the job, placing bricks and blocks evenly to ensure uniform joints and neat corners, and constructing openings and connecting various parts of the structure.
Our experience in the industry enables us to appreciate your requirements and concerns for your home. We have the skills to lay brick and block work for new homes and completions as well as construct masonry walls for landscape projects.
We provide brick and block laying services throughout Auckland. We take time to assess your situation and advise you on the most appropriate brick and block construction methods.
Things to Know Before Requesting Brick Veneer or Block Work Estimates
It is common for home owners to request different builders for quotes for the same work. To make an informed comparison of quotes, make sure the builders quote for the same work and services. You should request your builder to include in the quote:
- The dimensions of the wall to be constructed
- The type of brick and/or block to be used
- The labor costs to install, cut and trim and finish
- Other costs to provide structural support and integrity of the wall
- Engineer’s fees and inspections
- Weatherproofing: Review details of cavities, type of drains, and methods of attachment.
- Final Remarks on Brick Veneer vs Block Cost Auckland
Brick veneer and block construction each have advantages when constructing in the Auckland region. Both types of construction can be pleasing as well as long lasting.
Final Thoughts on Brick Veneer vs Block Cost Auckland
When considering a construction project, the effect of the long-term outlook of a project should be considered, not just the short-term effect of the lowest cost construction.
Mr. Singh Brick & Block Laying Ltd is able to assist with your brick and block construction needs throughout the Auckland region. Our goal is to improve your experience with construction by providing Brick Veneer vs Block Cost Auckland construction services.
For your Brick Veneer vs Block Cost Auckland construction needs, contact us for a no cost assessment and estimate.
- Is block construction Auckland cheaper than brick veneer?
The cost depends on the design, material, labor cost, structural requirements and site conditions of the wall. Other applications may be more appropriate for block construction, while some residential designs may be less costly to use brick veneer. The most accurate way to compare costs is to get an itemized quote
- What affects the price of brick veneer in Auckland?
Brick veneer cost Auckland Brick type, wall size, labor, site access, cavity details, design complexity and transport can all affect the cost of brick veneer. Your builder will need to see the project to give you a detailed estimate.
- Is block construction more durable than brick?
Both systems can be durable if properly designed and built. Their performance is a function of the materials, methods of construction, weatherproofing, structural requirements and maintenance. Neither option is automatically more durable in all applications - Can you put brick veneer on a new home in Auckland?
Yes. Brick veneer is a popular residential construction cladding material. It must be incorporated into a suitable wall design with the required framing, cavity, moisture-management details and other building requirements.
- How can I accurately compare brick veneer vs block prices?
Get itemized quotes for the same wall area, materials, specifications and scope of work from experienced contractors. Compare labor, foundations, reinforcement, weatherproofing, finishing, and other site costs before choosing.