The Cost of Building A Brick House Guide: Average Prices & Cost Per Square Foot

Key Takeaways

• Building a brick house typically costs between $175,000 and $650,000, with the average project costing around $350,000.

• Most brick homes cost about $110 to $550 per square foot to build, depending on the home's size, design, materials, and finishes.

• The biggest factors affecting the total cost include the home's square footage, the type of brick, labor costs, land, and the level of customization.

• While brick homes usually cost more upfront than homes with other types of siding, they're known for their durability, low maintenance, and long lifespan.

• Careful planning, realistic budgeting, and working with experienced professionals can help keep your project on track and avoid costly surprises.

  
  

Wondering what the cost of building a brick home might be? You're not alone. It's one of the first things everyone wants to know before they start planning a custom home. The answer depends on several factors like size and customization. Brick has stood the test of time for a reason. In fact, a lot of brick homes have lasted for 100 years or more, making them one of the most durable building materials around. In this guide, we'll break down what you can expect to spend, the factors that affect the total cost, the price per square foot, and practical ways to keep your project on budget so you can plan with confidence.

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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Brick House

The cost to build a brick house depends on several factors, including the size of the home, the complexity of the design, the type of brick, and the quality of the finishes you choose. Most homeowners can expect construction costs to fall between $175,000 and $650,000, with the average brick home costing around $350,000. Smaller homes with standard finishes tend to be more affordable, while larger custom homes with premium materials and high-end features can cost significantly more.

The table below gives a general idea of how construction costs increase as home size grows.

Home Size	Average Cost	Typical Cost Range
1,500 sq. ft.	$275,000	$235,000–$680,000
2,000 sq. ft.	$350,000	$300,000–$900,000
2,500 sq. ft.	$475,000	$400,000–$1,300,000

Brick Rambler House Cost

A brick rambler is often one of the most affordable custom home styles to build because of its simple, single-story layout. On average, you can expect this kind of brick rambler build to range from $250,000 to $700,000. Large ramblers with custom features, high-end finishes, or walkout basements cost significantly more, while smaller, more straightforward designs will gravitate toward the lower end of the range. 

2 Story Brick House Cost

A two-story brick home is generally going to cost more to build than a rambler because of the additional framing, stairs, and overall construction complexity that’s involved. Most homeowners can expect to spend between $300,000 and $750,000 or more depending on the size and materials. 

Brick House Construction Costs Breakdown

While brick homes are generally known to cost more to build than homes with vinyl or wood siding, many homeowners feel the added investment is well worth it. Brick is known for its durability, low maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, and classic appearance that never goes out of style. It also stands up to fire, pests, and harsh weather, making it a long-lasting building material that provides value for decades. 

How Much Does It Cost Per Square Foot?

The cost to build a brick house from the ground up typically ranges from $110 to $550 per square foot, with the average coming in around $165 per square foot. Where your project falls within that range depends on factors like the design, type of brick you choose, labor costs, and the level of customization. As a general rule, every additional square foot you add increases the overall cost of the project. A larger home requires more materials, more labor, and often more time to complete. Just remember to balance the amount of living space you have with your overall budget. 

How Much Does a Custom Homebuilder Cost?

When you hire a custom homebuilder, you’re getting someone who can pretty much handle every part of the construction process from start to finish. Instead of trying to coordinate a long list of subcontractors on your own, your builder manages everything for you. The builder oversees the entire construction project, so the overall construction cost for a custom brick home often starts around $175,000 and can exceed $650,000, depending on the home's size, design, materials, and level of customization.

• House framing: Approximately $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the home's size, layout, and framing materials.

  
  

• Foundation installation: Around $4,500 to $15,000 for excavation, forms, concrete, and labor.

  
  

• Roof installation: Generally $6,000 to $15,000, based on the roof design and roofing material selected.

  
  

• Kitchen installation: Usually $35,000 to $95,000, including cabinetry, countertops, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and appliances.

  
  

• Electrical system installation: Expect to pay roughly $8,000 to $20,000 for wiring, outlets, fixtures, the electrical panel, and labor.

Architect Costs For a Brick House

If you’re building a custom brick home, you’ll probably be working with an architect to turn your ideas into a set of construction plans. The cost usually depends on how detailed the design is and whether you’re choosing a fully custom layout or modifying an existing plan. In a lot of cases, homeowners spend anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 on architectural services, although larger or more complex homes can cost much more. 

Brick Masonry Costs

Since brick is one of the biggest features of a brick home, masonry work will make up a significant portion of your budget. The type of brick you go with, the complexity of the design, local rates, and the size of your home are all factors in determining the overall cost. On average, homeowners can plan to spend $20,000 to $60,000 or more on brick masonry for a typical home. 

Why Hire Professionals

Building a brick home is a major project with a lot of moving parts, and it's easy for costs, schedules, and quality to get off track without the right experience. A custom home builder takes the stress out of the process by coordinating every stage of construction and helping you avoid expensive mistakes. Some of the biggest benefits include:

• More accurate cost estimates so you have a better idea of your budget before construction begins.

  
  

• Experience building with brick, helping ensure your home is structurally sound, durable, and built to last.

  
  

• Better energy efficiency, since brick offers excellent insulation that can help reduce heating and cooling costs over time.

  
  

• Project management from start to finish, including scheduling subcontractors, securing materials, handling permits, and keeping the build on track.

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How Location Affects The Cost

Where you decide to build can have a much bigger impact on the cost of a brick home than you might think. Labor rates, permit fees, site conditions, material availability, and even how far materials have to be transported all affect your final price. 

You’ll also notice that labor costs vary quite a bit from state to state. Hiring a contractor in higher-cost states like California, New York, Massachusetts, or Hawaii generally costs significantly more because of the higher wages, stricter building requirements, and overall construction demand. Utah tends to fall somewhere in the middle. It’s more affordable than most coastal states, but it can still be more expensive than parts of the Midwest or South, especially in fast-growing areas where demand for skilled contractors is high. 

Other Cost Factors

• Permit Costs

Before construction can start, you’ll need to obtain the proper building permits. Plan on the permits for new home construction costing somewhere between $500 and $2,500 depending on the size of the project and local requirements. These fees cover things like building permits, plan reviews, inspections, and other approvals needed throughout the construction process.

• Utility Costs

The cost of getting utilities to your building site is another expense that’s really easy to overlook when budgeting for a new build. If the property doesn’t already have utility connections, running water, sewer or septic, electricity, gas, and other essential services to the site typically costs between $6,500 and $30,000. If you’re building on a rural property or a lot that’s far from existing utility lines, those costs can skyrocket. It’s a good idea to budget separately for the installation of your home’s plumbing, HVAC system, electrical wiring, and septic system (if needed), as each of these can add thousands of dollars to your overall construction costs. 

Utility/System	Typical Cost
Plumbing Installation	$10,000-$22,000
HVAC Installation	$5,000–$13,000
Electrical Installation	$1,500–$10,000
Septic System Installation	$3,200–$12,500

• Interior and Exterior Costs

Once the structure of your new home is complete, it’s time to bring everything together with the exterior and interior finishes. This is often one of the biggest portions of the overall budget, with most homeowners spending between $89,000 and $310,000. The final cost is largely influenced by the materials and finishes you choose to go with, so it’s an area where your budget can fluctuate quite a bit.

These costs typically cover everything that transforms the house into a finished home. Inside, that includes flooring, cabinetry, countertops, paint, trim, doors, lighting, bathroom fixtures, appliances, and other finishing details. On the outside, the budget goes toward things like brick installation, soffit, fascia, gutters, exterior doors, windows, driveways, walkways, landscaping, and other finishing touches that give your home curb appeal. 

• Land Costs

One important expense that isn't included in any of the average home construction costs we've covered so far is the cost of the land itself and getting it ready to build on. Depending on the size of the lot, its location, and how much work it needs before construction can begin, you can expect to spend anywhere from $12,000 to $260,000 or more on land and site preparation. Prime lots in desirable neighborhoods or larger rural properties can cost well above that range.

Preparing the property for construction often involves much more than simply purchasing the land. You may need to pay for land clearing, grading, a perc test (to determine whether the soil can support a septic system), excavation, driveway access, and other site work before the foundation can even be poured.

Ways to Save on Building a Brick House

Building a brick home is a major investment, but there are plenty of ways to keep costs under control without sacrificing quality. Planning ahead, making smart material choices, and focusing your budget on the features that matter most can go a long way toward reducing your overall construction costs.

• Consider remodeling instead of building new. If you already own a home in a good location, adding brick to an existing home or completing a major remodel will likely cost less than starting from scratch. New construction comes with additional expenses like land, site preparation, utility hookups, and permits that you might be able to avoid.

  
  

• Choose brick veneer instead of full brick. Brick veneer gives you the same timeless appearance as traditional brick but at a much lower cost because it uses a single layer of brick attached to a wood or steel frame instead of solid masonry walls.

  
  

• Prioritize energy efficiency. Investing in quality insulation, energy-efficient windows, and a well-designed floor plan can help lower heating and cooling costs for years to come. Spending a little more in the right places upfront can reduce your long-term utility bills.

  
  

• Select budget-friendly finishes. You don't have to choose the most expensive flooring, countertops, cabinets, or fixtures to build a beautiful home. Many mid-range materials offer an attractive look while helping keep your overall budget in check.

  
  

• Handle some of the finishing work yourself. If you have the time and experience, taking on tasks like painting, landscaping, installing trim, or other finishing details can really help reduce labor costs. Just leave specialized work like masonry, electrical, plumbing, and structural construction to licensed professionals.

Building a Brick Home Starts With the Right Team

Building a brick home is a big investment, but it’s also one that can pay off for decades when it's done right. Taking the time to understand the costs involved, set a realistic budget, and work with experienced professionals can help you avoid unexpected expenses and end up with a home that's built to last. 

If you’re planning to build a new brick home or you'd like to do a home addition in the Salt Lake City area and need an experienced masonry contractor, S&R Custom Masonry is here to help. We serve the entire Wasatch Front, including Herriman and Ogden. Our team has years of experience delivering high-quality brickwork for custom homes throughout northern Utah, and we're happy to discuss your project and provide a free estimate. 

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FAQs

Do brick houses cost more?

Yes, brick houses usually cost more to build than homes with vinyl or fiber cement siding because brick materials and masonry labor are more expensive. However, many homeowners feel the higher upfront cost is worth it because brick is so durable and low-maintenance. 

Do brick houses last longer?

In many cases, yes. A well-built brick home can last 100 years or more with proper maintenance. Brick is resistant to fire, insects, rot, and many types of weather damage, making it one of the longest-lasting exterior building materials available.

What are the advantages of a brick house?

Brick homes are known for their durability, timeless appearance, and low maintenance. They also provide excellent fire resistance, help reduce outside noise, and can improve energy efficiency by helping regulate indoor temperatures. Many homeowners also appreciate that brick doesn't need to be painted or replaced as often as other siding materials.

What are the disadvantages of a brick house?

The biggest downside is the higher upfront cost. Brick homes typically cost more, and repairs can be more expensive if masonry work is needed. Brick is also heavier than many other exterior materials, which might require a stronger foundation. Even so, many homeowners find the long lifespan and lower maintenance costs make brick a worthwhile investment.