AFFORDABILITY & COST COMPARISIONS
No other material provides as much aesthetic, protective and long lasting value as genuine clay brick from BrickCraft. Whether it is for a starter home or a suburban schoool, data from RSMeans® confirms that brick costs less than one may think. With so much going for it and the significance that cladding has on the entire building project, it makes sense to view brick as an investment rather than a cost.
BRICK COST IN CONTEXT: AN INVESTMENT FOR VALUE OR A COST TO BE CUT?
Whether the building is a starter home or a landmark office building, many cladding customers are encouraged to pare down costs wherever they can. This is a mistake, and here's why:
1. Cladding does more than cover a building - it protects the building and its occupants from the elements. If the cladding doesn't do a good job against weather and other external events, what's the point of clading? Perhaps this is a reason why dozens of cities have adopted strict masonry standards after major events - like fires.
2. Cladding represents a small percentage o f total construction costs. According to a December 2017 study by the National Association of Homebuilders, the costs of new cabinets, countertops and appliances are comparable to that of the exterior cladding. And on commercial structures, brick exteriors represent less than 10% of the total construction cost. It makes sense to invest in a first choice exterior rather than some compromise that is visible to everyone who strolls by.
3. Exterior cladding is something that can stay with the building for a long time. Interior components, such as appliances, office suites and even factory equipment, can come and go while the exterior frame and cladding of the material can stay in place. We see this frequently with brick buildings – ranging from old (and historic) houses to factory warehouses that have been transformed into condominiums. Since brick does not need paint, sealant or replacement on a periodic basis, it is a tremendous value!
SAVE ON INSURANCE
Brick tends to be a flame-retardant building material so the risk of losing the whole building decrease. Most insurance companies offer reduced rates to homeowners with brick, stucco and stone. Ask your agent to calculate your potential savings with a BrickCraft home.
HIGHER RESALE VALUE
According to recent Brick Industry Association studies, a brick exterior increases the resale value of a home by six percent compared to homes of the same age built with different cladding materials.
SAVE ON MAINTENANCE
Brick never rots, fades, peels or dents. The best part is that it never needs painting. Just imagine the savings in paint and labor alone.