Compare the whole wall, not one product
Asking how much one brick costs does not reveal whether the facade makes the house more or less expensive. The comparison must include the backing structure, outer leaf, cavity, insulation, internal lining, ties, access equipment and finishes. Exposed brick can remove a later external finish, but bricks, joints and junctions must be executed carefully because they remain visible. Ask every company to price the same wall build-up and list alternatives separately, so you compare scope rather than similarly named items.
Exposed brick does not replace insulation
Basic Document HE sets energy performance requirements for the building envelope according to climate, use and building characteristics. Exposed brick provides the external appearance, but thermal behaviour depends on the complete build-up and continuous insulation. Before seeking quotes, ask the architect for a facade section and details at floor slabs, columns, lintels and windows. This documentation helps reveal thermal bridges and prevents each quotation from assuming a different assembly.
Geometry and details concentrate the work
Corners, recesses, curves, large openings, sills, copings, service penetrations, bond pattern and joint profile change difficulty, time and waste. A distinctive house need not cover every facade in the same material: concentrating brick at the entrance, courtyard or main volume can preserve a clear identity while simplifying junctions. Decide those areas on plans and elevations before requesting quotes instead of leaving the choice until construction.
The facade must also manage water
Basic Document HS limits the risk of moisture in enclosures and other building elements. For an exposed-brick facade, the design should resolve the base near the ground, lintels and sills, roof and parapet junctions, material changes and, where required, cavity drainage or ventilation. Agreeing a sample panel of brick, mortar and joint helps validate colour and workmanship, but it does not replace technical details or site supervision.
What to prepare before requesting a quote
When contacting builders, prepare plans and elevations, the selected facades or areas, brick format, colour and texture, bond, joint colour and profile, intended wall build-up and project performance. Add quantities, numbers of openings and corners, insulation, ties, lintels, sills, scaffolding, protection, cleaning, waste and exclusions. Ask every company to confirm the same scope and describe alternatives separately: you will have a practical, comparable decision rather than an isolated price per square metre.
Turn your idea into a feasible home.
Tell us where you want to build, what you need and whether you already have a plot or plans. We will look for builders according to area, specialism and availability.
Request a quote for my houseSources consulted
A Constructores.com guide. Informational content; every project requires professional assessment.