Published price ranges
| Item | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Repointing, per 100 sq ft of wall | $500–$2,500 | HomeGuide (national) |
| Repointing, per 100 sq ft of wall | $400–$2,500 (avg. about $1,450) | Angi (national) |
| Repointing, per sq ft | $3–$20 | HomeGuide (national) |
| Repointing, per sq ft, Philadelphia | $8–$25; most rowhome jobs $12–$18 | Natalini & Son (local contractor) |
| Full rowhome facade, Philadelphia | $6,000–$15,000+ | Natalini & Son (local contractor) |
| Whole 2,500 sq ft brick house | $5,000–$40,000 | HomeGuide (national) |
National figures come from cost surveys. The Philadelphia figures come from a local masonry contractor’s published guide, which says a small spot repair under 50 square feet often runs $500–$1,500 and a single wall or partial facade $2,000–$6,000. None of these are quotes; a contractor has to see the wall.
Add-ons that change the price
| Item | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Work above about 8 ft (scaffolding) | 20–40% more | HomeGuide, Angi |
| Mortar composition analysis | $300–$500 (HomeGuide); $200–$500 (Angi) | HomeGuide, Angi |
| Mortar color analysis | $150–$325 (HomeGuide); $100–$300 (Angi) | HomeGuide, Angi |
| Brick repair | $20–$40 per sq ft | Angi |
| Mason hourly rate | $50–$125 (HomeGuide); $50–$100 (Angi) | HomeGuide, Angi |
| Minimum job charge | $200–$1,500 (HomeGuide); $300–$2,000 (Angi) | HomeGuide, Angi |
| Water-repellent coating | $1–$4 per sq ft | Angi |
City costs
- Building permit: usually not needed for pointing, unless the property is on the historic register.
- Historical Commission review: no charge.
- Scaffolding on the sidewalk: the Streets Department charges by length and time. For example, a partial sidewalk closure is $1.00 per foot per week, with a minimum of $50 per week per block. Your contractor applies and normally includes it in the quote.
What drives a Philadelphia quote
- Height and access. A three-story front facade needs scaffolding; a rear wall over a neighbor’s yard or a narrow alley can be harder still.
- Mortar. Lime mortar matched to old brick costs more than a generic mix but avoids damaging the brick. Why.
- Brick condition. Spalled bricks have to be replaced before the joints are packed.
- Historic review. Samples and matching add time.
How long it lasts
NPS says a good repointing job should last at least 30 years, and preferably 50 to 100. HomeGuide says 25–30 years; Angi says 20–30.
Getting comparable quotes
Ask each contractor to state the square footage, the mortar type and mix, how joints will be raked out (by hand or by grinder), whether scaffolding and the street permit are included, and how they’ll clean up. Questions to ask.