Prices for building either a wood frame or brick home vary by size, location, and finish. This article focuses on cost and price ranges to help buyers compare options for a typical new house project, with wood frame often offering lower initial costs and brick delivering higher upfront and maintenance value. The cost figures shown reflect common scenarios in the United States.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000 sq ft Wood Frame Total | $300,000 | $420,000 | $520,000 | Includes basic finishes and standard labor |
| 2,000 sq ft Brick Veneer Total | $380,000 | $520,000 | $690,000 | Brick veneer over wood or concrete shell |
| Per Sq Ft Cost (Wood Frame) | $150 | $210 | $260 | Includes framing, exterior finish, interior roughs |
| Per Sq Ft Cost (Brick) | $190 | $260 | $320 | Brick veneer or solid brick adds mass and labor |
| Labor Price Range (General Contracting) | $70k | $110k | $140k | Varies by region and crew size |
| Permits and Fees | $5k | $15k | $25k | Regional permit complexity matters |
Assumptions: Midwest to Southern markets, standard mid-range finishes, normal site access, steel-reinforced concrete foundations, and typical 8–10 month construction timelines.
Total Project Price for Wood Frame versus Brick
The overall price gap between wood frame and brick projects starts with frame type and finishes. Wood frame homes commonly range $150-$260 per square foot for a complete build, while brick options often run $190-$320 per square foot when brickwork is visible and structural. For a typical 2,000 sq ft house, expect wood-frame totals around $300,000-$520,000 and brick-approach totals around $380,000-$690,000, depending on interior finishes, insulation choices, and engineered components. These ranges assume standard kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, cabinetry, and basic site preparation. Regional labor rates and material availability can shift totals up or down.
Major cost components in each approach
Cost drivers cluster into Materials, Labor, and Site/Regulatory items. The following table breaks down typical shares and where brick adds weight relative to wood framing. Materials cover framing lumber or steel, insulation, sheathing, and exterior finishes. Labor encompasses framing, masonry, trades, and finishing. Permits reflect local rules, while Delivery and Waste manage site logistics. The brick path usually incurs higher masonry labor and heavier exterior work.
| Category | Wood Frame | Brick | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Framing lumber, OSB/plywood, siding | Brick veneer or full brick, mortar, anchors | Brick adds weight and material complexity |
| Labor | Carpenters, electricians, plumbers | Masons, bricklayers, tuckpointing | Brick labor higher per sq ft |
| Permits | Similar unless region adjusts for size | Often higher for masonry-heavy sites | Code compliance varies by region |
| Delivery/Disposal | Standard debris handling | Brick scraps heavier to haul | Weight affects disposal costs |
| Warranty | Structural and systems | Brick and tied-in masonry warranty | Brick may require more maintenance |
Size, layout, and region: how the price shifts
House size is the single biggest driver. Moving from 1,600 to 2,400 sq ft can add roughly $100,000-$160,000 to the project in wood framing, with brick adding proportionally more. Regional factors include climate-related insulation needs, local labor wages, and availability of skilled masons. Assumptions: suburban markets with standard truss roofs and mid-range finishes.
Surface and system choices that swing the final quote
Exterior choices alone can swing costs by tens of thousands. Full brick masonry adds substantially to exterior weight and wall thickness, while wood siding with brick accents can keep initial costs closer to wood frame ranges. Interior systems—HVAC efficiency, flooring, and kitchen upgrades—also impact both wood and brick totals. Efficient windows and decent insulation reduce long-term operating costs, but may increase upfront pricing.
How labor rates and crew size influence totals
Labor rates vary by region; urban markets see higher average wages. A typical crew for a 2,000 sq ft build includes framing, electrical, plumbing, and finishing trades. In high-demand regions, hourly rates can rise by 15-25%, pushing total labor substantially higher. Assumptions: standard crew of 6-9 workers with typical contract structure.
Cost-saving moves without sacrificing safety or durability
To reduce overall price, consider: choosing a wood frame with brick accents instead of full brick; selecting mid-range finishes and standard cabinetry; and timing the project to avoid peak-demand months. Bundling permits and scheduling trades ahead of weather-sensitive windows can trim delivery and labor charges. Scoping based on core needs helps prevent unnecessary upgrades.
Maintenance cost and resale value impact over time
Brick generally offers lower maintenance in some climates and can positively affect resale in areas where brick is preferred. Wood frame may require ongoing upkeep such as painting or siding replacement; however, these costs are spread over time and can be planned in a long-term budget. Consider a 30-year view when weighing upfront price versus ongoing expense.