How Much to Repoint a House

Repointing is the process of removing old, deteriorating mortar between bricks or stones and replacing it with fresh mortar. Its purpose is to prevent damp and weather damage, maintain the structure, and improve the overall appearance of a property. Many older houses eventually need repointing, and in some cases specialist lime mortar may be required to preserve the building properly. The cost of repointing a house in the UK varies depending on the type of property, the size of the job, and the materials used.

Typical Cost Per Square Metre

For standard brickwork, repointing usually costs between £20 and £60 per square metre. Stonework, heritage buildings, or projects using lime mortar are generally more expensive, often rising to £80 to £100 or more per square metre. These higher costs reflect the skill and time needed for specialist work.

Whole House Costs

For a terraced house, the cost of repointing is likely to be in the region of £1,300 to £3,250. A semi-detached property may cost between £1,900 and £4,750, depending on the size of the house and how easily the walls can be accessed. Detached houses are usually more expensive, with prices starting at around £2,900 and rising above £7,000 when scaffolding or specialist techniques are needed.

Other Common Jobs

Smaller repointing projects are often needed for chimneys or single walls. Repointing a chimney typically costs between £500 and £1,000, depending on height and access. A single exposed wall can cost a few thousand pounds, depending on the surface area and how much preparation is needed.

What Affects the Price

Several factors have an impact on the overall cost. The type of mortar is important, as lime mortar is more expensive than cement and often necessary for older buildings. The condition of the brickwork also matters, as deeper raking out of old mortar, damaged bricks, or signs of damp all require more time and skill. Access is another factor, as scaffolding and hard-to-reach walls increase the cost. Labour rates vary around the UK, with London and the South East being at the higher end. Finally, the pointing style requested, such as flush, weather struck or bucket handle, can affect the time required and therefore the price.

How Long It Takes

Repointing timescales vary according to the size of the property and the amount of work needed. A full repointing job on a typical house usually takes about a week if access is straightforward. Smaller jobs such as a chimney or a single wall can be completed in a day or two. More complex or heritage projects that require lime mortar or specialist finishes can take longer.

Example Price Scenarios

As an example, a semi-detached house with four external walls requiring moderate repointing using standard brickwork could cost between £2,500 and £5,000. A smaller job, such as repointing a single wall, might be around £1,500 to £2,000. At the higher end, a listed property requiring lime mortar and specialist pointing could easily reach £6,000 to £8,000 or more, depending on the scale of work and accessibility.

Summary

Repointing a house in the UK usually costs between £20 and £60 per square metre for brickwork, with stonework and heritage projects costing more. The total price depends on the type of property, the extent of work required, and the mortar used. For a semi-detached home, you can expect to pay between £2,000 and £5,000, while detached homes or specialist projects may cost considerably more. Obtaining multiple quotes and ensuring you choose an experienced tradesperson is the best way to achieve a fair price and a high-quality result.