In Manhattan, most historic residential and commercial properties were built hundreds of years ago, necessitating repointing. However, repointing in Manhattan varies in cost, as it requires a different material for repointing old buildings, like lime-based mortar (traditional). Restoring the masonry of Manhattan homes is no less than a task, and repointing bricks there costs a reasonable amount. However, repointing helps preserve the structural integrity and improves the value of your historic property.
In this blog, we’ll thoroughly discuss the estimated costs for repointing and the elements that influence these costs.
Expected Repointing Budget in Manhattan
The following list is the estimated cost of repointing per square foot. These prices are negotiable and vary depending on the project type and accessibility.
| Work Category | Estimated Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Small area repointing | $10–$20 |
| Comprehensive wall repointing | $20–$35 |
| Tailored Mortar Composition | $30–$45 |
| Tall Building Repointing | $35–$60+ |
Please note that these estimated prices can vary depending on building height, accessibility, project complexity, and contractor selection.
Key Elements Influencing Repointing Cost
The following are the significant factors that drive the cost of repointing:
Work Area Reachability
The success of the repointing project plays a pivotal role. High-rise buildings require more effort and make repointing an expensive job. The estimated cost for repointing on high-rise buildings and its access tooling is almost $5-$20 per sq. ft.
Cost-driving element:
- Scaffolding setup
- NYC-mandated sidewalk coverings
- Constrained entry points
Severity of Mortar Joint
Repointing cost depends on the severity of the damage to the mortar joint:
| Scope of damage | Estimated cost range (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| Minimal restoration | $10–$20 |
| Mid-level deterioration | $20–$30 |
| Major mortar damage | $30–$40+ |
These ranges are general estimates and may increase based on site conditions, material availability, and extent of restoration required.
Historical Mortar Requirement
In Manhattan, most of the residential and commercial properties are found to be historic, which requires historically compatible mortar types and materials. The estimated cost for repointing with historic mortar matching is $5-$10 per sq. ft.
Cost Factors:
- Most historic buildings use lime-based mortar, which costs you a reasonable price.
- Taking approvals and permits from LPC also involves charges.
When working with historic properties, mistakes can be costly. Read more about how repointing can be safely done on historic buildings.
Hourly Masonry Labor Charges
As Manhattan has most of the historic buildings, the masonry labor rates vary from $80 to $120, based on the contractor’s professionalism and severity of the project.
What drives the cost?
- Workforce compensation
- Metro-area overhead
- Liaises with legal conformity
For high-cost repointing projects, consider exploring financing options for large projects.
Regulatory Requirements
Permits and approvals involve charges for the documentation for the repointing projects, as it is essential to align with the safety standards of DOB & Local Law 11.
Code compliance charges:
- DOB permit charges: $300–$1,500
- Sidewalk system charges: $20–$40 per ft.
- Inspection cost: $600-$4000
Permit and compliance fees are just part of the picture. Explore hidden costs involved in brick repointing to avoid surprises in your budget.
Weather Impact & Project Planning
Repointing must be done by checking the weather forecasts, as repointing doesn’t go well in unfavorable conditions.
Favorable & non-favorable conditions for repointing:
- Spring & autumn are the ideal seasons for repointing.
- Winter and summer are the worst seasons for repointing, as the mortar dries up too quickly and becomes weak.
Project planning:
- In spring, the ideal and high-demand weather for repointing, the prices exceed the standard cost and offer exclusive pricing tiers.
- In winter, the prices for repointing drop down, or discounts are available for a minimal period.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the project scope and reachability highly influence the repointing cost in Manhattan. Above all, it’s a challenging task to hire a good contractor in Manhattan with budget-friendly prices. Altogether, including access, materials, labor costs, and everything, repointing costs you around $20-$45, which is not accurate but estimated.
Sardar Restoration Corp. proudly serves every corner of NYC, including the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, and Queens. Our services are designed to meet your needs, providing top-quality solutions wherever you are. Check our service areas to see how we can assist you in your location.
Contact us today at (+1) 917-355-8556 or sardarrestoration@gmail.com, or visit us at 2770 Fish Ave, Bronx, NY 10469, United States.
FAQs
Do you repoint both brick and stone buildings?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. skillfully offers repointing services for both brick and stone buildings, including:
- Clay brick
- Limestone
- Brownstone
- granite
Do you repair bricks or replace them if damaged?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. has expertise in repairing and replacing damaged bricks with compatible mortar that matches your existing structure, ensuring a smooth and consistent finish.
Do you clean or seal the façade after repointing?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. provides services like pressure washing the façade for a fresh and vibrant look and sealing the façade with protective coverings to avoid UV rays and weather exposure.
Do you work on residential and commercial buildings?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. offers repointing and other masonry services on residential and commercial buildings in Manhattan.
