How much does it cost to match existing brick on an Ottawa addition?

Matching the existing brick on an addition is one of the most visible parts of the project, and it is easy to underestimate. As broad perspective only, brick veneer work on a standard addition can range from roughly $25,000 to $55,000, depending on wall area, how hard a match is to find and whether custom brick is needed. Treat that as perspective, not a quote.

Matching gets harder as a house gets older, because brick plants close and colour runs are discontinued. Century homes are often the hardest, since their brick may have unique clay and firing characteristics.

The first step is to identify the original brick. An experienced mason or brick supplier can often narrow it down by colour, texture, size and core pattern, and suppliers keep sample libraries. Bring a loose brick if you have one, and look at samples outdoors in daylight beside your wall.

If an exact match isn't available, you have options:

• Salvaged brick from recyclers can give an authentic match for older homes, but supply is unpredictable and quantities may be limited.
• Custom-made brick from a specialty manufacturer is the most reliable route for difficult matches, but it costs more and has longer lead times. Ask about lead time early so it doesn't hold up your schedule.
• A complementary brick chosen as a deliberate contrast, or a different cladding on the addition, avoids the matching problem entirely and can look intentional.

Mortar matching is just as important. Colour, joint profile and tooling must match or the difference will stand out. Older homes often used softer, lime-based mortar, and a hard modern mortar can damage soft old brick, so ask your mason how they will match composition as well as colour.

The junction between new and old walls needs proper detailing so the two can move independently without cracking. Veneer has to be tied to the structure and flashed correctly; your designer and the City's inspector will confirm the requirements as part of the addition's building permit.

If your home is a designated heritage property or in a Heritage Conservation District, the City must approve alterations, including additions, and that review may influence your material choice.

Ask each mason for a sample panel before full installation and for an itemized quote showing brick supply, mortar and labour separately. You can browse masonry and addition contractors in the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com and compare.

---

Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Justyn Rook Contracting
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Diamond renovations
• Geerts Roofing Inc
• Grunt Work 4 Grunts

View all contractors →