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Does Brick Size Matter?
Architectural romantics might suppose that the size of brick selected doesn't
matter, but I don't believe it when it comes to the cost of construction. Your masonry costs are not determined just by "brick", but by the size, shape and
style of the brick you choose for your building or renovation and the labor involved in laying brick. 
Think in terms of Cost Per Square Foot
This is an example of why you should not use the method of price per thousand brick as a determining factor in the selection of
your brick. Consider the use of price per square foot and not the price per thousand. For a $10 difference in the cost per thousand of a utility size brick the corresponding cost increase per square
foot is approximately 3¢ per square foot. For a $10 difference in the cost per thousand for a standard size brick the price increase per square foot would be about 7¢ per square foot. The purpose of
this example is to show the architect, and the owner of the structure, to think in terms of cost per square foot, a more familiar unit to work with than cost per thousand brick.
Forget the Carpet, Upgrade your Brick!
An owner or architect is willing to spend many dollars per square foot for interior
carpeting and floor furnishings which may only serve the client 10 years. But when it comes to the decision of what exterior facade that the owner will be
living with for the life of the structure, the same care used in the selection of interior carpet and paint colors should extend to the brick selection process with appropriate costs properly analyzed.
Example
Your Builder only allows you a brick allowance of $385/1000 for the
brick on your house. The brick your love costs $50 more per 1000 brick or $435/1000. That translates to an increased cost per square foot of
brick by $0.35 / ft2 given the brick is the same size, the labor costs remain equal.
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