Facade Repair Budget Calculator

Cyclical facade repair (NYC Local Law 11/FISP, similar regulations in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia) requires inspection and remediation of exterior walls every 5-10 years. Costs are dominated by scaffolding, repair scope, and engineering/inspection. This calculator builds the budget with industry-standard cost ranges and a 15% contingency for hidden conditions.

Facade SF

Repair scope %

Of facade requiring repair

Repair cost / SF (scope area)

Brick repointing $40-80; masonry $80-150; curtainwall $150-300

Scaffolding cost

Engineering / inspection

Total facade repair budget

$447,350

Repair scope cost

$306,000

Scaffolding

$65,000

Engineering / inspection

$18,000

Contingency 15%

$58,350

How the math works

Facade repair (Local Law 11 in NYC, similar in many large cities) requires inspection and remediation of unsafe exterior conditions every 5-10 years. Common repairs: brick repointing ($40-80/SF), masonry replacement ($80-150/SF), curtainwall sealant and gasket replacement ($150-300/SF).

Scaffolding (sidewalk shed, swingstage) often costs as much as the repair itself, especially in tight urban sites.

How to Use

Enter total facade SF and repair scope % (typically 15-30% needs work).
Enter repair cost per SF (depends on facade type).
Enter scaffolding and engineering line items.
Read total budget including 15% contingency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cost per SF by facade type?

Brick repointing $40-80; masonry replacement $80-150; precast concrete $100-200; curtainwall gasket/sealant $150-300; stone $200-500.

Why is scaffolding so expensive?

Sidewalk sheds run $4-8/LF/month; swingstage $3-8K/month per drop; mast climber $8-20K/month. On a 6-month project, scaffolding can equal repair cost.

Local Law 11 timeline?

5-year inspection cycle in NYC. Buildings 6+ stories must file QEWI report. Unsafe conditions require Sidewalk Shed within days; repair within 90 days.