So, you're thinking about building a brick home? That's a decision that speaks to a love for permanence and classic style. It's a journey that starts with a solid plan and ends with a home that will stand strong for generations. From prepping the site and pouring a bulletproof foundation to the timeless craft of laying each brick, every single step matters.

This isn't just about building a house; it's about creating a beautiful, enduring legacy.

The Enduring Appeal of a Brick Home

Choosing brick isn't just a construction choice; it's an investment in a legacy. There's a certain weight and quality to a brick home that other materials just can't replicate. Whether it’s a stately colonial or a sleek modern design, brick has a timeless look that simply doesn't fade with trends.

Here at SEGC, we’ve been helping families build these kinds of lasting homes for over 21 years in communities like Fayetteville and Lumberton. As a Native American-owned, 8(a), and HUBZone certified firm, we're not just building houses—we're building trust and delivering on our promises.

This guide is where we pull back the curtain on the whole process. We'll walk you through how to build a brick home, sharing the kind of practical, boots-on-the-ground insights you only get from decades of experience. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, making a complex project feel clear and achievable.

Why Brick Is Still the King

The advantages of building with brick are no secret. It's a material that delivers on both good looks and practical benefits, which all add up to a home's long-term value.

• Tough as Nails: Brick laughs at fire, pests, and nasty weather. It demands very little maintenance over its incredibly long life, which means more time enjoying your home and less time (and money) spent on repairs.
• A Natural Insulator: The thermal mass of brick is fantastic for regulating temperature. It helps keep your home cooler in the blazing summer and warmer when winter hits, often leading to a nice surprise on your energy bills.
• Lasting Value: It's simple—brick homes often sell for more. Their quality and curb appeal are undeniable, making them a smart investment from day one.
• Your Vision, Your Style: With a massive range of colors, textures, and laying patterns, the design possibilities are virtually endless. If you need some inspiration, check out our guide to custom home design ideas.

At SEGC, we believe a home should be a source of pride and security for generations. Building with brick is one of the surest ways to get there, creating a structure that honors both tradition and top-notch craftsmanship. Our project on Main Street in Lumberton is a testament to this, where we helped a family build a home that perfectly blends modern needs with the historic feel of the neighborhood.

We're here to be your partners in building that future. Think of this guide as the first brick laid in the foundation of a home that will tell your family’s story for years to come.

Laying the Groundwork for Your Brick Masterpiece

Anyone can stack bricks. But building a true brick masterpiece? That starts long before the first brick ever touches mortar. This is the planning phase, where we transform your vision into a solid, buildable blueprint. Getting this right from the jump prevents those costly headaches down the road and ensures your project starts on the best possible footing.

Think of this stage as laying out your roadmap. We’ll hammer out a budget that’s more than just a number; it's a realistic plan covering everything from the bricks themselves to labor, permits, and a little extra for the unexpected. With 21+ years of proven results, we've learned that a solid, transparent budget is the cornerstone of a great project.

Navigating Permits and Local Codes

Before a single shovel hits the dirt, we have to dance with the red tape. Local building codes and permits might feel like a hassle, but they’re there for a crucial reason: to make sure your home is safe, sound, and built to last. It's a step you simply can't skip.

Here in our home turf of Fayetteville and Lumberton, we’ve spent decades building relationships with the local authorities. That means we know exactly who to call and what to file, guiding our clients through the permitting maze without the usual runaround. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes perks of working with a builder who’s truly part of the community.

Preparing Your Site for Success

Once the paperwork is squared away, our attention turns to the land itself. You can have the best bricks and the best masons, but if the ground isn't prepped correctly, you’re building on a shaky foundation—literally.

This is about much more than just knocking down a few trees.

• Clearing and Grading: First, we clear the lot. Then, we meticulously grade the soil to create a perfectly level pad for your home and ensure rainwater flows away from your foundation, not toward it.
• Ensuring Proper Drainage: This is a big one. Poor drainage is the silent killer of foundations, leading to cracks, moisture problems, and eye-watering repair bills. A well-designed drainage system is your home's first line of defense.
• Utility Access: We also map out where your water, sewer, and electrical lines will run. Getting this done early prevents having to dig up your yard after the foundation is already in place.

Getting the site prep right is non-negotiable. For a closer look at what's involved, this comprehensive excavation and land clearing guide is a great resource.

"The success of a project is determined before the first brick is ever laid. It's in the careful planning, the thorough site prep, and the unwavering commitment to getting the details right. This is how we build legacies, not just structures."
— David, Lead Project Manager, SEGC

Selecting Your Brick and Mortar

Choosing the right brick is about more than just finding a color you like. You have to think about the climate and your home’s architectural style. Bricks are rated for different weather exposures, and picking one that can handle North Carolina’s humidity and temperature swings is essential for a long-lasting finish.

And don't forget the mortar! It’s the glue that holds your entire home together. The right mix provides strength and weather resistance, but it also dramatically impacts the final look. Finding that perfect blend of function and aesthetics is a science we've perfected over hundreds of projects.

The construction world is always moving, with the global market expected to jump from $14.5 trillion in 2024 to $15.7 trillion in 2025. Even with a timeless material like brick, we’re seeing new trends in green building and smart home tech. It just goes to show that proper planning is how you build a masterpiece that will stand the test of time.

Pouring a Foundation Built to Last Generations

If a brick home is your family's legacy, then the foundation is the hallowed ground it stands on. You can't see it, but everything—every brick, every window, every future memory—relies on the concrete poured beneath it. This is no place to cut corners. It’s where our promise of building with integrity takes physical form, ensuring your home stands defiant against time, weather, and whatever else comes its way.

We’ve poured foundations for families all over Fayetteville, Lumberton, and the surrounding areas, and we know a perfect foundation is no happy accident. It’s born from meticulous planning and expert hands-on work, a process built on our 21+ years of proven results. The whole point is to create a solid base that won’t crack, shift, or let in a drop of moisture for decades.

From Breaking Ground to Building Footings

It all starts by digging in—literally. Proper excavation is the first, and arguably one of the most important, steps. We dig down past the frost line, creating a stable pad that won't heave or settle as the seasons change. This is non-negotiable, especially with the diverse soil conditions we run into across North Carolina.

With the site prepped, we form up the footings. Think of these as the home’s feet. They’re wide concrete bases poured at the bottom of the foundation walls, designed to spread the immense weight of the entire house evenly across the soil. The bigger and stronger the feet, the more stable the house. It's that simple.

Rebar: The Unseen Strength

Before a single drop of concrete hits the ground, we build a steel skeleton. A grid of rebar is meticulously tied together inside the footing trenches and the forms for the foundation walls. This steel gives the concrete incredible tensile strength, allowing it to resist the pulling forces that cause cracks over the years. The placement isn't a suggestion; it's a science.

This hidden network of steel perfectly sums up our building philosophy: the most critical parts of a well-built home are the ones you'll never lay eyes on. As a Native American-owned and HUBZone-certified firm, we build for the long haul, knowing every single detail contributes to a home that lasts.

This infographic breaks down the core process into three simple, crucial stages.

You can see how precision is key at every step. From the depth of the excavation to the spacing of the rebar, it all comes together to ensure the concrete reaches its full potential over its 28-day curing period.

The Big Pour and the Art of Curing

Pouring day is like a carefully choreographed dance. We use a specific concrete mix, tailored to the local climate and soil reports. The pour has to be continuous to avoid creating cold joints—weak spots in the foundation. Our crew moves methodically, making sure the concrete fills every nook and cranny without trapping any air pockets.

But our job isn’t done when the truck leaves. The curing process is just as vital. Concrete doesn't just "dry out." It undergoes a chemical reaction called hydration, which is how it gains its legendary strength. We manage this process by keeping the concrete moist for days, preventing it from drying too fast and becoming brittle.

A rushed foundation is a compromised one. We give the concrete the time it needs to cure properly because we’re not just building a house for today—we’re building a legacy for tomorrow. That’s a promise we stand by, a commitment reflected in our 8(a) and HUBZone certifications.

Protecting Your Foundation for Life

A strong foundation is a dry one. Period. Waterproofing and drainage are the final critical steps in our process. We apply a waterproof membrane to the outside of the foundation walls, creating a tough, seamless barrier against ground moisture. To back that up, we install a perimeter drain system that actively channels groundwater away from your home.

This two-pronged attack on water is the secret to preventing leaks and keeping your lower level dry and healthy. It's especially important if you're thinking about a full basement. You can learn more about how we tackle those below-grade spaces in our guide to designing a home with a basement. At the end of the day, a bone-dry, well-protected foundation is the key to a brick home that will truly stand for generations to come.

The Art and Science of Laying Brick Walls

Once the foundation is rock-solid, we get to the good part—the part everyone loves to watch. This is where the walls start climbing, and your vision finally takes on the shape of a real home. Laying brick is a timeless craft, a rhythm of trowel and muscle that our masons have down to a science. It’s so much more than just stacking blocks; it’s an art form we’ve been perfecting for decades across Fayetteville and Lumberton.

It all begins with the mortar. Getting the mix just right is non-negotiable. We're aiming for a consistency like thick pudding—strong enough to hold everything together but pliable enough to work with. If it's too wet, the bricks will sag. Too dry, and you get a weak bond. That perfect balance is what ensures every single brick stays exactly where it’s supposed to for the next hundred years.

Nailing the First Course

The first row of bricks, what we call the first course, is the most important one of the entire build. If this row isn't perfectly straight, level, and plumb, every single row laid on top of it will just magnify the mistake. There’s absolutely no room for “close enough” here.

To guarantee that flawless start, we rely on old-school tools like a story pole and tightly pulled chalk lines. The story pole is our cheat sheet, marked with the exact height of each brick and mortar joint, ensuring perfect consistency from the ground up. Then, our masons get to work "buttering" the bricks—swiping a perfect layer of mortar on one end before gently tapping each one into place.

This meticulous approach is at the heart of everything we do at SEGC. As a Native American-owned and HUBZone-certified firm, we build with a deep respect for the craft, knowing that a strong beginning is the only way to create something that truly lasts.

Choosing Your Signature Brick Bond

The pattern you lay your bricks in is called the brick bond, and it does more than just look good. The bond is the secret to a strong wall, distributing weight evenly and tying the whole structure together. You’ve got a few classic options, each with its own personality.

Choosing the right brick bond is about finding the sweet spot between structural necessity and your personal aesthetic. Some patterns are built for pure strength, while others add a layer of texture and visual flair.

Common Brick Bonds and Their Uses

The bond you choose is a major design decision. We walk our clients through these options, showing them how each pattern will shape the final look and feel of their home, making sure the result is uniquely theirs.

Building Up with Precision and Strength

As the walls get taller, consistency is everything. Our masons have a level in their hand constantly, checking that the wall is plumb (perfectly vertical) and level (perfectly horizontal) every few bricks. It’s a continuous cycle: lay, check, adjust, repeat.

To secure the brick veneer to the home's wood frame, we install wall ties. These little metal heroes are set into the mortar and nailed to the framing, creating a crucial connection that lets the two structures support each other. It’s a small detail you’ll never see, but it’s absolutely essential for a modern brick home.

The love for brick isn't going anywhere. The global brick market, valued at about USD 1.73 trillion in 2025, is expected to climb to USD 1.99 trillion by 2030. This demand is driven by brick’s legendary durability and timeless beauty. You can discover more insights about the global brick market trends and see how this classic material continues to shape construction worldwide.

The Final Flourish: Tooling the Joints

After the bricks are laid and the mortar has started to harden, it’s time for the final artistic touch: tooling the joints. Using a special tool, our masons press and smooth the mortar between the bricks. This compacts the mortar, making it more resistant to water, and gives the wall a clean, finished look.

Whether it’s a curved concave joint that creates a subtle shadow line or a flush joint for a flatter appearance, this last step truly defines the wall’s character. It’s one of those small details that makes all the difference—a signature of craftsmanship that reflects over 21 years of proven results.

The Finishing Touches That Make All the Difference

Alright, the walls are up, the structure is solid, and your vision is finally taking shape. But hold on, we’re not done yet. This is the part where we go from a well-built house to a jaw-dropping home. The final details are where true craftsmanship really comes out to play, turning good work into something truly special.

At SEGC, we live by the rule that a project isn't finished until every last detail is spot-on. It's more than just a job for us; it’s a relationship built on trust and quality, whether we're in Fayetteville, Lumberton, or anywhere in between.

Cleaning and Sealing: Your Brickwork's Best Friend

Once the mortar has had a good, long time to cure, the first thing on the agenda is a serious cleanup. No matter how tidy a mason is, there's always a bit of leftover mortar or a slight haze on the face of the bricks. Getting this stuff off without messing up the brick or the new joints is a delicate dance—it usually involves a gentle, specialized acid wash followed by a really thorough rinse.

You can't skip this. A sloppy cleaning job can permanently etch the brick or stain the mortar, and you'll be staring at that mistake forever. This is where our 21+ years of proven results really count; we’ve learned a thing or two about getting it just right.

After everything is sparkling clean, it's time to protect your investment. Slapping on a high-quality, breathable sealant is probably the single smartest move you can make for your new brick home.

• Keeps Water Out: Sealant acts like an invisible raincoat for your brick, stopping water from soaking in. This is your number one defense against the freeze-thaw cycle that causes bricks to crack and spall.
• Stops Stains: It also helps repel dirt, grime, and mildew. Your brick stays looking fresh and new for years, and you get to spend less time on maintenance.
• Boosts Durability: By blocking moisture, a good sealant helps preserve the integrity of both the bricks and the mortar, seriously extending the life of your home's exterior.

Bringing the Character with Architectural Details

Finishing touches are also about personality. This is where we add the flair that turns a brick box into a home with real style. Think about details like brick sills under the windows, elegant arches over the doorways, or a sharp-looking soldier course running along the roofline. These elements can completely transform the look and feel of a house.

Pulling these features off requires laser-like precision, but the payoff is huge. They add depth, create interesting shadows, and give your home a custom-built vibe that makes it stand out from the crowd. It’s a nod to building with care, a value we hold dear as a Native American-owned and HUBZone-certified company.

The final 10% of any project is what truly defines its quality. It’s the meticulous cleanup, the precise detailing, and the commitment to handing over a flawless product that turns a construction site into a family’s legacy. This is where our client trust is truly earned.

The move toward high-quality, sustainable materials like brick is a massive trend in North American construction. In fact, the U.S. bricks market hit a staggering USD 476.07 billion in 2024 and is only expected to keep climbing. This isn't just a fad; it’s a real shift towards durable, eco-friendly building where the long life of brick is a major selling point. You can explore more on the projected growth of the U.S. brick market to see why this classic material remains a top choice.

The Final Sweep: Leaving It Better Than We Found It

A job isn't truly done until the site is spotless. A thorough cleanup is a basic sign of respect—for you, for your property, and for the neighborhood. Our final walkthrough ensures nothing gets missed, leaving you with a home that’s move-in ready from the moment we pack up.

Our checklist is non-negotiable and covers all the bases:

1. Hauling away every last scrap of construction debris, from leftover materials to pallets and equipment.
2. Sweeping and pressure washing all the driveways, walkways, and patios to get rid of dust and dirt.
3. Final grading around the foundation to make sure water drains away from your home, not toward it.
4. Protecting any new landscaping from foot traffic or leftover construction activity.

This final act of care is our signature. It’s how we deliver a complete, top-tier product that lives up to our mission: building legacies, not just structures.

Got Questions About Building a Brick Home? We've Got Answers.

When you're thinking about building a home, the questions start piling up fast. And when it comes to brick, well, that's a whole other level. After 21+ years of building legacies in places like Fayetteville and Lumberton, we've pretty much heard it all. So, let’s jump right into the questions we get asked most often.

How Much More Are We Talking for a Brick House vs. Siding?

This is usually the first thing people want to know, and for good reason. Let’s be straight about it: yes, a full brick exterior is going to have a higher price tag upfront compared to vinyl or fiber cement siding.

But that's just not the whole story. You have to think about the long game.

Brick is a tank. It laughs at fire, pests, and rot. While your neighbors are repainting their siding every few years or replacing warped boards, a well-built brick home just… sits there, looking great, for decades. When you add up all the money you won't spend on maintenance, that initial cost starts to look a lot more reasonable.

Plus, brick homes often have better resale value and can even get you a break on your homeowner's insurance. It's not just a cost; it's an investment in a tough, low-maintenance home that holds its value.

What’s the Difference Between Solid Brick and Brick Veneer?

This is a big one, and it's key to how most brick homes are built today.

A solid brick home (sometimes called double-brick) is the old-school method where the walls themselves are built from two layers of brick. This is what you see in historic buildings. It’s beautiful and strong, but it's also incredibly expensive and harder to insulate properly by modern standards.

Brick veneer is what we, and most modern builders, specialize in at SEGC. This is a much smarter approach for today's homes. We build the home's structure with a traditional wood or steel frame, and then we add a single, non-structural layer of real brick on the outside.

• The brick acts as a beautiful, weatherproof shield.
• The actual structure of the house is supported by the frame, not the brick.
• We leave an air gap and install a moisture barrier between the frame and the brick, which is huge for managing moisture and boosting energy efficiency.

You get that classic, timeless brick look and durability combined with all the benefits of modern construction and insulation. It’s the best of both worlds.

So, How Long Does It Take to Build a Brick Home?

Every custom home is its own adventure, so the timeline can definitely shift. The final schedule depends on the home's size, how complex the design is, what the weather decides to do, and the availability of top-notch masons.

Generally speaking, you can expect a standard-sized custom home to take somewhere between six and twelve months from the day we break ground to the day we hand you the keys. The bricklaying part of that process usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the job.

At SEGC, we know that surprises are the last thing you want. That's why we map out a realistic timeline from the very beginning and keep the lines of communication wide open. You'll always know what's happening and when. It’s a core part of the trust our clients place in us.

Can You Even Build a Brick Home in This Climate?

Absolutely. Brick is one of the most adaptable materials out there and works great in just about any climate you can throw at it. The magic is in its thermal mass.

Here in North Carolina, with our hot summers, the brick soaks up the sun's heat during the day and releases it slowly overnight, which actually helps keep your house cooler inside. In colder regions, that same thermal mass, combined with modern insulation in the wall cavity, creates an incredible barrier against the biting winter cold.

The real secret is using the right type of brick for the local weather. In places with freeze-thaw cycles, for example, you have to use bricks rated for "severe weather" (SW). This prevents moisture from seeping in, freezing, and causing the brick to crack or spall. A properly built brick home is one that's designed to stand up to your specific environment for generations.

At South Eastern General Contractors, we're not just putting up walls; we're building relationships and homes that last. Our mission is to build legacies, not just structures. If you’re ready to bring your vision for a beautiful, rock-solid brick home to life, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Start building your legacy with us today.