ᐅ What needs to be finalized regarding the exterior walls before the structural shell is built?

To the experts among you:

Our walls are being built with sand-lime bricks. Now we are wondering how long and how flexibly we can decide on the facade. So far, an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) plus plaster is planned. A curtain wall facade could probably also be added later. But what about facing bricks? Does this need to be planned before the structural shell is built? What are the technical considerations?

Thank you for your help with this question.

I’m not an expert, but I’ll give it a try:

A brick veneer would be a completely different wall structure, namely a double wall. The “brick wall” is usually tied to the main masonry—such as your sand-lime bricks—using wall ties to prevent it from collapsing.
I assume this needs to be decided before the shell construction, because otherwise these ties will likely be missing. Additionally, with brick veneer, a different type of insulation and an extra air gap might be required.
The overall wall thickness will probably increase due to the brick veneer. This could affect the size of the foundation slab or result in a loss of interior space.

My layman’s opinion: the wall structure should be determined as early as possible. Later changes are likely difficult or expensive.

What do your general contractor / main contractor / architect / shell builder, etc., say about this?

I would consider something along those lines as well. Especially a larger foundation slab would of course make a big difference...

Grobmutant schrieb:

What do your general contractor / main contractor / architect / shell construction company, etc. say about this?

We are thinking about whether we should even bring this up... A meeting is scheduled for next week.

Does anyone else have detailed technical knowledge about whether this will lead to a chain of adjustments? At this stage, we are just about to start the shell construction tender, so the specific question is whether it is already too late.

Bauherr am L schrieb:

Now we are wondering how long we can remain flexible regarding the facade. So far, an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) with plaster is planned.

Changing from ETICS impacts many aspects. You should consider this very early on, as it can even affect the building permit / planning permission (external dimensions of the house). By the start of construction, your choice must be finalized.

The building dimensions are changing. A new site plan must be created and a modification request submitted to the building authority (building department / local planning office). Hopefully, no building lines or setback requirements will be exceeded.

If the masonry is already in place, the wall ties would be missing and the foundation slab would be too small.

What about thin brick slips? Depending on the planned insulation, it might be possible to use thinner, higher-quality insulation and apply brick slips.

Can thin brick veneers match the appearance of real bricks?