Brick Veneer for My Granny Flat…or Not ? -

Why I Prefer Cladding Over Brick – a Builder’s Perspective

As someone who’s spent decades in the building industry—having built or overseen hundreds of homes and granny flats—I’ve seen just about every material come in and out of fashion.

One of the most common exterior finishes people default to is brick veneer. But here’s my take: brick veneer is not always the best option, especially when it comes to building a smart, attractive, and cost-effective granny flat.

Some will strongly disagree, but let me explain why I believe alternative materials—like modern cladding and composite options—are often the better choice.

Brick Veneer: The Traditional Choice…at what Cost ?

Sure, brick has its place. It’s familiar. It’s sturdy. But that doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for your granny flat. In fact, here are some of the key drawbacks to going full brick:-

More expensive overall – Rising labour and raw material costs have significantly increased the cost of brickwork.
Declining quality – have meant that brick quality just isn’t what it used to be.
Skilled bricklayers are hard to find – Trade shortages are real, and delays can blow out your build time.
Slower build time – Brickwork takes time, especially if your site has limited access.
Limited design flexibility – You might get sick of the look over time. Changing it later (rendering, bagging, or painting) can be costly and messy.

The Case for Cladding & Composite Materials

So, what’s the alternative ? Today’s market offers a huge range of composite and cladding materials that look great, perform well, and can add value in all the right ways.

Here are a few advantages:

Cost-effective – Many composite materials are cheaper to purchase and install than bricks.
Faster to build – Carpenters can handle the frame, cladding, and interior fix-out. Fewer trades means a smoother process.
Better for tight access – Materials are lighter and easier to carry to rear blocks.
Design versatility – Modern cladding can suit older homes (like fibro cottages) and provide stunning contrast or harmony.
Less waste, less hassle – Lightweight materials reduce tipping fees and waste management issues.
Easy to refresh later – Want a new look in 10 years ? A coat of paint does the trick quickly and affordably.
Superior performance – Hebel panels, for instance, offer the rendered-brick look but install much faster and deliver better thermal ratings.

Why Blended Exteriors work Best

If you’re still keen on including some brick, you don’t have to go all-in. A mix of brick and cladding materials often provides the best of both worlds—solid feel, classic elements, and modern flair.

Done well, this approach enhances curb appeal, increases capital value, and gives the granny flat a design edge over the cookie-cutter competition.

Conclusion: Build Smart…not just Traditional

While brick veneer had long been the go-to choice for granny flats, it’s worth stepping back and asking: Is it the best option for your build ? As an experienced builder, I say not always.

Choosing cladding or composite materials can offer faster build times, cost savings, visual appeal, and long-term flexibility. Whether you’re building for investment or family use, the right material choice can mean less stress, more value, and a better overall outcome.

So brick veneer for your granny flat… or not?
I say: not, at least not all brick.

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