In most cases involving Philadelphia rowhomes with early-stage to moderate bowing, yes — star bolts are the better option. They stabilize the existing masonry without demolition, preserve the historic brick character, and cost significantly less than a full wall rebuild.
A full brick facade rebuild on a Philadelphia rowhome typically costs $15,000 to $40,000 or more. Star bolts address the root cause by mechanically anchoring the wall back to stable framing. When installed correctly at the right bolt spacing and depth, they provide permanent stabilization without touching the existing brick.
The key condition is timing. Star bolts work when the masonry is still structurally sound enough to carry the plate load. NK Construction will tell you honestly at the evaluation stage whether your wall is a good candidate.